4 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Getting old has its challenges and rewards alike, but it's true that most of us want to keep our youthful looks as long as possible. Gaining control over an aging face has great cosmetic appeal as long as it works to reverse aging. There is some question as to what we can do to effectively reverse sagging skin and wrinkles with differing opinions from beauty experts.

Scientists generally agree that genetic makeup plays a large role in our overall health and how well we hold up with the aging process. Loss of elastin and collagen contributes to thinner skin with loss of elasticity in older people and facial exercise can't do much about that. With that in mind, I'm a "firm" believer in facial exercises. Facial exercises can help tone facial muscles and reduce sagging skin.

Fortunately, while we're young, there are a number of things we can do to prevent the effects of pre-mature aging like making sure we're hydrated, moisturizing the body parts that are most exposed to sunlight, and wearing sunscreen to prevent winkles and dark spots. Keeping your face clean and eating healthy food go a long way in staving off pre-mature aging.

If you've already entered the "aging" arena you may want to make improvements especially if you're not fond of droopy eyes or deep lines around the nose and mouth. Certain types of wrinkles may respond to facial exercises but if they're a result of too much sun, you probably will need a retinol skin cream to help diminish them. Facial exercises firm up the muscular foundation of the face.

Do the eyes have it?

Many say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and that may be true because people can tell a lot about us through our eye expressions. Keeping the windows fresh is a good start to maintaining a youthful appearance.

Youthful eyes can give your countenance a natural lift, making you look younger and more attractive. Tom Hagerty advises lifting the skin at the temple with slight pressure, closing your eyes tightly, and holding the position for a couple of seconds will help tone the upper and under eye muscles. While these exercises can't work miracles, over a few months time they can make a noticeable difference.

Character lines

The lines from the nose to the mouth are known as the nasolabial folds. Next to the eyes, these expression lines are most prominent adding (they say) character to a face. According to Shapeyourface, if you hold your head high and keep your facial muscles relaxed, you can reduce these deep expression lines. I haven't tried this technique yet, but it's super easy requiring nothing more than relaxing the face. What have you to lose except the deep lines?

An exercise that I've done for several years helps with the lines around the mouth and the chortle about the chin. It's a simple exercise. Pucker your lips as though you're going to kiss someone. Hold the exaggerated pose for a few seconds and repeat at least 15 times daily. This exercise helps reduce the appearance of expression lines under the mouth.

Maintaining a youthful appearance is literally an uphill battle with gravity contributing to sagging skin and "character lines" around the mouth. In addition to facial exercises, exfoliating and keeping the face moisturized go far in the battle against the signs of aging. If you're into physical fitness and toning your body, exercising facial muscles probably make good sense to you.

Good youthful genes are a blessing that older people appreciate more as the years go by, but some of us need more help with our aging face. When more control over nature is needed, a little facial exercise and working the muscles that shape our face might be a good thing. You don't even have to go to the gym for that exercise.

Learn more about this author, Mona Gallagher.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Gaining control over your aging face through exercise?
We want to hear your view. Write now!