The Pros and Cons of Facial Exercises

Although the loss of skin and muscle tone -- and the associated dissolution of fatty tissue and collagen -- are a natural manifestation of the aging process, proponents of facial exercise say that drooping cheeks and jowls can be remedied without costly cosmetic procedures or surgical intervention. While there is little scientific evidence to support the efficacy of facial exercise to tone and strengthen facial muscles, dedicated face exercisers say the results speak for themselves and further research is unnecessary. If you are intrigued by the pros and cons of facial exercises, ask a skin care specialist or facial fitness expert to help you to explore your options and to teach you to do the exercises properly.

Although reduced costs and shorter recovery times than in the past make cosmetic procedures accessible to a larger number of consumers, the results are temporary and health risks remain, according to Mark Berman, M.D. Like any other muscle in your body, proponents of facial exercise say that facial muscles require exercise to retain their tone and shape. Properly executed, facial exercises can help to strengthen sagging muscles, improve the tone and elasticity of your skin and soften or eliminate facial lines and creases.

For optimum results, a facial exercise program should include both isometric contractions and resistance training. While isometric exercises might help to maintain the strength of your facial muscles, they do not give your muscles a complete workout, according to Mayo Clinic. Resistance training increases muscle size and helps to enhance the contour of your face and neck. Although facial exercises can improve muscle and skin tone and give you a more youthful appearance, your overall health status, lifestyle choices, diet and a consistent skin care regimen are also important.

Unlike cosmetic procedures, facial exercises will not provide you with immediate results. Medical professionals who are unfamiliar with the process and the potential benefits of resistance training might hesitate to recommend exercise as a way to rejuvenate facial muscles. Opponents may also worry that, if done improperly, facial exercises can damage, rather than improve your appearance. Like any exercise routine, the benefits of facial exercises are cumulative, and require long-term commitment.

While execution of facial exercises are not difficult, your individual results will depend upon the current condition of your facial skin and muscle tone. Although some exercise professionals emphasize the long-lasting benefits of a regular exercise program, you may conclude that in order to regain your youthful appearance, additional interventions are necessary. Ask your skin care professional or aesthetician whether a specific skincare regimen, nutritional supplements or dermatological treatments will help to further improve your appearance.