Worried about wrinkles, sagging skin? Experts suggest face yoga tips to banish stress from your face

On International Self-Care Day (July 24), we take a look at our body’s biggest enemy – stress and ways we can get rid of it. While we don’t need ‘a’ particular day to make ourselves feel important and to take care of ourselves, we do understand why this was needed. In the ever-dynamic AI-led world where everything is available at the tip of our fingers, good health is still the biggest wealth.

To gain some insightabout these concerns, we spoke to Saurabh Bothra and Savitu Singh who are experts in their own fields and certified yoga instructors. Calling out stress as the biggest enemy to our bodies, for external and internal health, they suggest exploring yoga for a stress-free life.

Saurabh Bothra, CEO andCertified Yoga Instructor, Habuild says stress doesn’t just mess our heads but it’s all over our faces too.As we mark self-care month, it's the perfect time to explore how we can keep our skin looking fabulous, even under pressure.

Facial yoga is one of the most effective and natural methods to combat stress-induced skin issues. When stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol, a hormone that can wreak havoc on our skin. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to increased oil production, which often results in acne and other skin blemishes.

Benefits of Facial Yoga:

Facial yoga involves a series of exercises that target the muscles in your face. Just like traditional yoga, facial yoga promotes relaxation and stress relief. Here are some key benefits:

1. Reduces Wrinkles and Fine Lines
2. Improves Blood Circulation
3. Releases Tension
4. Enhances Skin Elasticity
5. Firmly tones the face

Here are some easy-to-follow facial yoga exercises that can help improve the health of your skin:

1. The Cheek Lift:

● Sit or stand comfortably with your back straight.
● Smile as wide as you can without opening your lips.
● Place your fingers lightly on the corners of your mouth.
● Lift your cheeks towards your eyes, feeling the stretch.
● Hold for 10 seconds and release.Repeat fivetimes.

2. The Neck Tightener:

● Sit or stand comfortably with your back straight.
● Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling.
● Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
● Hold for 10 seconds and release.Repeat fivetimes.

3. The Forehead Smoother:

● Sit or stand comfortably with your back straight.
● Place both hands on your forehead with your fingers spread out.
● Gently pull your forehead skin down while raising your eyebrows.
● Hold for 10 seconds and release.Repeat fivetimes.

4. The Jaw Release:

● Sit or stand comfortably with your back straight.
● Tilt your head back slightly and look towards the ceiling.
● Move your lower lip over your upper lip and hold for fiveseconds.Repeat 10 times.

5. The Fish Face:

● Sit or stand comfortably with your back straight.
● Suck in your cheeks to make a fish face.
● Hold this position while trying to smile.
● Hold for 10 seconds and release. Repeat fivetimes.

Savitu Singh, an Internationally Certified Face Yoga expert affirms stress affects our skin. He says it leads to breakouts and acne, wrinkles and fine lines, dryness and irritation, dullness and dark circles.

Savitu’s go-to for this is a five-minute Face Yoga Routine that can help in face lifting and stress relief.

Steps for Face Yoga:

Perform this routine on a clean, washed face. Use a facial oil or moisturiser suitable for your skin type. Practice 10 sets every morning or night.

1. Forehead Relaxer: Place both hands on your forehead with fingers spread between your eyebrows andhairline. Gently sweep your fingers outwards across your forehead using light to medium pressure.
2. Eye Massages:Place your index and middle fingers in the inner corners of your eyes. Lightly massageyour under-eye area upwards to the temple using gentle pressure.
3. Cheek Lifter: Place your fingers on your cheeks near your nose. Gently lift the skin upwards towardsyour cheekbones.
4. Nose Depuffer: Place your index and middle fingers next to your nose. Rotate them upwards, endingjust below your eyes. This helps decongest the nose and provides sinus relief.
5. Jaw Relaxer: Place your fingers on your jawline and glide them towards your ears. Do both sidessimultaneously.
6. Neck Stretcher:Place your hands on your chest. Stretch your neck upwards and look at the ceiling.Hold for 10-15 counts, then slowly return to the starting position.

Practising these exercises daily can relieve stress and tension in your facial muscles, reduce headaches, and improve sleep. Over time, your lines and wrinkles willstart to fade, and your skin will look bright, plump, and glowing.

Additional Tips for Ultimate Relaxation:

Create a relaxing environment with soothing music and scented candles to maximise the benefits of your face yoga routine.

Lifestyle Tips for Enhanced Skin and Mental Health:

1. Hydration: Drink at least threelitres of water daily. Include water-rich fruits like cucumber, watermelon, and litchis in your diet.
2. Breathing Exercises: Practise deep breathing for 5-10 minutes daily. Techniques like Nadi Shodhanaand Box Breathing can reduce stress. Meditation before bed can help you unwind.
3. Body Exercises: Engage in physical activities like yoga, gym workouts, walking, dancing, or swimmingfor 30-40 minutes daily. Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood lifters, and reduces stresshormones like cortisol.
4. Sleep: Aim for seven to ninehours of quality sleep each night. Sleep helps reduce stress by allowing the bodyandmind to recover, repair, and recharge. It improves mood, cognitive function, and resilience to stress.