How to lift drooping cheeks? Top exercises and lifting massages

Have you noticed that your cheeks are starting to droop and the oval of your face is no longer as pronounced as it once was? It's perfectly natural - as you age, your skin loses firmness, your features become less defined and the oval of your face starts to change. 

As a result, so called 'face' appears on the face. hamsters, or flabby cheekswhich can make the face look tired and even sad. 

If your cheeks are no longer as lifted as they once were and you're not keen on the change - remember that you're not alone. Many women are looking for effective ways to restore a youthful appearance to their face without the need for invasive procedures. 

As always, I have good news for you. Facial yoga exercises and lifting massages are some of the best ways to improve the condition of the skin and strengthen the muscles in this part of the face. Regular practice is all it takes to see the first results. As early as after 2 weeks the cheeks become tighterThe facial contour is clearer and the skin regains a healthy glow. 

What's more, the techniques you'll learn in this post not only have a rejuvenating effect, but also help to relax the muscle tension that often causes wrinkles and loss of firmness.

In this article, you will learn why cheeks lose their elasticity over time, the main causes of this process and - most importantly - how you can effectively counteract it. You will learn simple but highly effective exercises and massages to apply yourself at home. 

Ready to take care of your face the natural way? Let's get started!

Why do cheeks lose firmness with age?

Everyone's skin ages at its own pace, but there are some common factors that contribute to the loss of firmness in the cheeks. Over time, the structure of the skin and the muscles that provide its natural support change. In the first instance production of collagen and elastin decreases - key proteins responsible for the elasticity of the skin. As a result, the skin becomes thinner, less elastic and more susceptible to gravity.

At the same time facial muscles are weakened, These form a kind of frame for the tissues. When they stop working with sufficient force, the skin starts to move downwards and the cheeks lose their original form. In addition, the fat pads that are found in the upper face at a young age, move downwards over time, which makes the oval of the face less pronounced.

Not without significance are also muscular tensionswhich can cause facial asymmetry and deformity. Stress, poor posture, muscle contractures can all lead to muscle imbalance, which ultimately contributes to deepening wrinkles and sagging cheeks.

Although these changes are inevitable, you can effectively counteract them. Regular facial yoga exercises and shaping massages help to strengthen muscles, improve micro-circulation and restore skin elasticity. With these, you can lift your cheeks naturally, without having to resort to expensive treatments.

In the following sections of this article, you will learn the most effective methods to help you regain your youthful appearance and keep your skin healthy.

Causes of drooping cheeks

• Gravity and natural ageing processes
• Weakening of the facial muscles
• Decrease in collagen and elastin production
• Displacement of fat pads
• Excess lymph causing swelling
• Muscle tensions and contractures
• Abnormal posture and displacement of the mandible
• Stress and facial expressions contributing to asymmetry
• excessively tense neck muscles

How do facial yoga and massage help lift the cheeks?

The facial muscles, like those in the body, need regular work to maintain firmness and elasticity. With the right exercises and massages, you can stimulate circulation, tighten the skin and give your cheeks a more youthful, lifted appearance.

Face Yoga works on the deep muscle layers, strengthening them and preventing flaccidity. Exercise not only helps to lift the cheeks, but also to improve facial symmetry and correct minor asymmetries caused by daily facial expressions. In addition, muscle activation stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for skin elasticity.

Facial massage while it loosens tensions that can cause tissues to droop. It also improves lymph flow, which helps to get rid of swelling and so-called "hamsters" in the lower face. Regular massage improves oxygenation of the skin, making it more radiant and supple.

Benefits of regular practice

• Firming and lifting of the cheeks
  Muscle activation restores elasticity to the muscles, so that the skin does not fall as easily under the influence of gravity.
• Lift the corners of the mouth
  Exercise strengthens the muscles around the mouth, preventing a sad expression and adding freshness to the face.
• Improving facial symmetry
  Appropriate techniques help to correct small asymmetries resulting from muscle tension or facial habits.
• Reduction of "hoarders"
  Massage and exercise promote lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling in the lower face.
• Strengthening neck muscles
  Working on the facial muscles also affects the neck area, improving its tension and preventing sagging.

Top cheek lift exercises

To effectively firm the cheeks and restore a youthful appearance, it is worthwhile to regularly perform exercises that engage the facial muscles. The key to success is consistency - just a few minutes a day is enough to see the first results. 

Before you get to training, however, remember to warm upwhich will prepare your muscles for work and increase the effectiveness of your exercises.

Step 1: Warm-up

Before you start exercising, do some simple movements to stimulate circulation and relax tight muscles.

• Gently tilt your head back and forth to stretch your neck muscles.
• Perform several slow head circles, alternating right and left.
• Using your fingertips, gently tap your entire face to stimulate circulation and oxygenate the skin.

After the warm-up, you can move on to the actual exercises that will strengthen your facial muscles and help lift your cheeks.

Exercise 1: Raising cheeks with a smile

This is one of the simplest but very effective exercises that activates the cheek muscles and improves their tension.

How to perform the exercise?

1. Put your palms to your cheeks and gently lift them upwards.
2. Curl the lower lip over the lower teeth and the upper lip over the line of the upper teeth, exposing the gums.
3. In this position, try to smile and hold the tension for 10 seconds.
4. Repeat the exercise 3 times.

