Why You Should Try Facial Exercises At Home

Facial exercises claim to soften skin, release tension and even boost firmness over time. But how often should we be doing them and what are the correct techniques to know? Here, two experts share their advice…

Regular Exercises Support The Ageing Process

“There are many reasons facial exercises are important, but first and foremost, they're a great way to support the ageing process,” says Abigail James, facialist & skincare expert. “By easing facial tension, they help to support the muscles, increasing blood and lymphatic flow, and also allow you to take a moment for yourself.” Nichola Joss, facialist and creator of ‘The Inner Facial’ agrees: “When you spend time massaging the facial muscles, you immediately start working the lymphatic system, which keeps the body free from toxins and fluids. A thorough massage will improve the contours of your face by allowing muscles to sit where they should be. Massage will also help to improve tone and texture, refine pores, remove congestion and keep your complexion clear. Expect to see a lifted appearance if it's done regularly.”

They Are Easier Than You Think

“You can’t really go wrong with facial exercises,” adds Nichola. “Some people over complicate them when it’s as simple as working from the centre,  and following the contours of your face upwards and outwards towards the hairline. Try not to work down the face, instead keeping your motions upwards at all times to support the muscle tissue. A common misconception is that being too firm will cause your skin to stretch or produce wrinkles. This isn’t the case. The only thing is to ensure you use a product to make sure your skin has enough slip. Try a facial oil or balm and keep the pressure light if you’re nervous. It’s worth noting, though, that you can be firmer under the cheekbones, along the jawline and on the forehead.” 

There Are Several Techniques  

“Big, circular movements, using your fingers or knuckles are best,” says Abigail. “They can be done fast or slow, deep or light, and all over the face. This method doesn’t need to follow a specific routine and is accessible to anyone that’s new to facial massage. You can create different methods using the tips of your fingers, or the full length of them. You can ease off with pressure or be more firm – flicking, pinching, plucking, tapping, or criss-crossing – they're all methods you can use, so be playful. Gua Sha tools are great, too.”

Maintenance & Consistency Is Essential 

“Just like exercise for the body, you need to be consistent with your facial massages,” explains Abigail. “It takes patience, but if you have 15 minutes to scroll through Instagram, you have time for your face. Remember our faces are made up of muscles working in all directions on a very physical level, so you need to help these overworked tissues where you can.”  

One Quick Routine To Try Now:

“There are several routines you can try at home, but this is the one I always give my clients,” says Nichola. “It’s easy, can be done every day and gives visible results by encouraging a more nutritious, oxygenated blood flow to your skin cells and muscle tissue.”

Step 1: Apply your favourite facial oil to the palms of your hands and rub them together gently. Place your palms onto the cheeks and side of the face, gently pressing in the oil. Take your palm and place it onto the forehead pressing any remaining oil in. Then, use your other palm to sweep down from under your ears toward the centre of the neck, ending at the opposite shoulder. Do the same the other side, repeating three times each way. This will help to open your lymphatic system.

Step 2:  Working from the bridge of the nose, use your fingers to sweep outwards and upwards towards the hairline and forehead. Do this six times. 

Step 3: Take your index and your middle finger and hold the jaw between the two fingers. Firmly, start from the chin upwards and as you go, gently bend the knuckles, sweeping up towards the edge of your jawline. Do this six times.

Step 4: Taking the heels of the palms of the hand gently press under the cheekbone area and push the palms in and hold for a count of six.

Step 5: Now it’s time to work the eye area. Place your index fingers on your temples, gently supporting the skin, and pulling slightly towards the hairline. Then, keeping that finger in place, take your middle finger gently sweep under the eye area towards the bridge of the nose and using pressure, slowly work upwards from the bridge, along the eyebrow. Repeat this six times. 

Step 6: Finish by organically massaging the face using the fingertips in a circular motion – always working outwards and upwards.

Both Nichola & Abigail are currently available for virtual skin consultations and appointments, visit their sites for more information bookings.

Squalane Oil

Biossance
£27

Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

Versed
£7.50

Nourishing Rose Oil

Laura Mercier
£56

Crystal Contour Gua Sha

Odacité
£40

Beauty Restorer

Hayo’u
£38

Rose Quartz Gua Sha Heart Sculpty

Skin Gym
£38.50

DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.

More from Skincare