Influence of fascia on facial appearance

Do you realise that the appearance of the face is influenced by the whole body? There's a reason why I often stress that if you want to look good for a long time then you need to take one of the most important rules to heart - straighten up!

I have written about the relationship between facial appearance and body shape before (you can read about it in the article postural defects and facial appearance), and this time I will touch on the impact of superficial fascias.

What are anatomical bands?

The fascias, together with the muscles, form the so-called anatomical bands through which the body is connected as a whole. The superficial fascia is a subcutaneous loose connective tissue that contains elastic fibres and fat cells. It provides thermo-mechanical protection for the body, and plays a role in supporting the movement of the skin in relation to the deep fascia.

Research has shown that fascia is a plastic tissue that has the ability to contract, due to the presence of myofibroblasts within it. The myofibroblasts shrink as a result of mechanical stress and also under the influence of chemicals.

Incorrect posture, poor exercise habits, injuries, as well as unsuitable lifestyles (poor nutrition, stimulants, lack of exercise, not drinking enough water, body pH disorders) cause stiffening and contraction of the fascia.

How do fascias affect the body?

Deformation of the fascia manifests itself in the form of adhesions, thickening, and a feeling of stiffness in the body. Damage to the fascia due to trauma, surgery and scarring results in abnormal tension of the fascia and affects other parts of the body. Facial asymmetry can result from an abnormal tension of the fascia due to an adhesion in the leg or abdominal area, for example... What happens to the foot, for example, will affect other parts of the body, including the head and face, and vice versa.

There are two large superficial fascicles in the human body: the anterior fascia TPP and the posterior fascia TPT. When the body posture is properly maintained, these bands balance each other out. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case in reality, especially in this day and age, where we spend a lot of time in a sitting position and at the computer or telephone.

Front surface tape runs from the toes through the entire front of the body to the skull, where it forms a loop at the back of the head. It tends to move downwards, distorting the silhouette over time.

Stiffened fascia further affects the shape of the silhouette, amplifying its abnormality, as well as affects the appearance of the face, especially the shape of the oval and the drooping of the chin and the overall impression of the face „floating down”!

Positions are a good test to assess and also improve the flexibility of the band: - kneeling in plantar flexion - assesses and improves the lower part of the TPP band Both feet should be extended, including the shins, and pressed against the floor, with the buttocks touching the heels (sit on the heels) - yoga position called cobra - assesses and improves the upper part of the TPP band

Back surface tape It runs from the toes and soles of the feet through the back of the legs, back, neck, skull to the eyebrows. Its abnormalities even affect forehead wrinkles, drooping eyebrows and eyelids! It shifts the scalp forward, causing the tissues to droop.

- The forward bend with the hands resting on the thighs (feet feet hip-width apart, legs straight at the knees, back straight, body bending only at the hips) is one way to check the state of tension of the band and also to restore its functionality. - yoga position „dog with head down”

What can be done to keep the fascias working?

- take care of your posture by watching your posture and doing stretching exercises such as yoga, streching, Pilates - don't leave body injuries untreated for long - do facial exercises and massages. - massage the head to release tension, and be sure to improve the condition of the hamstrings (you can find a short tutorial on how to do this on my YT: Head massage to reduce tension and wrinkles on the forehead.) - take care of your diet and hydrate your body properly - supplement your hyaluronic acid levels with preparations such as Hyaluron drink.