Does face yoga really work? We put it to the test

It can be done anytime, anywhere

Ashley Lowe

2 min read

May 23, 2024 - 12:30PM

It's a workout for your face. Image: Pexels.

Lifestyle

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Is it possible to reshape your face minus needles or surgery? Apparently yes, and this kooky new trend is the way to do it.

When it comes to the beauty industry, let’s be honest, we’re all suckers for good marketing.

From serums promising age-defying results to supplements pledging an inside-out glow, most of us are willing to try it all in the quest for radiant skin. (Me included.) While I’d describe myself as somewhat of a beauty novice – and completely inept with a make-up brush – since hitting my mid-30s I’ve started searching for ways to support my skin without breaking the bank. Enter: face yoga.

For months now, I’ve been targeted with face yoga ads on Instagram. So, in the name of public service, I decided to devote a week of my life to finding out if it works. First step: ask an expert.

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“Facial yoga lifts your spirit, but it can also take years off your face – lifting a double chin, jowls and droopy eyes, removing wrinkles, smoothing the forehead and correcting asymmetry,” explains face yoga teacher and physiotherapist, Vanamala Mayr-Reisch from Face Yoga Australia (faceyogaaustralia.com). “You can compare it to going to the gym; train facial muscles and you get the same effect – you reshape your face. And as facial muscles are directly under the skin, you see the changes fast.”

OK, I’m sold. After downloading an app and assessing my skin concerns, I’m given a personalised plan which includes a 10-minute ‘workout’ video to follow each day, focusing on one of my primary beefs: the deep frown line etched between my brows.

Unlike other beauty treatments, face yoga is totally affordable and minimally invasive. Image: Pexels.

“Learning how to isolate your facial muscles gives you the ‘tool’ to target specific areas of concern, such as double chins, droopy eyes, facial wrinkles, marionette lines and more,” says Mayr-Reisch. Repetition is key – it’s better to train a little each day, she adds, than one long session. “I do one pose waiting for the kettle to boil and I might do another while walking the dog.”

While for the first couple of days the workouts feels a little fruitless, by day three I can really feel myself tuning into the individual muscles. My skin pulses beneath my fingertips and a warm glow spreads across my face after each session.

By the end of the week, I find myself looking forward to each workout. And while I wouldn’t say my fine lines and wrinkles have disappeared, they’ve softened and my skin tone’s noticeably improved. Not only that, I’ve actually found the practice to be incredibly relaxing. Definitely a new habit worth flexing.

Looking for some expert-approved multi-taskers that max your face massage? Here are some of our top picks.