Can Facial Exercises Prevent Wrinkles?

Looking for an inexpensive way to prevent wrinkles, crow’s feet, and laugh lines that come with advancing age? Scared of getting Botox injections or going under the knife? The latest craze these days are facial exercises which will supposedly keep skin healthy and young.

Regular facial exercises, we are told, will improve muscle tone and blood circulation. Promoters say this, in turn, leads to improved collagen and elastin production, smaller pores due to balanced oil distribution, and removal of puffiness or excess fluids. When done half an hour everyday, facial exercises will reportedly minimize existing wrinkles and prevent potential ones from forming.

The exercises are easy to perform and can be done in front of a mirror at home. Since they can make you look ridiculous, you are advised to keep your door locked. One exercise involves chewing with your lips closed while sitting and looking at the ceiling. Another exercise you can do while sitting is to keep your lips together and drop your jaw while pushing it forward. Or you can push your lips forward as far as possible to form an exaggerated “O” with your mouth then smile as brightly as you can. Do this alternately for about 10 seconds.

Dermatologists said facial exercises have their rightful place in medicine. Because of their ability to stimulate blood flow and circulation, these exercises are typically used to relieve tension and prepare the skin for treatment. They can help facilitate lymphatic drainage and remove excess lymph fluid that contains dirt and debris.

“Facial exercise is often used by estheticians and registered nurses prior to facials, microdermabrasion, and chemical peel treatments. Doctors may recommend facial exercise to treat certain medical conditions such as TMJ Pain Syndrome. TMJ is characterized by faulty movement of the temporomandibular joint and produces facial pain, headaches, and other uncomfortable symptoms,” explained Linda Nelson, Skin Authority national technical director.

“Facial exercise is often performed by moving the pads of the fingers in an upward, outward motion over different areas of the face. Practitioners may massage areas or slightly pinch around the brow where facial tension is concentrated. They may massage along the jaw line or at the hinges of the jaw and cheekbone to help manage TMJ,” Nelson added.

But the jury is still out on exercises that are done at home which experts consider questionable. For one, facial muscles are different from other muscles in the body and don’t respond to exercise by growing bigger or becoming more toned. If facial exercises really worked, dermatologists said we should all have big plump faces now from talking, smiling, blinking, and eating.

Secondly, rather than prevent wrinkles, these exercises could create more wrinkles and sagging skin because of their inappropriate downward movements. Dermatologists said they may also deepen existing lines by forcing the face into unnatural expressions. If you really want to prevent wrinkles, you don’t have to look silly in front of a mirror. Instead follow these practical tips:

“Experts suggest avoiding these common wrinkle-causing habits: squinting (wear sunglasses whenever glare is strong), sipping through a straw (encourages lip lines), scrubbing your face vigorously while cleansing, and leaning your chin or cheek on your hand or the telephone,” said WDStyle.

One popular product than can reduce wrinkles better than facial exercises is Dermaxin. This powerful cream has a quick penetrating action to help repair and revitalize your skin. Its active ingredients can significantly diminish fine lines and wrinkles. For details, go to .