About Facial Exercises

Advocates of facial exercises say they help fight signs of aging.

Facial exercises are becoming more and more popular, whether done in a doctor's office or at home. But what are they for? And what is involved? Is it really better for you to exercise your face? Can it really slow down the aging process, at least in appearance? Opinions on the topic vary greatly.

Function

The most common reason people exercise their faces is almost certainly a desire to keep from aging too quickly; it is seen as a way to retain a youthful face. But the pursuit of a youthful look isn't the only reason people exercise their faces. The exercises are also seen as beneficial for those who are about to undergo some type of facial treatment or plastic surgery, are experiencing particular stress (sort of a "face massage"), or are striving to gain better circulation in their faces.

Time Frame

A typical face exercise lasts around 15 minutes, though "workout" lengths vary. You might want to exercise your face for only a few minutes, perhaps to relieve stress between clients at work. On the other hand, some more serious face exercisers might spend 30 to 45 minutes per day on the exercises.

Types

Facial exercises fall into two categories: professional and at-home. The professional variety involves a qualified physician or massage therapist, while the at-home version does not. Both versions entail rubbing or massaging various areas of the face.

Effects

According to facial exercise advocates, facial exercises can lead to a face that ages more slowly. They argue that the face, which is regularly exposed to wind and sun and the other rigors of the outdoors, and which moves around frequently through endless facial expressions, gets worn out faster than other body parts. They maintain that regular facial exercise slows this process down significantly.

Warning

Some experts say there is no real proof that facial exercises do anything to halt the face's natural aging process. In fact, some doctors argue that facial exercises actually increase the rate at which the face ages, since the exercises themselves involve tugging, rubbing and other actions that may "wear" on the skin.

Resources

• Fitness Health Zone: Facial Exercises