Smile Smoother

50 Face Yoga Exercises: A Guide for Yoga Teachers and Yogis…an Anti-ageing Secret that Also Reduces Stress

 

Greetings, my lovely Yogis, Yoginis, and Yoga teachers. I’m George Watts, a BWY yoga teacher and creator of the online Yoga Genie Lesson Planner.

These 50 simple and effective Face Yoga exercises can help tone and strengthen the muscles in your face, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting relaxation and stress relief.

Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking to experiment with your yoga class theme by adding a few Face Yoga exercises into your classes or a dedicated yogi looking for a new way to enhance your practice, this guide to 50 face yoga exercises is for you.

Read on to discover the anti-ageing secret that can help you look and feel younger and healthier, inside and out.

Next, I’m going to give you my version of what Face Yoga is.

Oh yes, please forgive my doodle art…I just can’t help doodling!

 

What Is Face Yoga?

 

Below is roughly what I said to my students the other day when introducing them to Face Yoga…

“Alright, Yogis, we’re gonna take this yoga thing to a whole new level today! We’re gonna work out muscles we didn’t even know we had… in our faces! That’s right, we’re gonna do some Face Yoga!

Now, you might be wondering what the heck Face Yoga is.

Well, it’s like regular yoga, but instead of Downward Facing Dog Pose, we’re gonna do some upward nostril flares. And instead of the Warrior III Pose, we’re gonna do some intense eyebrow raises.

Basically, Face Yoga is all about working out those facial muscles to keep your skin looking tight and toned. Let’s face it (forgive the pun), everyone wants a face that looks toned and tight.

So get ready to flex those facial muscles like never before! We’ll start with some simple exercises like the lip pout and the chin lift, and work our way up to some serious eye squints and nose wiggles.

Trust me, by the end of this class, you’ll feel like you did 108 Sun Salutations without a break…but in your face. Let’s get started!”

Next up, I’m going to give you, not 5, not 15, not 25, but a whopping 50 Face Yoga exercises. It’s probably not a good idea to do all 50 in one session, but hey, if you think your face can handle it, you go right on ahead (see how I snuck in another face pun).

 

50 Face Yoga Exercises

 

Here are 50 face yoga exercises that you can teach in your next yoga class (or try at home if you’re not a yoga teacher):

The Fish Face: Suck your cheeks in and pucker your lips as if you’re making a fish face. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Smile Smoother: Purse your lips together tightly, then smile as broadly as you can. Repeat 10 times.

The Forehead Smoother: Place your fingers on your forehead and gently smooth out any wrinkles. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Eyebrow Lift: Place your fingers just above your eyebrows and gently push them upwards. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Neck Stretch: Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling. Stick out your tongue as far as you can, then hold for 10 seconds.

The Jaw Tension Reliever: Clench your teeth together tightly, then slowly release them. Repeat 10 times.

The Chin Tuck: Tilt your head back and pull your chin down towards your neck. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Lip Plumper: Pucker your lips together tightly, then release. Repeat 10 times.

The Eye Squeeze: Close your eyes tightly, then release. Repeat 10 times.

The Cheek Puffer: Puff out your cheeks as much as possible, then release. Repeat 10 times.

The Eyebrow Raise: Raise your eyebrows as high as possible, then relax. Repeat 10 times.

The Tongue Twister: Stick your tongue out as far as possible, then move it from side to side. Repeat 10 times.

The Lip Stretch: Place your index fingers on the corners of your mouth and pull your lips apart. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Eye Circles: Close your eyes and make circles with your eyeballs. Repeat 10 times.

The Chin Lift: Tilt your head back and jut your chin out as far as possible. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Nostril Flare: Flare your nostrils as wide as possible, then release. Repeat 10 times.

The Lip Press: Press your lips together tightly, then release. Repeat 10 times.

The Smile Line Eraser: Place your fingers on the corners of your mouth and smooth out any wrinkles. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Eye Squint: Squint your eyes as tightly as possible, then release. Repeat 10 times.

The Tongue Curl: Curl your tongue up towards your nose, then release. Repeat 10 times.

The Forehead Stretch: Place your hands on your forehead and gently pull the skin upwards. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Lip Pull: Place your index fingers on the corners of your mouth and pull your lips towards your ears. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Eye Blink: Blink your eyes rapidly for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Neck Relaxer: Tilt your head to one side and hold for 10 seconds, then switch sides.

The Jaw Opener: Open your mouth as wide as possible, then close it. Repeat 10 times.

The Lip Flutter: Make a fluttering motion with your lips for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Eye Focus: Focus on a distant object for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Cheek Smoother: Place your fingers on your cheeks and gently smooth out any wrinkles. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Double Chin Eraser: Tilt your head back and stick your tongue out as far as possible. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Nose Pincher: Pinch your nose with your thumb and index finger, then release. Repeat 10 times.

