Should facial exercises and massages be a part of your regular skin care regime? Experts weigh in face workout.
While the importance of exercising the body has long been known, giving the face a workout could be essential too. In fact, studies suggest that doing so can have many benefits. The concept of a Face gym has gained popularity where one can get a massage that de-puffs skin, prevents sagging, and boosts the collagen production. The 15 to 30 minute session has specialists work on the muscles as well as eyes and foreheads that are often tell tale signs of ageing. Massages are also part of most facial routines and face yoga is quite popular. Experts tell us if exercising the facial muscles are really needed.
Skin looks more youthful
Dr Swati Srivastava, dermatologist, says facial exercises increase your blood circulation which in turn gives lots of skin benefits. “As we age, our blood circulation slows down which gives rise to sagging skin, pigmentation etc. So a skin workout is good for you. Through this, the old damaged cells are whisked away which results in a clearer, cleaner and healthier complexion. Results cannot be compared to anti-ageing treatments though. This also improves elasticity of your skin and reduces sagging. With facial exercises, the skin looks more youthful due to collagen production, almost like getting a natural face lift.”
Relieves tension
One of the lesser known benefits of doing facial exercises is that it can brighten up your complexion. Regularly exercising these facial muscles will give your face a glow and keep skin taut, says Dr Soma Sarkar, cosmetic dermatologist, About Face. “Another benefit is that it can help relieve any tension in your face. Exercising facial muscles has been used to decrease stress and relieve sinus pressure. It also improves the elasticity in your skin and smoothens sunken or sagging areas on your face and neck.”
Can aggravate wrinkles
Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist and laser surgeon, Cutis Skin Studio says firstly most of the clinics claiming to be face or skin gyms are nothing but skin clinics doing the routine treatments like lasers peels etc. “Coming to facial exercises, I have said it before, they do not help. In fact, over exercising the facial muscles and soft tissues actually aggravates wrinkles and will make you look older. Of course, a general cardiovascular workout is good like walking and running where the body fat burns and metabolic rate shoots up and blood circulation to skin increases. However, increased movement of muscles of face aggravates ageing. For those who do not know how Botox works, let me explain. It actually paralyses your facial muscles temporarily, hence preventing then from moving. Face exercises do just the reverse. Recently Kim Kardashian said that she does not smile because she wants to avoid ageing. And she is totally right.”