How to use facial yoga to smooth nasolabial furrows i marionette wrinkles, What can be done to prevent them from getting worse as the years go by? What can be done to prevent them getting worse as the years go by? If you are keen to reduce their appearance, I have prepared a range of information and simple instructions for you.
Of course, it is only natural that as we age, the skin loses its elasticity and facial expressions - although beautifully expressing our emotions - leave their marks. Some people have no problem with this, while others, on the contrary, look for methods to delay the skin ageing process as much as possible. Let me show you how to do this naturally.
Just a few minutes a day are enough to relax facial tensions, strengthen your muscles and make your skin firmer. With simple exercises, you'll smooth out the lines you don't like, but also improve the appearance of your complexion - all in the comfort of your own home, conveniently, without running to the beauty parlours.
What are nasolabial furrows and marionette wrinkles?
Nasolabial furrows are the characteristic lines running from the wings of the nose to the corners of the mouth, which become more prominent with age.
Marionette wrinkles on the other hand, are vertical lines that appear below the corners of the mouth and can make the face appear sad or tired, even when you feel great.
Why do they arise? The main culprit is the skin's natural ageing process. Over the years, we lose collagen and elastin - proteins that are responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Added to this is the weakening of facial muscles, so facial expressions easily begin to perpetuate lines. Factors such as UV radiation, stress, lack of sleep and smoking further accelerate this process.
What influences the formation of nasal furrows and marionette wrinkles?
- genetics
- face shape
- habit of sleeping on the side
- inappropriate tension in the cheek area, e.g. by bruxism
- body asymmetries
- abnormal occlusion
- lifestyle (e.g. stress, smoking, lack of sleep, poor diet)
- exposure to the sun (UV radiation)
- environmental pollution
- hydration of the body
- skin care (or lack thereof)
- hormonal changes (e.g. menopause)
- tense muscles lifting the corners of the mouth
Remember that the face is not a separate entity. Your whole body, your posture, all your habits have an impact on how wrinkles and fine lines outline.
The benefits of facial yoga and massages, or why you should implement these activities into your skincare routine
How facial yoga improves circulation and strengthens facial muscles
Face Yoga is more than just relaxing exercise - it is a way to stimulate blood circulation and oxygenate the skin. Through regular movements you strengthen facial muscles, which lose their elasticity with age. Stronger muscles support the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. What's more, better circulation means faster delivery of nutrients and removal of toxins, which translates into a healthy, radiant complexion.
Massage as a way to relax and stimulate collagen production
A facial massage is not just a moment of relaxation - it is also intensive work on the skin. During the massage you stimulate fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for the production of collagen and elastin. It is these proteins that give the skin its firmness and elasticity. Massage reduces muscle tone, which can aggravate wrinkles, and also promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps remove swelling and toxins. The result? Your face looks younger, your skin feels smoother and you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
How to smooth out nasolabial furrows?
Step 1: Look for the cause
Before you introduce regular exercise and facial massages into your daily routine, it is worth considering, what can cause them. Perhaps such reflection will help you eliminate the cause.
For example, if you sleep on your side and in the morning you notice that your furrows are definitely deeper - you have a signal to try sleeping on your back or get a special Bye Bye Wrinkless anti-wrinkle cushion. If you suffer from bruxism, it is worth taking action to get rid of this problem, while incorporating into your routine the practices I will suggest to you in the following paragraphs.
Step 2: Prevent with simple exercises and natural massage
EXERCISE 1
- Always perform exercise number 1 in front of a mirror. Remember the correct position (no hunching or bending of the neck).
- Curl your lips under your teeth, making sure they are curled symmetrically. The corners of the mouth should be at the same height.
- Then rest two hands on the temples, gently lifting the skin.
- And in a gentle, controlled way, smile. You should feel a gentle tension.
- Stay in this position, counting to 10.
- The exercise is worth repeating in the morning and evening.
EXERCISE 2
- You can do the second exercise while driving, for example, standing in traffic.
- All you have to do is take air into your mouth and move it to the area around your upper lip.
- Then count to 10.
- Repeat the exercise 3 times.
MASSAGE NUMBER 1
As part of your massage, you can gently pinch the area around the nasolabial furrows, moving up and down. In this way, you will not only stimulate the fibroblasts that lead to collagen synthesis, but also improve blood and lymph circulation and strengthen this zone.
MASSAGE NUMBER 2
Massaging the nasolabial furrows with the tongue from the inside. That is, tighten the tongue and move it around the inside of the furrows.
A video tutorial of exercises and simple massages for nasolabial furrows can be found here:
Rejuvenating massage for marionette wrinkles
And what can be done about marionette wrinkles? Actually, here the recipe for smoothing the skin is very similar, i.e. we first look for the cause and then implement the right exercises and massages.
EXERCISE 1
- Bring your index fingers to the corners of your mouth, gently lifting them upwards. Gently open your mouth.
- Then do a few gentle exhalations, as if you were about to blow out a candle.
- Beware of clenching the mouth area (as for whistling), this movement should not be done. The position of the mouth should be loose.
MASSAGE NUMBER 1
- Start by moisturising the skin - you can use Citrus Glow oil, to make the massage more pleasant and effective.
- Then, gently but firmly, with the fingers of both hands, massage around the wrinkle lines, starting from the corners of the mouth towards the chin and along the jaw.
- Remember not to press too hard as the facial skin is thin and sensitive.
- Regular, gentle circular movements will help improve blood circulation and stimulate collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
You can find detailed massage instructions for marionette wrinkles here:
A massage accessory that will come in handy for the nasolabial furrow zone and the corners of the mouth
If you want to intensify the effectiveness of the massage, it is worth reaching for the right accessories. One of the best accessories for working on the nasolabial furrow area is the massage roller, which, thanks to its small head, is perfect for working on these facial areas.
Gently guide roller along the nasolabial furrow line, and then around the corners of the mouth in a smooth but firm upward motion.
What effects can you achieve?
After just a few weeks, you will notice that nasolabial furrows become shallower, and marionette wrinkles will be less visible. The skin will be tighter and its texture smoothed. In addition, the overall appearance of the face will improve - it will become more radiant, firmer and fresher.
It is worth remembering that regular massages stimulate collagen production, which makes the skin more elastic and wrinkles can be reduced by up to several millimetres.
To notice the first results, it is worth spending a few minutes a day exercising and massaging. Optimally, facial exercises and massages should be performed at least 4-5 times a week. Regularity is key - after about 2-3 weeks, the first changes in the condition of the skin should be visible.
If you are just starting out on your massage adventure - remember to take a photo. This will allow you to keep track of the effects.
I encourage you to start now - right after reading this text. It's the natural route to younger, firmer skin.
If you want to explore the topic in more depth, I invite you to take my online course, which provides detailed instructions on how to incorporate these techniques into your daily routine.
Give yourself the chance to rejuvenate naturally - your face deserves to look beautiful and fresh!