Facial gymnastics: a natural alternative to facial treatments

This new practice taking TikTok and Instagram by storm is a workout that uses high-energy massage movements to tone and tighten 40+ facial muscles.

Today there are countless options to take care of the appearance of the face beyond the application of topical products, such as Botox, lasers, fillers, radiofrequency or surgical procedures, among others. . But there are also less invasive practices with benefits that in some cases can even be therapeutic, and this is found in facial gymnastics.

Facial gymnastics is a whole universe. There are different techniques, but they have in common the search to improve the appearance of the skin and muscles of the neck and face in a non-invasive way, using only the hands or, if desired, using certain tools. .

Increasingly popular around the world, facial gymnastics has already taken hold in Chile and you can even find specialized places where sessions take place.

Male Mayer is a member of Skin Factory (@skinfactory.cl), a space dedicated to facial gymnastics. Mayer explains what and how they work at this center: “It’s a high intensity non-invasive workout where the 40+ muscles we have on our face are worked to lift, sculpt, firm, stimulate better circulation and tighten using manual techniques and facial tools. Mayer points out that some of the great benefits of the technique they use are the ability to drain and oxygenate the skin, in addition to reducing expression lines.

In addition to training as an osteopath, Victoria Bernabei (@victoriabernabei) is a cosmetologist and specialist in facial massage techniques. She explains: “Facial gymnastics consists of performing a series of exercises that mobilize the muscles of the area, helping to preserve the firmness of the skin. It is based on the concept that the stimulation of the facial musculature favors the composition and the tension of the fibers of the skin which covers them”.

A specific type of facial gymnastics is the increasingly popular facial yoga. Valentina Costa (@valentinacosta) studied the Glowface method, a technique of this discipline in which the hands are used to generate pressure on the muscles “as if they were weights”, she says. What is sought is to make them work more than usual, so that the muscle regains volume and the skin regains its turgidity. But that’s not all, because another important benefit is that by relaxing the muscles, headaches, bruxism problems and neck pain are reduced, which the practice of Bernabei also achieves.

Another recognized method is the one created by the Catalan Mariona Vilanova, who has spent years perfecting herself in facial exercises, even creating instruments that various experts have incorporated into her routine; such as the Lifting Cup, a tool also useful for self-massages with a lifting effect. Highly recommended is her Instagram account, @marionavilanova, in which she shows easy-to-follow examples.

On the other hand, the so-called Facial Pilates has recently attracted attention and one of its greatest exponents is the FaceToned application, created by the Spaniard Carme Farré based on this discipline. She argues that exercise “is the most powerful anti-aging method possible for the body and face.”

Despite the fact that this real boom is becoming more and more popular, some relevant doubts remain and to solve them, experts answer the following questions:

1- After how long are the results visible?

The answer varies, but all specialists point out that the key to having the desired effect is perseverance. Male Mayer emphasizes: “From the first session you can see changes in the drainage and a more wake up in the area of ​​the cheekbones, eyebrows and eyes. For deeper changes, consistency is important. For her part, Valentina Costa says: “Results vary from person to person. As with any exercise, everyone is responsible for change and possible outcomes. From how you do it and with what perseverance”. Valentina also makes reference to a very relevant point: “Healthy lifestyle, a positive spirit, getting enough sleep, eating well, all of this will also influence the results.”

2- What is the ideal age to perform these exercises?

Valentina, Male and Victoria agree that even a young face will benefit from facial gymnastics. Male Comments: “We have younger clients coming in more preemptively to avoid botox and fillers and keep their face firm.” Costa agrees: “If you start training at a young age, your facial muscles won’t atrophy over time. However, it is never too late to start. Indeed, if you are older or if you already identify some wrinkles and sagging skin, facial yoga allows you to enjoy smoother and more luminous skin, toned facial muscles and an incredible feeling of well-being » .

3- What are its contraindications?

Male Mayer points out that at Skin Gym they recommend against doing these exercises for those who applied Botox two weeks ago or less; to those who had hyaluronic acid applied a month or less ago or tension threads four weeks or less ago. It should also be avoided by people with skin conditions such as active acne, psoriasis, cold sores and/or facial surgeries within the past 12 months. Some of these contraindications coincide with what is traditionally taught in cosmetology schools: drains and facial relaxation massages should not be performed on people with dermatological pathologies such as those mentioned by Mayer, nor on those suffering from rosacea.

4- Do any of these techniques have benefits beyond aesthetics?

Victoria Bernabei comments that there are indeed more profound effects. The technique she uses is the one taught by Eli Heros in his studio in Buenos Aires (@estudioheros), where Victoria works. “The results are cosmetic/therapeutic,” he says. What she offers is a true self-care experience, much like Costa, who explains, “Facial yoga relaxes the muscles, releases tension and gives those who practice it a relaxed, stress-free state.” And he illustrates: “Practicing in the morning with a focus on certain exercises, facial yoga provides energy and lifts the mood to start the day. On the other hand, practicing it in the evening before falling asleep relaxes and prepares for a deep sleep and repairer”.

5- Do I need a product to perform these exercises?

In various techniques of facial gymnastics, it is possible to use slippery products, such as certain oils. But, for example, in the case of the Glowface method, it is better to skip them: “For the exercises you must have good to inputValentina said. For this reason, she recommends just doing them with a clean face or with a serum. “The oil is used last, because the product is also absorbed much better,” he adds.

Let’s also not forget that there are alternatives such as the use of gua sha or tools such as the Mariona Vilanova Lifting Cup.

6- Where can I learn?

Valentina Costa and Mariona Vilanova offer lessons. Victoria Bernabei also shows exercises on her Instagram account, so a good idea is to pay attention to her social networks to know her news and her workshops.

7- What do I need?

Tessa’s beauty oil


Minata Virgin Marula Face Oil


Naturaloe Anti-Aging Serum


Jade Gua Sha


The classic lift cut

Source: Latercera

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