We go to gyms, workout, walk, run, swim and do so much more to keep our bodies in shape, our minds healthy. But we often always neglect our face until those lines can no longer be neglected, and those wrinkles can no longer be concealed. And then, out of desperation to look younger, we consider expensive surgery procedures and cosmetics that promise to fade those lines away. But they aren’t the only solution to our face problems. 
There is face yoga to your rescue that can diminish these signs of ageing, learns Kriti Saraswat from a leading face yoga expert Danielle Collins
What causes ageing of the face?
There are a variety of causes that can lead to ageing of the face like the weakening of the face muscles, lack of sleep and exercise, poor circulation, and external factors like the weather, stress, excessive usage of cosmetics etc.
How does face yoga help one tone their face?
Just as our bodies need regular exercise to stay toned and firm, the 57 muscles in our face also need to be exercised. When we do so, they are lifted and firmed and the skin attached to the muscles is also lifted and tautened which reduces lines and wrinkles.
The benefits of regularly doing face yoga are reduction of lines and wrinkles, improved skin tone, reduced headaches and eye strain, release of tension, an energetic appearance and a healthy glow on the face. Face yoga also gives a holistic feeling of wellbeing which can benefit the mind and body.
What kind of methods do you incorporate in your face yoga?
There are a number of facial exercises that I teach for toning the face. In addition to this, my face yoga methods include regular massaging to improve blood circulation, remove toxins, and reduce puffiness and dark circles. The massage techniques also increase collagen and elastin that are natural plumping agents. The relaxation method helps reduce deep set of lines and wrinkles that are caused by stress and frequent squinting. And acupressure is used to increase circulation, boost energy which reduces headaches and tension. The combination of these methods yields great results, giving a youthful appearance.
How often should one exercise the face?
I recommend the readers to do it for 20 minutes, six days a week. After following it regularly, you will start to see a reduction in lines and wrinkles and have a more lifted, toned and youthful appearance. Just like any other exercise, you need to do it regularly to see results. One session is great but doing it daily is when you start seeing a real difference in your face.
In addition to face yoga, what else can we do to keep our face fit?
Positive thinking, correct nutrition and visualisation are few tips that add to one’s well being, thereby reducing stress and ageing of the face. One should also use a natural moisturiser, a good sunscreen and reduce alcohol and sugar in one’s diet.
Can you please share a few, simple DIY exercises that can be done at home every day?
1. The ‘V’: To reduce lines and wrinkles around the eyes and to make the eyes more open and energised.
Put both your middle fingers together between your eyebrows then apply pressure to the outer corners of your eyes with your index fingers. Look up and start to move the lower eyelids upwards, making a strong squint. Then relax and repeat six more times. To finish, squeeze your eyes shut for 10 seconds then relax.
2. Smile Smoother: To reduce lines around the mouth and to lift and firm the cheeks and jaw.
Hide your teeth with your lips and make an ‘O’ shape with your mouth. Then, smile as wide as you can and keep hiding the teeth. Repeat six times. Next, hold the smile shape and place one index finger on the chin. Then start to move your jaw up and down as you tilt your head back. Relax and repeat twice.
3. Giraffe: To tone and lift the neck area.
Looking straight ahead place your finger tips on the top of your neck and pull the skin down as you tilt your head back. Bring your head back down and repeat twice. Then jut your lower lip out as far as possible, place your fingers on your collarbone and point your chin upwards, pulling the corners of your mouth down. Hold for four deep breaths.
Danielle is the founder of The Danielle Collins Face Yoga Method and offers teacher training courses around the world. Visit www.faceyogaexpert.com
