The Best Exercise Routine to Look Younger

Posted by Alona in Anti-Aging QuestionsJul 16th, 2011 | no responses

There is some debate among medical professionals about whether or not facial exercises can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Proponents believe that "working out" the muscles in the face helps to build collagen and increase elasticity. Skeptics point out that treatments such as Botox actually reduce wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles. Yoga enthusiasts, however, point out that overall exercise leads to relaxation and stress relief, which also has a lot to do with skin that could look 20 years younger were it not for the tension afflicting our bodies.

Working Out Your Face

Facial exercise programs are available for anyone who wants to pay for an instructional book or DVD. They all involve much the same thing - tightening and relaxing the muscles that control our ability to smile, frown, grimace or show surprise. These are intended to diminish such wrinkling issues as crow's feet or frown lines in the forehead. Pinching all of the muscles of the face toward the center, or "rotating" your facial muscles in a clock-wise motion are also thought to be helpful.

Lifting and Toning

Forehead toning is another exercise that some doctors have recommended. Lying on your back and staring up at the ceiling, raise your eyebrows as high as possible by opening your eyes wide. Hold this position for a few seconds before fully relaxing all the muscles in your face. Most recommendations call for ten repetitions of this exercise. Eye toning is achieved by partially winking each eye, one second each, for 40 repetitions. This is said to diminish wrinkles around the eyes.

Whether or not such exercise regimens work, or whether or not you believe in them, there are very few instances of "bad exercise". Reducing stress and increasing blood flow is sure to help anyone in many facets of their physical and mental health, not just with the skin on their face. Body, mind and spirit are all uplifted whenever we do anything positive for our health.