Try some yoga for a more youthful-looking face

Forehead strokes: Even younger people are getting wrinkles on their forehead from staring at their devices all the day long as we all have a tendency to tighten our forehead muscles when concentrating hard on something. Applying some pressure in this area with your fingers should help to reduce creases over time. Place three fingers from each hand at the centre of your forehead, apply a bit of pressure and swipe the fingers outwards towards the temples. Repeat for a minute. — Photos: REVATHI MURUGAPAN/The Star

The ageing process can be brutal and unforgiving.

Muscle mass, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance and respiratory capacity start to diminish.

To slow down this process, we have to work harder to keep the body and mind fit.

Often, it can be a frustrating process to witness the gradual decline in physical and cognitive ability.

Once you cross the 50-year mark, our facial muscles – similar to our bodies – begin to lose tone, making them appear loose and saggy.

Those with cash to splurge can opt for filler injections, nips and tucks, but for the majority of us with holes in our already skinny wallets, we have to embrace ageing and hope that it creeps in gracefully.

Or, you might seek help in face yoga, which is trending in fitness and beauty circles right now.

A fancy name it may be, but face yoga is just a series of facial exercises, massage techniques and acupressure methods designed to tone and strengthen facial muscles, reduce tension and improve circulation – like how traditional yoga works the body’s muscles.

There has not been much research on its effectiveness, although in one small 2018 study, researchers found that a group of middle-aged women looked about three years younger after they followed a 20-week facial exercise programme.

Published in the journal JAMA Dermatology, the study recruited 27 women between the ages of 40 and 65, who learned and performed 32 specific facial exercises – each for about a minute – for a total of 32 minutes daily.

They were instructed to repeat the exercises every day for the first eight weeks, then every other day subsequently.

Over the course of the study, the 16 participants who remained in the study were enthusiastic about their results, finding improvements in almost all of their facial features.

An independent panel of dermatologists backed up their personal evaluations by comparing before-and-after photos.

Researchers noted that the women had fuller upper and lower cheeks, and appeared younger, after doing face yoga.

The exercises also enhanced facial expressions and tongue muscle power, which the researchers concluded could be a useful therapy for this age group.

What’s more, the facial exercises improved mental health for the older participants.

So, why not add in a simple “workout” to hone your facial muscles?

There are almost a hundred exercises you can do, but here are a few essential ones that you can try, perhaps before bedtime or after your nightly shower.

It should take no more than five to 10 minutes to complete them.

And yes, they’re applicable to both men and women.

However, be warned that just like how over-exercising your body may lead to exhaustion and injuries, doing continuous facial movements can be counterproductive.

Don’t be in a hurry in your quest to look youthful or you’ll start seeing more wrinkles.

Remember, it takes a fair bit of commitment and work to do these exercises, and you may not notice results until after several weeks.

Although results may vary, some individuals really do see improvements in facial fullness, skin firmness and wrinkle reduction.

Since it’s a free and non-invasive method, no harm trying, right?

After all, everyone wants to look his or her best, no matter their age!

Revathi Murugappan is a certified fitness trainer who tries to battle gravity and continues to dance to express herself artistically and nourish her soul. For more information, email [e-mail]. The information contained in this column is for general educational purposes only. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.