Why You Should Try Facial Exercises At Home

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.”

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 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.