After each series, you can additionally form your mouth into a pout and move it from side to side to relax the muscles and relieve tension.

See instructions in the video:
Lifting cheeks with a smile - see here

Exercise 2: Lifting with a stick

For this exercise you will need an Asian chopstick or bamboo straw. This is a great way to strengthen your cheek muscles and improve their firmness.

How to perform the exercise?

1. Curl your lips over your teeth - this is best done in front of a mirror to make sure the corners of your mouth are at the same height.
2. Put the stick in your mouth, but do not close it completely. Hold it only with the corners of your mouth, leaving the space open.
3. Place your hands on your face, stabilising the temple area to prevent wrinkles from forming
4. Smile, holding the tension for 7 seconds.
5. At the end of the series, relax your muscles by moving your lips aligned in a pout to the right and left.

How do you gradually increase the intensity?

• Perform the exercise once a day during the first week.
• In the next stage, you can increase the frequency to twice a day.
• Gradually increase the tension time - instead of 7 seconds, try counting to 10, 12 or even 15 seconds.

See instructions in the video:
Baton lift - see here

Lifting massages for drooping cheeks

Another part of the natural cheek-lifting ritual is regular massages. This is one of my favourite ways to firm the skin, improve the facial oval and lift the cheeks. 

With the right techniques, you can relax tight muscles, stimulate microcirculation and move the fat pads upwards, achieving a natural lifting effect on the tissues. 

Facial massage works on several levels

• Stimulates blood circulationwhich improves oxygenation and nutrition of the skin.
• Stimulates the lymphatic system, reducing swelling and removing excess lymph, which can cause a 'heavy' lower face effect.
• Relaxes tense muscleswhich can cause contractures and facial deformities.
• Models the oval of the face, lifting the cheeks and preventing tissue sagging.

Thumb and index finger massage technique

One of my favourite massages for sagging cheeks is performed with the thumb and forefinger. It allows you to precisely grasp the tissues of the cheeks and lift them towards the zygomatic bones.

How to perform a step-by-step massage?

1. Cleanse the skin and apply a little Citrus Glow oil, so that the hands can glide smoothly over the face.
2. Place the thumb inside the mouth, touching the lower part of the cheek. Place your index finger outwards, holding the tissue.
3. Gently but firmly move your fingers in an upward arc to the line of the zygomatic bone.
4. Perform the movement dozens of times on each side of the face.
5. Repeat the massage 3-4 times a week for 5 minutes on each side. Those who are more advanced can perform it daily for 10 minutes.

See the exact technique in the video:
➡️ Cheek lifting massage - see here

Massage with clenched fists - lifting cheeks from the corners of the mouth upwards

This technique is an excellent way to accentuate your cheekbones. In addition, through intense pressure and dynamic movements, you stimulate circulation, relax tense muscles and stimulate collagen production.

How to perform a step-by-step massage?

• Check that you can still feel the gentle glide of the oil on your skin after the previous massage. If not reapply a few drops to the face.  
• Clench your hands into fists and bring the knuckles of your index fingers to the corners of your mouth.
• In a firm but smooth motion, move your fists across the skin towards the zygomatic bones, gently lifting the cheeks.
• Make about 10-15 movements for each side of the face.

Cheek massage with Gua-Sha stone

As you may already know, Gua-Sha is an ancient massage technique originating from Chinese medicine. It involves moving a specially shaped stone over the skin, which stimulates circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage and helps to contour the facial oval.

How to perform a cheek massage with a Gua-Sha stone?

• Re-apply oil to allow the stone to glide freely over the face.
• Hold the stone at a 15-degree angle so that as much surface area as possible is in contact with the skin.
• Start at the chin and gently move the stone upwards along the jawline. Then make an arching motion from the corners of the mouth towards the zygomatic bones.
• Repeat each movement about 8-10 times per side.
  

See the exact technique in the video: How to lift and "enlarge" cheekbones?

How to amplify the effects of exercise and massage for drooping cheeks?

Exercise and facial massage can significantly improve skin firmness, but Their effectiveness increases when you take a holistic approach to care. 

Of key importance is adequate hydrationbecause the skin needs water to stay supple and tight. Drinking at least 1.5-2 litres of water every day helps maintain optimal hydration from within. 

A balanced diet plays an equally important role - it is worth enriching your diet with collagen-rich foods such as bone broth, fish or eggs, as well as healthy fats that support the skin barrier. 

And don't forget the antioxidants vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, which protect cells from premature ageing and promote regeneration processes.

Exercise regularity - how long to wait for results?

As with body exercises, facial training requires consistency. You'll notice the first effects of facial exercises after just two or three weeks, but for long-lasting results, it's worth making them a permanent part of your daily routine. 

Best exercise daily for 10-15 minutes, and perform the massage at least three to four times a week. After a month, you can assess your progress and possibly increase the intensity of the exercises to suit your skin.

Resume

Regular exercise and facial massage is a natural way to lift your cheeks and improve your facial oval. If you combine these with proper skincare, a healthy diet and regularity, the results will be even better and longer-lasting. 

Want to learn more natural massage and yoga facial techniques? Follow me on social media and subscribe my youtube channel! There you will find more instructions, tips and advice on how to take care of your skin holistically and model your face effectively with natural methods.