The Eye Roll: Roll your eyes in a circular motion for 10 seconds, then switch directions.

The Lip Kisser: Pout your lips and kiss the air as if you’re blowing a kiss. Repeat 10 times.

The Eyebrow Wiggle: Wiggle your eyebrows up and down, then relax. Repeat 10 times.

The Jawline Definer: Place your fists under your chin and press upwards. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Nose Wiggler: Wiggle your nose up and down, then relax. Repeat 10 times.

The Lip Press and Smile: Press your lips together tightly, then smile as broadly as possible. Repeat 10 times.

The Eye Focus and Blink: Focus on a nearby object for 10 seconds, then blink rapidly for 10 seconds.

The Lip Suck: Suck your lips in and hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Eyelid Lift: Place your index fingers on your eyelids and gently lift them up. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Cheekbone Enhancer: Suck your cheeks in and hold for 10 seconds, then release.

The Nose and Lip Stretch: Place your fingers on your nose and lips and pull them in opposite directions. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Eye Relaxer: Close your eyes and breathe deeply for 10 seconds, then open them and look straight ahead.

The Lip and Chin Tightener: Pout your lips and pull your chin down towards your neck. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Eyebrow Relaxer: Place your fingers on your eyebrows and gently massage them in circular motions for 10 seconds.

The Lip and Eye Combo: Pout your lips and close your eyes tightly. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Jaw and Neck Relaxer: Place your hands on your jaw and gently massage in circular motions down towards your neck. Repeat 10 times.

The Nose and Eye Combo: Pinch your nose with your thumb and index finger, then squint your eyes tightly. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Lip and Cheek Combo: Pout your lips and puff out your cheeks as much as possible. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

The Brow and Forehead Massage: Place your fingers on your forehead and gently massage in circular motions up towards your hairline. Repeat 10 times.

The Lip and Tongue Combo: Pout your lips and stick your tongue out as far as possible. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax.

Now, that you’ve done 50 Face Yoga exercises (or maybe one or two of the), you might be thinking to yourself: “What is the science behind Face Yoga?” Well, think that no more my lovely joverly Yogi, ’cause I’m gonna tell you.

 

What is the Science behind Face Yoga?

 

Below is roughly what I said to my students in a yoga class where I taught a bunch of the 50 Face Yoga exercises above.

“Alright Yogi Bears (yes, I really do call them that sometimes, if I’m feeling particularly weird), listen up, because I’m about to give you the low-down on the science behind face yoga. And let me tell you, it’s a lot more than just making funny faces in the mirror.

So here’s the deal: when you do face yoga exercises, you’re actually stimulating the muscles in your face, just like you do when you work out the muscles in your body.

And when you stimulate those muscles, you’re increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the area, which helps to tighten and tone the skin.

But that’s not all!

Face yoga also helps to reduce tension in the face, which can lead to fewer wrinkles and a more relaxed look. And when you’re less stressed, you’re less likely to furrow your brow or clench your jaw, which can also cause wrinkles.

So basically, face yoga is like a little spa day for your face.

You’re giving those muscles a workout, increasing blood flow and oxygenation, and reducing tension all at the same time. And the best part?

You don’t even have to leave your house or put on yoga pants to do it!

So next time your partner asks you why you’re making funny faces at them, either don’t let on so that they develop some sort of complex, or tell them you’re doing your daily face workout. They’ll probably be jealous they didn’t think of it first, and join in.

If they do join you, watch out for “The Tongue Curl” Face Yoga exercise because your tongues might intertwine…that’s good news if you’re partners, but not bad news if you’re sitting next to your Mum or Dad.

Let’s delve a bit more into the science of facial yoga by exploring the five main muscles targeted by facial Yoga exercises.

 

What Facial Muscles are Targeted by Facial Yoga Exercises?

 

Facial yoga can target various muscles in the face and neck. Some of the muscles that can be targeted by facial yoga exercises include:

Frontalis muscles: These muscles are responsible for raising the eyebrows and can be targeted by exercises that involve raising and lowering the eyebrows.

Zygomaticus major muscles: These muscles are responsible for smiling and can be targeted by exercises that involve lifting the corners of the mouth.

Platysma muscles: These muscles are responsible for the appearance of the neck and can be targeted by exercises that involve tilting the head back and tensing the neck muscles.

Buccinator muscles: These muscles are responsible for compressing the cheeks and can be targeted by exercises that involve puffing the cheeks.

Orbicularis oculi muscles: These muscles are responsible for closing the eyelids and are targeted by exercises that involve blinking and squeezing the eyes shut.

Facial yoga exercises can help improve blood circulation and muscle tone in the face and neck, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of facial yoga exercises in achieving these goals is still a matter of debate among experts.

