Exercising your face
Working out, keeping fit, going to the gym — we do this in the best interest of our bodies with the intention of keeping our body fit and healthy. But should your workouts extend above the neck as well as below? The very concept of face massages/exercise is an art that dates back to many, many years and has roots in China, Mexico, France and Sweden, with each nation having a role to play in shaping what we know as facial massage today.
Essentially, the results of a good facial massage are a reduction in puffiness, an uplift in the firmness of the skin, a release of any tension in the face and that a healthy, rested glow.
Harvard scientists say the primary target in facial massage is the lymph nodes underneath the ears and on the neck. The act of working out and massaging the skin means increased blood flow to the area. More blood to the skin means more oxygen to the skin, and that blood flow also brings more nutrients. Another benefit of facial massage is that it also relieves tension. Just as firming and toning our muscles with exercise make our body look and feel better, facial massages works the same way too. These massages work our facial muscles by releasing tension while lifting the skin and making them firmer. Think of it as natural therapy.
A small 2017 survey examined the effectiveness of facial massage that included a stimulating massage device such as a face roller. When combined with natural face oils, improvements were seen in wrinkles, skin sagging, and texture.
Face exercises, including stretching and movement, can be used to loosen up and lessen the appearance of any imperfections, such as scars, as well as to help improve muscle tone in the face and could theoretically help with gravityrelated fat loss or redistribution on the face.
It’s a trend that’s growing at a good pace, and more people are paying attention to natural ways in which they can exercise the face. As I grow my businesses, my next project will focus on professional face massages to complement my existing brands centred around veganism, health, skincare and sustainability. Whether you have 15 minutes or an entire hour, you will be able to put together your favourite elements to create an individualised facial massage routine. Focusing on the health and strength of your facial muscles as part of your selfcare routine will work wonders for the appearance of key focus areas like the jawline, forehead and eye area – let me know if it’s something you’ve considered before, or your own experiences with facial exercises.