Face Flex: Facial Exercises You Can Do At-Home

How to work out your facial muscles for an instant lift — no sweat.

The premise is simple: Just as your body can be toned through exercise, your face has muscles (43 to be exact) that can benefit for a little flexing, too. Advocates claim that regular facial exercises can enhance circulation, boost collagen production, and tighten sagging skin. The result? A lifted jawline, defined cheekbones, and a natural glow — no injectables required.

Facial workouts, also known as face yoga or skin fitness, have steadily become mainstream. They promise a sculpted, youthful look without the needles, lasers, or pricey creams. From TikTok tutorials to dedicated facial fitness studios, this trend is proving that beauty isn't just skin-deep: It's muscle-deep.

“Facial massage increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin,” says Jacob Gough, LMT, a medical massage practitioner at Capital Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness in Washington, D.C., who has been practicing facial massage for more than 15 years. “This helps tone and plump the face, creating a natural glow. It can also stimulate collagen production, promoting firmer, more youthful-looking skin.”

Gough says that most clients experience results during the session or immediately afterward and that the effects can last three to five days, depending on the person. Factors such as dehydration, stress levels, sleep, mood, and digestion can all impact how long the benefits last.

Though some may notice a difference after just one session, lasting results come with consistency.

“Consistency leads to better circulation and a youthful glow,” Gough says. He recommends incorporating face yoga into your daily cleansing routine.

An easy regimen to start with: Use your fingertips to massage your cheeks and jaw in slow, circular motions for 1 to 3 minutes. Then glide your knuckles from your chin to your ears along the jawline, and repeat that motion 10 to 15 times. End by gliding your fingertips from the center of your forehead outward toward your ears 10 to 15 times.

To get the most out of facial massage, Gough says, avoid excessive pressure, which can cause skin irritation, and make sure to stay well hydrated. “Hydration is crucial for skin health,” he says. “Drinking enough water helps flush out toxins, keeps the skin plump, and reduces fine lines and dark circles.” It also enhances circulation, improves the effectiveness of the facial massage, and clears the lymphatic system. So it's important to hydrate after practicing face yoga, just as you would with regular yoga.

JAWLINE SCULPTING

Lifts & Defines Jawline

Make a loose fist and place your knuckles at the center of your chin.
Glide your knuckles up along your jawline toward you ears, applying light pressure.
Repeat 5-10 times per side in a slow, controlled motion.

CHEEKBONE LIFT

Firms & Plumps Cheeks

Place the pads of your fingers at the sides of your nose.
Glide your fingers outward along your cheekbones.
Apply gentle pressure and repeat 5-10 times per side.

FOREHEAD SMOOTHING

Relieves Tension & Softens Wrinkles

Place your fingertips in the center of your forehead.
Glide them outward toward your hairline and temples, using light but firm pressure.
Repeat 5-10 times in slow, even strokes.

**This article was originally featured in Love Inc. V10 print issue. Buy your copy here.**