Just in case you’re a bit of a nerd like me, I thought you’d like to dive deeper into the three surprising benefits of targeting the frontalis muscles.

 

Targeting the Frontalis Muscle with Facial Yoga Exercises has 3 Surprising Benefits

 

Targeting the Frontalis muscle with facial yoga exercises can have several potential benefits.

The Frontalis muscle is located in the forehead area and is responsible for raising the eyebrows and creating facial expressions of surprise, worry, or confusion.

This muscle is often one of the first to show signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and furrows, which can make the face appear older and less youthful.

Three benefits of targeting the Frontalis muscle with facial yoga exercises: 

Improved muscle tone: Like any other muscle in the body, the Frontalis muscle can benefit from regular exercise. Facial yoga exercises that target this muscle can help strengthen and tone it, which can improve the appearance of the forehead area.

Reduced appearance of wrinkles: The Frontalis muscle is prone to developing wrinkles and furrows as we age. By toning this muscle, facial yoga exercises can help reduce the appearance of these wrinkles and create a smoother, more youthful-looking forehead.

Improved facial symmetry: Targeting the Frontalis muscle with facial yoga exercises can help create more symmetrical eyebrows, which can help balance out the face and create a more harmonious appearance.

Next up, let’s dive deeper into the three surprising benefits of targeting the Zygomaticus major muscles.

 

Targeting the Zygomaticus Major Muscle with Facial Yoga Exercises has 3 Surprising Benefits

 

Targeting the Zygomaticus major muscles with facial yoga exercises can have several potential benefits.

The Zygomaticus major muscles are responsible for raising the corners of the mouth and creating a smile expression. Toning these muscles can help improve the appearance of the cheekbones and lift the corners of the mouth, giving the face a more youthful and energetic appearance.

Three benefits of targeting the Zygomaticus major muscle with facial yoga exercises: 

Improved muscle tone: Like any other muscle in the body, the Zygomaticus major muscles can benefit from regular exercise. Facial yoga exercises that target these muscles can help strengthen and tone them, which can improve the appearance of the cheeks and mouth area.

Lifted corners of the mouth: Targeting the Zygomaticus major muscles with facial yoga exercises can help lift the corners of the mouth and create a more youthful and energetic appearance.

Reduced appearance of wrinkles: By toning the Zygomaticus major muscles, facial yoga exercises can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth area.

Next up, let’s dive deeper into the three surprising benefits of targeting the Platysma muscles.

 

Targeting the Platysma Muscle with Facial Yoga Exercises has 3 Surprising Benefits

 

Targeting the Platysma muscle with facial yoga exercises can have several potential benefits.

The Platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle that extends from the collarbone and chest up to the jawline and lower lip.

It is responsible for the appearance of the neck, and toning this muscle can help improve the appearance of the jawline and reduce the appearance of sagging skin in the neck area.

Three benefits of targeting the Platysma muscle with facial yoga exercises: 

Improved muscle tone: Like any other muscle in the body, the Platysma can benefit from regular exercise. Facial yoga exercises that target this muscle can help strengthen and tone it, which can improve the appearance of the neck and jawline.

Reduced appearance of wrinkles: Sagging skin in the neck area can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. By toning the Platysma muscle, facial yoga exercises can help reduce the appearance of these signs of ageing.

Improved blood circulation: Facial yoga exercises can help improve blood circulation to the face and neck, which can help nourish the skin and promote a healthy, glowing complexion.

Next up, let’s dive deeper into the three surprising benefits of targeting the Buccinator muscles.

 

Targeting the Buccinator Muscle with Facial Yoga Exercises has 3 Surprising Benefits

 

Targeting the Buccinator muscles with facial yoga exercises can have several potential benefits.

The Buccinator muscles are located in the cheeks and are responsible for compressing the cheeks and helping with chewing and speaking.

Toning these muscles can help improve the appearance of the cheeks, reduce the appearance of sagging skin, and enhance the overall contour of the face.

Three benefits of targeting the Buccinator muscle with facial yoga exercises: 

Improved muscle tone: Like any other muscle in the body, the Buccinator muscles can benefit from regular exercise. Facial yoga exercises that target these muscles can help strengthen and tone them, which can improve the appearance of the cheeks and jawline.

Enhanced facial contour: By toning the Buccinator muscles, facial yoga exercises can help enhance the overall contour of the face, creating a more defined and youthful appearance.

Reduced appearance of sagging skin: As we age, the skin in the cheeks area can start to sag, which can create an aged appearance. By toning the Buccinator muscles, facial yoga exercises can help reduce the appearance of sagging skin and create a more lifted appearance.

Next up, let’s dive deeper into the three surprising benefits of targeting the Orbicularis oculi muscles.

 

Targeting the Orbicularis Oculi Muscle with Facial Yoga Exercises has 3 Surprising Benefits

 

Targeting the Orbicularis oculi muscles with facial yoga exercises can have several potential benefits.

