Why You Should Try Facial Exercises At Home

Regular Exercises Support The Ageing Process

“There are many reasons facial exercises are important but, first and foremost, they're a great way to support the ageing process. By easing facial tension, they help to support the muscles, increasing blood and lymphatic flow, and also allow you to take a moment for yourself.” – Abigail James, facialist & skincare expert 

“When you spend time massaging the facial muscles, you immediately start working the lymphatic system, which keeps the body free from toxins and fluids. A thorough massage will improve the contours of your face by allowing muscles to sit where they should be. Massage will also help to improve tone and texture, refine pores, remove congestion and keep your complexion clear. Expect to see a lifted appearance if it's done regularly.” – Nichola Joss, facialist and creator of ‘The Inner Facial’

They Are Easier Than You Think

“You can’t really go wrong with facial exercises. Some people over complicate them when it’s as simple as working from the centre and following the contours of your face upwards and outwards towards the hairline. Try not to work down the face, instead keeping your motions upwards at all times to support the muscle tissue. A common misconception is that being too firm will cause your skin to stretch or produce wrinkles. This isn’t the case. It’s worth noting, though, that you can be firmer under the cheekbones, along the jawline and on the forehead.” – Nichola 

There Are Several Techniques

“Big, circular movements, using your fingers or knuckles are best. They can be done fast or slow, deep or light, and all over the face. This method doesn’t need to follow a specific routine and is accessible to anyone that’s new to facial massage. You can create different methods using the tips of your fingers, or the full length of them. You can ease off with pressure or be firmer – flicking, pinching, plucking, tapping or criss-crossing – they're all methods you can use, so be playful. Gua Sha tools are great, too.” – Abigail 

“One of my favourite techniques is known as the ‘jaw sculpt.’ Using your index and middle fingers like scissors, you bend them to create rabbit-like ears. Then work your opposite hand to the opposite side of your face, pinching the chin with the two fingers, firmly gliding all the way outwards towards your ear. You can repeat this 8-10 times each side. Another good technique is to use the outer edge of your hands, elbows touching, glide your hands from your mouth, underneath the cheekbone right up to the hairline in a V shape. This will help plump your cheekbones, providing you use a firm pressure. Again, repeat 8-10 times.” – Michaella Bolder, skincare expert 

Maintenance & Consistency Is Essential

“Just like exercise for the body, you need to be consistent with your facial massages. It takes patience, but if you have 15 minutes to mindlessly scroll through your phone, you have time for your face. Remember our faces are made up of muscles working in all directions on a very physical level, so you need to help these overworked tissues where you can.” – Abigail 

“You should massage your face every day. I like to perform facial exercises at night when you have more time to unwind and indulge. Aim for a slight pink flush to the skin when you use the firm pressure that’s recommended. Make sure you work extra hard on areas that typically collect tension, including the jaw and above and around your eyebrows. Make sure you open the lymphatic system first by pulsing behind the ears for ten counts. Always finish your massage with a gentle glide down to the sides of the neck to drain everything away.” – Michaella

Facial Massage Requires Some Slip

“When you do perform a facial massage, you should make sure you have enough slip so you can glide effortless around the face. Before you get to work, make sure you use a facial balm or oil. This will mean less reddening of the skin and less inflammation. Always work underneath your muscles, not over the bone and keep a medium pressure to release any stress that has built up.” – Michaella

• Book In For A 1-1 With Nichola Using This 20% Discount Rate – You’ll Also Get £20 Redeemable Credit For Every Purchase

• Check Out The Glow Plan, By Abigail James For Face Massage Routines, Tips & Expert Advice. Plus Don’t Miss Her Tutorials Here. 

• Visit MichaellaBolder.com For Appointments & Advice, & Follow Her Instagram Tutorials For Step-By-Step Routines