Here’s why you should stop doing face workouts

Dentist and Advanced Facial Aesthetician Dr Tara Francis tell us exactly why you should be avoiding face workouts.

woman touching face

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

It's easy to see why facial workouts are a tempting option thanks to their promise of ditching the wrinkles and even slimming down your face. But do they actually work? We caught up with Dr Tara Francis, Dentist and Advanced Facial Aesthetician for FOREO UK, to find out more.

What are face workouts?

Facial workouts are the daily practice of stretching and contracting the muscles of the face, designed to combat ageing, to firm and tone the face, to result in a lifted and tightened effect.

Why try face workouts?

People might try facial workouts to help improve the appearance of the face and neck, in an effort to retain a youthful appearance, in a non-surgical way.

Do face workouts actually work?

There is little clinical research and evidence on the efficacy of facial workouts, and more studies are required to give a definite answer. You may see temporary results if the muscles get bigger with consistent and repetitive exercises (exactly the same concept as working your bicep muscles at the gym), but the results will not last if not kept up.

Can face exercises actually cause more sagging?

Repetitive muscle contractions can cause static lines or wrinkles, for example, if you think about crow’s feet around the eyes, this has been caused by the contraction of the muscle when smiling, and over time can become permanent lines on the face even when not smiling. This should be noted, when thinking about doing facial workouts/exercises.

Over working any muscle can cause a strain, so it’s important to not overdo it, if trying out a facial workout programme.

What alternatives are there to facial workouts that do work?

To help with wrinkle prevention – things like using a broad spectrum SPF, staying hydrated, and taking good care of your skin (including using some active ingredients) can help massively. In addition, a diet to include all nutrients, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can help the skin quality and condition.

Energy based devices are useful, whether it be those designed for home use such as the FOREO BEARdevice which uses microcurrent technology, or those designed for professional use such as radiofrequency or High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

Good facials can also help, that include microneedling, and even better in combination with PRP or growth factors. This is something offered in clinics as it is becoming increasingly popular, alongside injectable treatments such as toxin, skin booster treatments, or dermal fillers.

Seeking professional consultation is encouraged, to help plan the right treatment specific to your skin, needs, and expected results.

The FOREO BEAR uses advanced microcurrent & T-Sonic pulsations to exercise the 65+ muscles in your face & neck. Glide the microcurrent spheres over your skin to build collagen, repair elastin & tighten your face via electrical currents that mimic your bodyu2019s own natural processes.

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