Is face yoga beneficial? 5 beginner friendly exercises to do at home

Yoga has long been embraced for its physical and mental health benefits. In recent years, another branch of the practice has been gaining attention online, known as face yoga. Social media is filled with videos claiming that a few minutes of facial exercises can help improve skin tone, reduce puffiness, and even soften signs of ageing.

But does face yoga actually work and who can try it?

To understand the practice, Firstpost spoke to Acharya Ranjana Chhabra, a government-certified yoga therapist and face yoga expert.

What is face yoga?

According to Chhabra, face care practices have existed in traditional wellness systems for centuries.

"In ancient times, practices like Marma therapy, Abhyanga (oil massage), Pranayama, and yogic exercises were used to keep the face healthy and youthful. It was believed that the condition of the face reflects a person’s mental and spiritual balance."

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She explains that face yoga differs from regular facial exercises because it combines movement with breathwork, relaxation and mindfulness.

"Face Yoga is a holistic practice. It gently activates facial muscles along with deep breathing, relaxation, and mind awareness. Its goal is not just to strengthen muscles, but also to reduce stress, balance facial energy, and enhance natural glow. Each movement is performed with awareness, making the face feel calm and relaxed from within."

Can face yoga reduce wrinkles and sagging?

Experts say wrinkles and skin ageing are influenced by several factors, including genetics, dehydration, sun exposure, stress, lack of sleep, alcohol consumption and reduced collagen production.

Chhabra says, "If face yoga is combined with addressing these causes, such as proper sleep, adequate water intake, a balanced diet and skincare, then wrinkles can be prevented and reduced to some extent."

However, Chhabra cautions that face yoga is not a miracle solution.

"Face yoga is not a medical treatment and does not guarantee 100% results, but it is a natural, supportive practice."

She adds that stress often manifests in facial muscles, especially around the forehead and eyes.

"During extreme stress or excitement, pressure increases on the muscular system, which appears as tightening of facial muscles, causing wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. Stress also increases cortisol (stress hormone) levels, leading to fatigue and tension on the face and body."

Like the rest of the body, facial muscles also benefit from movement and exercise, she says.

"Just as the muscles of the entire body need exercise, the 57 facial muscles also require exercise. This helps provide extra oxygen and nutrition to the face. Proper facial exercise improves blood flow and helps remove toxins, keeping the face fresh and healthy. Face yoga is a natural practice that helps balance facial muscles, blood circulation and stress."

Key benefits of face yoga

Regular practice of face yoga may offer the following benefits:

5 beginner-friendly face yoga exercises

While it is always advised to practice yoga under expert supervision, these simple face yoga exercises can be done at home without much hassle. Chhabra recommends that people with oily skin practise face yoga three days a week, while those with dry skin can do it up to five days a week.

1. Balloon Pose

2. Kapol Shakti Vikasak

3. Shankhasana (Shankha Pose)

4. Cute Pose

Gently pull your cheeks outward with both hands

Keep your eyes open and focused

Pout your lips forward

Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and relax

5. "O" and "E" Mudra