Facial Exercises: Are They Bogus?

Facial Exercises: Are They Bogus?

As the years of youth begin to move past us, our facial features see significant change, i.e. lose their youthfulness. The appearance of wrinkles, laugh lines, fine lines and sagging are observed with time. For years, the most common cosmetic treatments known for reducing signs of ageing have been botox, micro-needling and chemical peels. 

But recent times have seen a new wave of anti-aging treatment in the form of facial exercises. Countless social media posts and beauty blogs have sworn of the miracles of facial exercises, but is there any truth to these claims? Are facial exercises really the elixir of anti-aging that we’ve been wishing for? 
Before we begin, let us take a quick look at the basics of our skin.

Understanding Our Skin
Skin is the largest organ of our body and consists of three layers that each have a different role to play.  

Epidermis: It is the outermost layer of our skin and acts as a barrier between the world and your body. The epidermis continuously sheds dead skin cells and acts as a home to skin pores.

Dermis: The second layer consists of sebaceous or oil glands, hair follicles, blood vessels, lymph vessels and sweat glands. It is the thickest layer of the skin and this is where collagen and elastin are produced. 

Hypodermis: This is the innermost layer of the skin and also the thickest. This functions as a storage of fat and is made up of connective tissues. 

Collagen and elastin are responsible for shaping the skin and aiding in its firmness. With age, the production of the two fibres decreases considerably which leads to our skin losing its firmness and the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. A few extrinsic forces like exposure to UV rays, smoking, lifestyle and eating habits also play an important role in the structure of our skin. 

Facial Exercises: Do They Really Work?
Research on the benefits and anti-aging capabilities of facial exercises is limited, though a 2018 study did have a few positive results.  

These exercises consist of a few repetitive movements of the face that assist to strengthen our face muscles. Repetitive movements of the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles can visibly backfire according to some experts. These exercises will work to pull and stretch the skin instead of firming it. 

Facial wrinkles, laugh lines and crow's feet are results of repetitive movements. Our skin is similar to elastic and when continuously stretched out, the structure of the skin is bound to loosen and become saggy with signs of wrinkles. 

So there is little truth in the claims of reducing ageing signs with facial exercises. 

Here’s What You Should Try Instead
But, of course, all hope isn’t lost. There are still several ways you can get that youthful look you hoped for. Recalling what we mentioned earlier in the blog, a number of factors affect our skin and while we may not have the power to stop ageing, we can certainly slow it down by improvising our lifestyles and practising a few good habits. 

Lifestyle: Our overall health plays a crucial role in our physical appearance. Eating a clean and healthy diet can go a long way when it comes to ageing gracefully. Experts advise that getting enough and a good night's sleep, avoiding smoking and alcoholic beverages, and reducing sugary food in-takes are a few of the best ways to get better skin. 

Skincare: Apart from diets and exercise, to achieve glowing and healthy skin, investing in a suitable skincare regime is also important. The most substantial parts of your skincare routine can be divided into three parts which are cleansing, protecting, nourishing, repairing and boosting. 
  • A cleanser must be gentle and effective enough to get rid of the dirt, grime and grease on the skin without damaging the skin barrier. Dry and unhealthy skin is an invitation to fine lines and wrinkles in the long term. 
  • When choosing a product to moisturise and hydrate your skin, look for a moisturiser that helps prevent dehydration and repairs the skin barrier apart from moisturising the skin. 
  • Exposure to UV rays is one of the most common factors affecting our skin including premature ageing of skin, hyperpigmentation and damage to the skin barrier.  When it comes to protecting your skin from long-term UV-related damage, sunscreen is a must. Include sunscreen in your daily skincare regime both indoors and outdoors. In addition to sunscreen, avoid exposure to the sun whenever possible, and use protective clothing and gear to cover your skin. 
Using skin care products formulated with ingredients like retinol, ceramide, niacinamide and glycolic acid is also recommended by experts. 
  • Retinols are vitamin A derivatives found in several anti-aging products as they influence the cell turnover rate and stimulate collagen production.  
  • Ceramides are fatty acids and lipids naturally present in our body within the skin cells. These work to lock in the moisture, reduce fine lines, protect and restore the skin barrier, and improve the elasticity of the skin, making it firmer and healthier. 
  • Niacinamides are water-soluble vitamin B derivatives that lock in water and natural lipids keeping the skin hydrated.
  • Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) used in a number of anti-aging products. It is known to reduce anti-aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, crow's feet and others. 
  • Hyaluronic Acid is a carbohydrate that has anti-aging properties that treat or prevent wrinkles, crow’s feet, and improve elasticity and skin texture. 
SkinQ Suggests: For healthy skin, experts suggest following a five-step skin routine that involves cleansing, protecting, nourishing, repairing and boosting. 
Our Daily Glow Cleanser actively deep cleanses your skin by removing oil, dirt and grease without causing any damage to the skin. Formulated with the best ingredients like evening primrose oil, niacinamide and glycerine, SkinQ’s Daily Glow Cleanser gives you bright and glowing skin. 

SkinQ’s Sun Protect Gel is created by some of the best dermatologists of the industry to meet the requirements of Indian skin. Developed with active ingredients like ethyl ascorbic acid, phospholipids our sunscreen protects and repairs your skin. 

SkinQ Suggestion: Hydrate Elixir Serum is formulated with the active ingredient hyaluronic acid that restores the skin barrier. Long-term use of SkinQ’s Hydrate Elixir Serum reduces the appearance of fine lines and dullness. 

Moisturising is an essential part of a skincare routine as it works to repair, nourish and protect the skin barrier. SkinQ’s Moisture Balm prevents dehydration and dryness of skin by locking in moisture to give you soft, healthy and glowing skin. 

Exfoliation helps to get rid of the dead skin cells and dirt accumulating in the skin pores. Dermatologists suggest exfoliating your skin at least once a week. SkinQ’s Hydrate DIY Active Facial Kit formulated with active ingredients hyaluronic acid and retinol liposomes has proven to instantly hydrate, reduce dryness and result in smooth and bright skin. 

SkinQ Suggestion: Hydrate Elixir Serum is formulated with the active ingredient hyaluronic acid that restores the skin barrier. Long-term use of SkinQ’s Hydrate Elixir Serum reduces the appearance of fine lines and dullness. 
  • Jade Roller and Gua Sha: Jade rolling and gua sha have been used for thousands of years in Eastern Medicines. The use of these two products is known to improve blood circulation giving you a radiant look with smoother skin. These products promote lymphatic drainage, help produce collagen, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, puffiness under the eyes, dark circles and improve the elasticity of the skin. 
Wrapping Up
While facial exercises don’t necessarily fulfil our expectations, a youthful look is still achievable with a healthy lifestyle and a good skincare regime.
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