Have you ever seen a video about those silly little facial exercises and thought:
Do they really work?
Facial yoga. Technically known as the practice of using facial movements, gentle exercises, and muscle engagement. The purpose is to support the strength and tone of the 40+ muscles in your face.
While the term feels modern, the concept isn’t new.
Several facial exercises and massages have existed in traditional Eastern practices for centuries. They did this as a way to encourage circulation, relieve tension, and support healthy aging.
What is new however, is the Western resurgence of facial yoga as a structured, research-informed method.
As interest grows in non-invasive solutions for signs of aging, facial yoga has emerged as a practice that is:
- Accessible
- Low-risk
- Easy to learn
- Complementary to any skincare routine
And the benefits people report are incredible.
Better tone, more lift, reduced tension, and a brighter, more “rested” appearance.
This is the reason why facial yoga is moving from a social-media trend into a serious way to look younger naturally.
How Facial Yoga Works
As we age, facial muscles lose strength. This doesn’t just affect how expressive we look…it also influences how the skin looks on our face.
Facial yoga supports the underlying structure of the face by:
- Strengthening specific muscles (particularly in the cheeks, jaw, and around the eyes)
- Improving circulation beneath the skin
- Encouraging lymphatic drainage
- Relieving tension in overworked or clenched muscles
So where’s the proof?
Well, one study found measurable changes in muscle tonus and elasticity after eight weeks of consistent facial exercise.
Another clinical trial found that targeted movements helped reduce discomfort, improve muscle function, and enhance perceived facial relaxation.
While research is still evolving, the early findings align with what practitioners have observed for years:
When facial muscles are trained intentionally, they can become stronger, more supportive, and more resilient.
Three Effective Facial Yoga Exercises You Can Start Today
These exercises are simple, low-risk, and widely taught. They target three of the most requested areas for women over 40: the cheeks, jawline, and under-eye region. As always, consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise or facial movement routine, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or concerns.
Exercise #1: The Cheek Lifter
What it targets: Zygomaticus major and minor — the muscles that lift and define the cheeks.
How to do it:
- Smile softly with your lips closed.
- Lift the apples of your cheeks upward toward your temples.
- Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
- Repeat 10–15 times.
Benefits:
- Supports natural cheek volume
- Encourages a more lifted mid-face look
- Helps counteract the effects of age-related sagging
Exercise #2: Jawline Tension Release (“Tongue-to-Roof” Activation)
What it targets: Digastric and suprahyoid muscles — essential for jawline definition and tension relief.
How to do it:
- Sit upright with relaxed shoulders.
- Press the entire tongue gently against the roof of your mouth.
- Allow your jaw to release downward naturally.
- Hold for 5–10 seconds.
- Repeat 10 times.
Benefits:
- Reduces clenching and jaw tension
- Helps create a more defined jawline
- Supports better posture of the lower face and neck
Exercise #3: The Under-Eye Sculptor
What it targets: Orbicularis oculi — the muscle supporting firmness around the eyes.
How to do it:
- Keep your face relaxed.
- “Smile with your eyes” by gently squinting while keeping your forehead smooth.
- Hold for 3 seconds, then release.
- Repeat 10–12 times.
Benefits:
- Supports under-eye firmness
- Reduces the look of puffiness
- Enhances circulation for a brighter, more refreshed appearance
Consistency Is the Key to Results
However effective facial yoga is, it’s certainly not a “quick fix”.
Like any form of muscle training, facial yoga results come from repetition and commitment.
Most people begin noticing changes in 8–12 weeks with routines taking about 15 minutes a day.
What to expect with consistency:
- A feeling of lightness and reduced tension
- More defined contours
- A smoother resting expression
- Better awareness of facial habits (like clenching or furrowing)
The goal isn’t to reverse time—it’s to support your face’s natural structure so it ages with strength and intention.
Enhance Facial Yoga by Pairing It With Skincare
Facial yoga and skincare aren’t competitors—they’re partners.
Movement increases circulation, warms the tissue, and makes the skin more receptive to active ingredients.
After completing your exercises is an ideal time to apply targeted products that nourish, brighten, and hydrate.
Here’s how Fièra’s skincare can complement your practice:
• C-ing Is Believing™ Vitamin C Serum: Apply after facial movement to deliver antioxidants and brighten the complexion while skin is more receptive.
• MoistureWiser™: A lightweight, ultra-hydrating moisturizer with anti-aging compounds that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while firming the look of sagging skin.
• Multi-Effect Neck + Décolletage Cream: Because facial yoga often improves posture and jaw alignment, this cream supports the areas just below the face that are frequently overlooked yet essential for an elegant, cohesive appearance.
Using skincare immediately after movement enhances:
- Absorption
- Hydration
- Radiance
- Long-term visible results
The combination of muscle support and topical nourishment is far more powerful than either method alone.
Strength, Movement, and Graceful Aging
Facial yoga isn’t about chasing youth or reshaping your face into something it’s not.
It’s about supporting the muscles you already have. Easing the tension you unknowingly hold. And giving your face the same care and intention you give the rest of your body.
With just a few minutes a day you can create a routine that strengthens, brightens, relaxes, and supports the face you’ve earned.
Because aging isn’t something to fight.
It’s something to support intelligently and beautifully.