How to reduce jowls naturally: 5 effective face yoga exercises

Many women are familiar with the word "jowls." After we turn 35, our once firm cheeks begin to sag, and our faces become less defined. Unlike other problems, jowls are hard to disguise with cosmetics. Fortunately, you can combat jowls and tighten your cheeks with face yoga exercises. Let's take a look at the most effective ones.

What are jowls?

The term "jowls" refers to excessive sagging of tissues in the lower jaw area on both sides of the face.

In general, people with jowls appear five years older than they actually are since jowls make faces look less defined.

Most often, the appearance of jowls is associated with a slowdown in collagen production which is an inevitable part of aging.

In the presence of jowls, the cheekbones look flat, the tissues sag, and the jaw looks large and massive.

The following changes indicate that the jowls may appear soon:

severe puffiness, which lasts for quite a long time
an emerging double chin (that is, fat under the chin can be pinched)
deepening of nasolabial folds

What are the most common causes of the appearance of jowls?

Aging. Many factors can lead to the jowls' development. First of all, they are a natural result of the aging process.

In the process of aging, many of us are faced with gravity changes. It means that after 40-50 years, or even earlier, under the influence of the earth's gravity, faces become less defined, and the skin starts to sag.

The gravity changes lead to more visible nasolabial folds and soft, sagging cheeks. Our skin also loses elasticity as we age — it receives less nutrition and swells more often.

Poor posture. One more cause of jowl appearance we tend to underestimate is poor posture. In many cases, slouching and impaired static of the neck lead to jowl development, so it's essential to control your posture to prevent them.

Hormonal imbalance. In women, the appearance of jowls can be related to hormonal imbalance, especially after pregnancy or during menopause.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits. Smoking, eating junk food, excessive alcohol usage, and other unhealthy lifestyle habits negatively influence skin health.

Excess weight. Jowls are especially noticeable in people with excessive weight who have fat deposits in the neck and face areas. The muscles are not ready for such an increased load and gradually begin to sag.

Teeth clenching. The habit of strongly clenching teeth and straining the jaw contributes to the shortening of the masticatory muscle, which in turn, causes sagging cheeks.

Excessive sunlight exposure. Harmful UVA and UVB rays can damage the skin in many ways, and the appearance of jowls can be one of the effects of their influence.

How can face yoga help to reduce jowls?

As the modern cosmetology industry constantly moves on, more and more surgical and non-surgical solutions against jowls are getting available. Thread lifting, laser skin tightening, radiofrequency (RF) therapy, SMAS-lifting, mesotherapy, biorevitalization...this list looks impressive.

Fortunately, there are also natural ways that can help reduce jowls. Just like regular gym workouts keep our body fit, face yoga strengthens our facial muscles and keeps the face toned.

Face yoga helps to work out the superficial muscles, improves skin elasticity, and reduces puffiness. As a result of regular facial exercises, jowls become much less noticeable.

Best face yoga exercises for jowls reduction

Lymphatic drainage

It is best to start with a lymphatic drainage massage. The stagnation of lymph and fluid that accumulate in the middle and lower zones of the face pulls the tissues down, contributing to the formation of jowls and making the face shape less defined.

Here's a simple instruction:

Step 1. Flex your thumb.
Step 2. Place the bent joint in the center under the lower jaw close to the chin.
Step 3. Slowly slide your finger from the center to the right, applying gentle pressure.
Step 4. Without taking your hands off, slide down the neck.
Step 5. Stop the movement at your clavicle.
Repeat the same steps from the center to the left side.
Do 5 repetitions for each side.

Face lifting exercise

Create a narrow "O" shape with your mouth as if you are trying to say "o."
Meanwhile, your lips should be stretched forward, and you should feel the tension in your cheeks.
To enhance the effect, you can lightly move your index fingers from the corners of the mouth to the nose and back.
Hold this position until you feel a light burning sensation in your cheeks.

Resistance

This face yoga exercise helps release the tension in the muscles of mastication and keeps the face more defined.

Place your palms on both sides of your face so that your fingertips are near your ears.
Slowly(!) open and close your mouth, gradually increasing the amplitude. Gently resist the pressure with your hands.
Repeat ten times.

A face sculptor

Stand up straight, lower, and straighten your shoulders, opening your chest.
Tilt your head slightly back, stretching your chin up.
Stretch your tongue towards your nose. Keep the muscles of the cheeks and eyes relaxed.
Count to 15 and release this position.

Blow the candle

Pucker up your lips and try to "blow out" an imaginary candle.
Do 40 movements.

The takeaway

In combating jowls, consistency is crucial. Regular face yoga workouts will make the jowls less visible and stop them from progressing. What's more, face yoga exercises are also effective against forehead wrinkles, laugh lines, and under-eye bags.

Let us help you achieve your beauty goals.
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