Can Face Yoga Really Make You Look Younger? Plus 5 Exercises to Try

If you follow beauty trends or spend time on social media, you've probably heard about face yoga. From celebrities to teens, many people swear by the practice. But is face yoga really the secret to firm, glowing skin? Here's what the research says about face yoga, including potential benefits and how to do it. 

What is face yoga?

Face yoga combines exercises, stretches, and massage techniques such as acupressure for your face. Targeted movements engage your face and neck muscles to potentially reverse signs of stress and aging, such as frown lines and sagging skin. For example, face yoga for jowls might include exercises to target and tone the jawline. 

Massage is designed to reduce physical tension and promote mental relaxation. So, face yoga might double as a skincare and wellness practice. 

What are the benefits of face yoga?

The benefits of face yoga are not well supported. But fans of the trend claim that it can:

• Increase circulation

• Make your skin glow 

• Strengthen and tone facial muscles 

• Smooth wrinkles and fine lines 

• Reduce puffiness 

• Improve under-eye circles 

• Lift and tighten skin

• Improve mental health 

• Relieve musculoskeletal pain 

Does face yoga really work?

Many face yoga practitioners tout the noninvasive method as a natural face-lift. But you might wonder how the purported benefits stack up against the science. Perhaps unsurprisingly, there's not a lot of research on face yoga. And many existing studies have mixed results. 

Some experts suggest that facial exercises counter visible signs of aging. They may work by retraining weak facial muscles and improving blood flow to your face, resulting in smoother, brighter skin. Other researchers say there's not enough evidence to determine if facial exercises are effective. 

In a highly cited 2018 study, women ages 40 to 65 did a daily, 30-minute face yoga routine for 8 weeks. Then, they did the exercises every other day for 12 weeks. After 20 weeks, the women had better upper- and lower-cheek fullness. But there were no improvements in other signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. And researchers note other limitations, including a small sample size and only moderate improvement in face fullness. 

Other promising, small-scale studies support claims that face yoga techniques may improve mental health. 

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Ultimately, the science doesn't support the notion that face yoga is as effective as a face-lift. 

What are the best face yoga exercises?

The best face yoga moves are likely up for debate among practitioners. But here are a few exercises to get you started. Remember to begin each movement with a clean face and hands. Sit or stand with your shoulders back and your spine neutral to maintain good posture. 

1. Forehead smoother

As its name suggests, the forehead smoother exercise targets wrinkles on your forehead. 

• Step 1: Make a fist with each hand. You can use a face oil or serum on your hands to ensure your knuckles glide smoothly across your skin. 

• Step 2: Place both fists on the center of your forehead so the knuckles of each hand are touching. Imagine giving yourself a fist bump. 

• Step 3: Inhale and gently press your knuckles into your forehead. 

• Step 4: Exhale and slowly move your knuckles toward your temples. 

• Step 5: Repeat three times. 

2. Flirty eyes

The flirty eyes move aims to soften lines around your eyes. 

• Step 1: Place an index finger under each eye, with your fingertips on either side of your nose. 

• Step 2: Make a small "o" shape with your mouth. Your teeth shouldn't be visible. 

• Step 3: Look up to the ceiling and flutter your eyelids for 30 seconds.

3. Cheek lifter

This cheek lifter exercise is designed to increase circulation and tone muscles in your cheeks. 

• Step 1: Bring your hands into a prayer position over your nose. Your fingertips should touch just above your nose. 

• Step 2: Gently move your fingertips down your nose. Then, trace your fingertips along the bottom of your cheekbones and up to your temples. 

• Step 3: Repeat this gentle sweeping motion three times. 

4. Kiss the ceiling (neck)

With the kiss the ceiling exercise, you stretch your neck muscles to help tighten sagging skin.

• Step 1: Tilt your head back gently, with your gaze directed toward the ceiling. 

• Step 2: Pucker your lips. You should feel a slight stretch along the front of your neck.

• Step 3: Hold for 5 seconds. 

• Step 4: Repeat five times. 

5. Third eye massage (acupressure)

The third eye massage targets an acupressure point to relax your forehead muscles. 

• Step 1: Place your index finger between your eyebrows. 

• Step 2: Press gently and hold for 10 seconds, taking deep breaths. 

• Step 3: Make small circles in one direction with your index finger for 20 seconds. 

• Step 4: Repeat in the other direction. 

How do you practice face yoga?

There aren't official guidelines on the best way to practice face yoga. But as with any form of exercise, consistency is important. The science may not be ironclad, but face yoga is generally safe. So the potential advantages might outweigh the cost –– which, in this case, is just your time.

Several studies –– like that oft-cited 2018 study –– focus on the effects of regular face yoga practice. Consider starting small by trying facial exercises for a few minutes a day. Monitor any changes to your appearance and overall mood. This can help you decide whether to add face yoga to your beauty and self-care routine. 

You can talk to your healthcare provider first if you have specific skin concerns, such as acne or psoriasis. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Ray Bass, NASM-CPT

Ray Bass is an author, editor, and National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer. She holds an honors degree in creative writing from the University of Pennsylvania, and she is pursuing her MFA at The New School.

Edited by:

Lauren Savage, MA

Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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