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Surgeries, creams, and serums can all add up quick. Wouldn't it be great if there was a free way to achieve a younger looking face? According to experts, there is! If you stay committed to doing these moves everyday you can tighten the facial muscles and fight sagging skin at home. A study done by Northwestern Medicine found that a 30 minute daily face yoga routine resulted in a younger appearance for participants. Participants in the study overall looked on average three years younger after the five month trial. The facial routines used in the study were provided by Gary Sikorski of Happy Face Yoga.
Facial yoga works by strengthening your facial muscles so that your face appears more firm and toned. It also increases circulation which can assist with fine lines. The routine consists of 32 moves. Each move is to be held for one minute. Here are 3 starter steps:
- Cheek Lifter: Open your moth to form an "O", position your upper lip over your teeth, smile, place your fingers lightly on your cheeks, release your cheek muscles to lower them, then lift back up. Sort of like doing push ups but with your cheeks! Repeat this move for one minute.
- Happy Cheeks: Smile without showing teeth, purse lips together, place your fingers on the corners of your mouth and slide them up to the top of the cheeks and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat this move three times.
- Lion's Pose: Sit in a comfortable position. Lean your arms forward with your hands stretched on the floor. Take a deep breath in, while breathing out open your mouth and make a loud "haa" sound. While you exhale, make sure your tongue is pointing towards your chin.
It's also important to remember that stress can play a big part in the signs of aging, so make sure to take this time to calm your mind and destress fro the day.