Hoping to achieve smooth, supple, toned skin this winter? Look no further than face yoga.
We’re sure by now we are all aware of yoga — the widely popular meditative exercise — but now (largely thanks to TikTok,) a new player has entered the game. Intrigued? We’ve got you.
A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kylie Jenner and Madonna have all publicly praised face yoga for its supposed transformative effects, which can be achieved all from the comfort of your own bathroom. In hopes of achieving Kylie-level good skin, Cosmopolitan Australia turned to Isabella Loneragan, expert Skin & Dermal Therapist and Founder of Isabella Loneragan Skin, for the lowdown on what, exactly it is (and whether it is really worth the hype).
Scroll on for our guide to face yoga, plus everything you need to know before giving it a crack!
What *Exactly* Is Face Yoga?
Face yoga may sound strange, even ridiculous, to many upon first hearing of the viral beauty hack, but the above-the-neck technique is no joke.
Isabella explains, “Face yoga is a natural, non-invasive way to tone and lift the facial muscles, boost circulation, and support lymphatic drainage.”
Also commonly referred to as facial toning, face yoga is essentially the positive stimulation of the face and neck muscles through stretches, targeted movements, and repetitive massages. The final result? Strengthened and toned facial muscles.
Isabella adds, “Just like we exercise our bodies, our faces benefit from movement to maintain firmness and vitality. Regular face yoga can soften fine lines, reduce puffiness, and give the skin a healthy glow. It’s a mindful ritual that connects us to our skin and promotes long-term skin health.”
Are the Results of Face Yoga Permanent?
Like all other exercises, sadly, face yoga requires consistency if you want to maintain it’s tightening effects.
“The results of face yoga are not permanent without ongoing practice,” Isabella says. “Just like with body workouts, consistency is essential to maintain muscle tone and skin benefits. To sustain results, it’s recommended to do face yoga five to six times a week for about 10 minutes. Over time, this keeps facial muscles lifted, improves circulation, and supports long-term skin health.”
How Long Should You Practice Face Yoga Before Seeing Results?
Now, face yoga may not be as instantly toning as botox, but it sure is a whole lot cheaper.
Every body and face is unique, so how one individual may take to facial exercise could vary to another. Isabella points out that, “As with most matters skin related, results differ from person to person but generally, and with consistent daily practice, subtle results will start to show in two to four weeks. These may include reduced puffiness, improved skin tone, and a brighter complexion.”
She explains that form weeks six to eight, the lifting and sculpting techniques will really start to pay off and results will become more visible. “Like any fitness routine, consistency is key, and the longer you stick with it, the more long-term benefits you’ll see in muscle tone and skin health,” she says.
Related: The Best Facial Moisturisers For Soft Skin Year-Round
What Are Some Good Techniques for Face Yoga Beginners?
Isabella's go-to techniques for first-time face yogis:
- The V: Helps reduce eye puffiness and dark circles. Place your middle fingers at the inner corners of your eyebrows and index fingers on the outer corners. Look up and squint, then relax. Repeat five times.
- Cheek Lifter: Tones cheeks and lifts smile lines. Open your mouth to form an “O,” pull your upper lip over your teeth, and smile to lift your cheeks. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat five times.
- Jaw Release: Defines the jawline and reduces tension. Mimic chewing while keeping your lips closed. Then, open your mouth wide, press your tongue to the bottom of your mouth, and hold for a few seconds.
- Neck Stretch: Firms neck and reduces double chin. Tilt your head back, look at the ceiling, and press your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Hold for 10 seconds.
- Forehead Smoother: Reduces forehead lines. Place both hands on your forehead, gently sweep outwards with light pressure while lifting slightly. Repeat 10 times.
What Areas Of The Face & Neck Does Face Yoga's Effects Work Particularly Well On?
Don’t worry about saving up for a facelift, turns out these exercises may just be the key to long-lasting, youthful looking skin.
“A professional facial massage will produce superior results but otherwise, face yoga works quite well for areas prone to ageing and tension including:
- Jawline and double chin: Helps tone the jaw muscles and reduce sagging or puffiness under the chin.
- Sagging eyes: Reduces puffiness, softens crow’s feet, and lifts drooping eyelids.
- Cheeks: Lifts and firms sagging cheeks, restoring volume and contour.
- Forehead: Smooths fine lines and tension lines by relaxing overactive muscles.
- Neck: Firms loose skin, tones neck muscles, and improves posture-related creases.
Overall, it’s highly effective for enhancing muscle tone, reducing signs of fatigue, and promoting a more lifted, youthful appearance,” Isabella explains. Plus, these results have reasonable scientific backing!
Is There Any Scientific Evidence Supporting the Legitimacy of Face Yoga?
Sure is! Skin expert Isabella — who holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Health Science & Psychology, and a Diploma in Beauty Therapy and Dermal Science — points to a 2018 American-based study published by JAMA Dermatology, which found that, “A group of middle-aged women who practiced face exercises over 20 weeks experienced noticeable improvements in upper and lower cheek fullness, making them appear on average three years younger. The improvements were attributed to increased muscle tone and volume.”
However, there is definitely more to be known about the effects of face yoga. Isabella adds, “While more large-scale, long-term studies are needed, early research and anecdotal evidence suggest that consistent face yoga can enhance facial muscle tone, improve circulation, and contribute to a more youthful appearance.”
Important Things To Know Before Giving Face Yoga a Go
Before surprising your skin with a bunch of arbitrary facial exercises, it’s important to know exactly what your’e getting into.
Similar to the common advice that you should always perform a patch test with a skincare product before applying it to your entire face, the same premise applies for face yoga. It’s essential to begin all facial exercises with soft, slow movements for a short period to prevent jaw pain, muscle damage, or skin irritation.
Isabella notes that before starting face yoga, everyone should keep in mind:
- “Consistency is key: Like any fitness routine, results take time and regular practice (ideally five to six times a week).
- Clean hands and face: Always start with clean skin and hands to avoid irritation or breakouts.
- Gentle pressure: Movements should be controlled and gentle; avoid tugging or overstretching the skin.
- Start slow: Focus on a few exercises at first to build proper technique and avoid muscle fatigue.
- Combine with skincare: Applying a light serum or facial oil can help your fingers glide and enhance the routine.
- Be patient: Visible results take a few weeks, but you’ll feel tension relief and a circulation boost right away.
Isabella adds, Most importantly, face yoga should feel good. If anything feels uncomfortable, adjust your technique or pause.”
