Want people to comment on how well you look and ask whether you’ve had ‘work’? Then you may want to try at-home facial yoga massage, which can lift and rejuvenate your visage in just a few minutes a day!
Words: Katy Sunnassee | Images: Shutterstock & skinloft.uk
While there are numerous “tweakments” available these days, from at-home devices using LED light, electrical muscle stimulation or micro-needling, to the more intense in-salon treatments that penetrate the skin more deeply – and sometimes cut it – there is a non-invasive and gentle way you can improve your complexion at home and that’s with facial massage, or face yoga as some now call it.
‘Face yoga is a natural, non-invasive practice that involves a series of facial exercises and stretches aimed at toning, relaxing, and rejuvenating your facial muscles. It focuses on improving the appearance and health of your face through mindful movements and poses,’ says Daiva Kamysova, facialist and founder of beauty salon Skin Loft (skinloft.co.uk).
Having stiff, tense muscles in your face can cause lack of circulation and lymphatic drainage, meaning the tissue doesn’t receive enough nutrients and oxygen, resulting in sluggish circulation and tight muscles.
‘There is now a general understanding that the facial muscles need just as much exercise as the ones in the body. If you manipulate your face muscles regularly, it can help prevent skin sagging. Through the deep lymphatic massage and contouring techniques I do in my Signature Face Sculpting Buccal Massage, it can help lift the muscles and create a fresher complexion,’ explains Daiva.
‘Buccal massage (a specialised and deeply rejuvenating facial centred on massaging the muscles deep within the cheek and jaw area) is one of the facial massage techniques that specifically targets drooping jowls, brows, eyelids, lip corners and double chin,’ she says.
During a treatment, Daiva will, at times, have her fingers inside your mouth (wearing gloves!) to pinch the skin along your jawline. And while it’s great having someone else perform the moves so you can lie back and relax, face yoga is something you can try at home –
but it needs to be done little and often, ideally every day, to have results. Start now to step into the new year looking fresh faced!
Benefits of face yoga
Over time, face yoga can provide a natural facelift effect thanks to:
- Facial muscle toning: Just as you work out your body, face yoga exercises help strengthen and tone the facial muscles. This can lead to a more sculpted and lifted look and reduce the appearance of sagging or drooping.
- Improved circulation: The exercises encourage better blood circulation, which brings more blood and therefore oxygen to the skin, resulting in a healthy, radiant complexion.
- Reduction in wrinkles: Face yoga can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen and elastin production, and improving skin elasticity and circulation to the skin. It also helps relaxation of the muscles, which can alleviate facial tension and stress to help reduce any tension-related wrinkles.
Try Daiva’s mini yoga facelift
Wash your hands and ensure your face is clean. You can apply a gentle, hydrating facial oil or cream to provide a smooth surface for massage. Sit or stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room and get comfortable, with good posture, as this will help you access the jawline and neck area more effectively.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax. You can also gently roll your shoulders and neck to release any initial tension.
Release neck tension
Begin by gently tilting your head forward, bringing your chin towards your chest. Hold this position for a few seconds, feeling the stretch in the back of your neck. Next, tilt your head backward, looking up towards the ceiling. Hold for a few seconds to stretch the front of your neck. Repeat these movements several times to release tension in the neck from all angles.
Improve drainage
Apply gentle pressure on your neck below the jawline with your fingertips. Begin at the centre and sweep your fingers outward. This stimulates lymphatic drainage and reduces puffiness.
Reduce tension
Use your index and middle fingers to make small circular motions along the jawline. Focus on areas where you may clench your jaw. Continue for a minute or two.
Eyebrow lift
Place your fingertips just above your eyebrows. Apply gentle pressure and move your fingers outward along your brow line. Repeat this motion to relax the muscles in the forehead and brows.
Daiva Kamysova is a renowned facialist, cosmetologist and founder of Skin Loft in Kensington, London, that offers an array of treatments including Daiva’s renowned Signature Face Sculpting Buccal Massage, also known as The Yoga Face Lift. Visit skinloft.uk for more information.