The Orbicularis oculi muscles are located around the eyes and are responsible for closing the eyes, squinting, and creating facial expressions of happiness and sadness.

Toning these muscles can help improve the appearance of the eye area, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and enhance the overall look of the face.

Three benefits of targeting the Orbicularis oculi muscle with facial yoga exercises: 

Improved muscle tone: Like any other muscle in the body, the Orbicularis oculi muscles can benefit from regular exercise. Facial yoga exercises that target these muscles can help strengthen and tone them, which can improve the appearance of the eye area and reduce sagging skin.

Reduced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines: The eye area is one of the first places to show signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines. By toning the Orbicularis oculi muscles, facial yoga exercises can help reduce the appearance of these wrinkles and create a more youthful-looking eye area.

Reduced appearance of eye bags and puffiness: Targeting the Orbicularis oculi muscles with facial yoga exercises can help reduce the appearance of eye bags and puffiness, which can make the eyes look tired and aged.

Before we get too carried away with our face yoga exercises, let’s talk about the possible risks.

 

What are the Possible Risks of Face Yoga?

 

Now, before we get too carried away with our face yoga exercises, let’s talk about the possible risks. I know, I know, it’s hard to believe that making silly faces could be dangerous, but hear me out.

First of all, you could end up with some serious face fatigue. I’m talking about muscles so tired they feel like they’ve run a marathon. So, if you start to feel like you can’t move your face anymore (e.g. after you’ve completed number 46 on the list above), maybe take a break, and dunk your face in a sink filled with cold water.

Another risk is that you could accidentally scare your dog or your roommate with your crazy face contortions. For example, if you’re doing number 32 (The Lip Kisser) where you pout your lips and kiss the air as if you’re blowing a kiss, your dog will probably take that as a cue to slather you in doggie kisses.

And finally, there’s the risk of looking too good. If you start doing Face Yoga every day, you could end up looking so amazing that people will stop recognizing you. You might have to carry around a photo of your pre-face-yoga self just to prove it’s really you.

So, there you have it my Yogi bears, the possible risks of Face Yoga. But don’t let that stop you from trying it out. Just be careful not to scare anyone, and make sure to take plenty of selfies so you can track your progress.

Next, I’m going to tell you about some possible mistakes to avoid in Face Yoga.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Face Yoga

 

Alright folks, listen up, because I’m about to tell you about some possible mistakes to avoid in Face Yoga. And trust me, you don’t want to make these mistakes.

First off, don’t get too aggressive with those facial muscles. I know it’s tempting to go all-out with your tongue juts and eyebrow raises, but if you push too hard, you could end up knackered (overly tired), and nobody wants that.

Another mistake to avoid is doing face yoga in public. Trust me, it will scare everyone who glances in your direction, and you’ll discover that people don’t come within a 10-yard radius of you. So, keep your facial Yoga behind closed doors where only your dog can see you doing it.

And finally, don’t forget to breathe. I know, I know, we’re all so focused on our facial muscles that we forget to inhale and exhale. But trust me, breathing is important. Not only does it help you relax, but it also helps to oxygenate your skin and keep it looking healthy.

So there you have it, my Yogi bears, some possible mistakes to avoid in Face Yoga. Just remember to take it easy, avoid doing it in public, and don’t forget to breathe. Your face (and your reputation) will thank you.

Next up, I wrap things up with my conclusion on the “heady” subject of facial yoga (yep, that was another face pun).

 

George’s Conclusion

Well, Yogis, I hope you’ve learned a thing or two about the magical world of Face Yoga today. And remember, whether you’re looking to reduce wrinkles, tone your facial muscles, or just make some silly faces in the mirror, Face Yoga has got you covered.

But let’s not forget the most important lesson of all: don’t take yourself too seriously. I mean, we’re literally making funny faces. So, it’s similar to Laughter Yoga in many ways (like this Silent Laughter yoga exercise). Go ahead, have a laugh, and enjoy the ridiculousness of it all.

And who knows, maybe someday we’ll see Face Yoga as an official Olympic event. I can just picture it now: Yogis from around the world contorting their faces in ways we never thought possible, all in the name of gold medal glory.

But until then, keep on stretching those facial muscles, my Yogi friend. And don’t forget to smile, because laughter really is the best medicine (and it’s great for your face, too!).

Oh yes, I almost forgot.

If you’re a yoga teacher, and like creating yoga class themes, you’ll also love my post called 101 Perfect Poses For A Peak Pose-Themed Yoga Lesson Plan, or The Power Of Love: Lessons From The Still-face Experiment.

And, hey, if you have a sudden desire to streamline your yoga lesson planning process check out my online Yoga Genie Lesson Planner. This powerful tool can transform your classes and elevate your teaching to the next level.