Facial Workouts: Can Face Fitness Replace a Cosmetologist?

We dug into the research, tested face yoga on ourselves (including when we had a hangover), and here’s what actually works—and what we’ll leave to the Instagram gurus.

What is FaceFitness, and why is it everywhere?

Face fitness, face yoga, and face building are all systems of facial exercises. That’s right—it’s not just your butt you can work out, but your cheeks, too. The idea is that you make faces, stretch, and tense your facial muscles in the hope of looking “younger and more toned.”

Does this even work? Keep it brief and scientific.

Yes, there are studies. But…

• There aren't many people there (15–30, like at a party for introverts)
• Not always objective (often, “Oh, I think my face looks fresher”)
• Subjective assessments—improvements were more often noted by the participants themselves and by cosmetologists, rather than based on objective metrics.

In 2018, a study was published in *JAMA Dermatology* in which participants aged 40–65 performed facial exercises for 20 weeks. The result: a slight improvement in cheek firmness—not much, but it’s something.

7 Popular Face Fitness Claims—and How True They Are

"Get rid of your double chin"

❌ Unfortunately, no.
Exercise doesn't melt fat—it's not a microwave. You need a calorie deficit, not a "giraffe." But you can tone the muscles under your skin just a little bit.

"The nasolabial folds will smooth out"

🟡 Maybe just a little.
Nasolabial folds are mostly due to collagen and gravity. Exercises help a little, but Botox works faster.

"The cheekbones will become more defined"

🟡 At best, a millimeter…
You can work out your cheek muscles—it’ll make a difference if you already have a low body fat percentage and good genetics. But don’t expect to end up with a face like a TikTok filter.

"Blood circulation will improve"

✅ Yes!
It's like a workout: my blood is flowing, the swelling is gone, and my skin is glowing. The downside is— The effect is temporary.

"Relieves tense muscles"

✅ Absolutely.
If you're constantly squinting, clenching your jaw, or living under stress—these exercises will help you let go.

"Will slow down aging"

🟡 It's like "staying young with smoothies."
Aging is a complex process involving the skin, fat, bones, and hormones. Exercise is only a small part of the picture. SPF, retinol, and sleep make a much bigger difference.

"It'll help you feel well-groomed and cool"

✅ 100%.
It's almost like therapy or yoga. Once you've done it, it feels like you've got your life under control.

Want to give it a try? Here's a 5-minute daily mini-plan

1. Cheek exercise: "A Smile in the Basement"

Smile, but keep your cheeks tucked in.
— Tense for 10 seconds, rest for 5. Repeat 5 times.
Can you feel your cheekbones? Then it's working.

2. Chin: "Kiss the Ceiling"

Keep your head up, and your lips forward.
— 10 seconds, 5 reps.
Yeah, you look a little silly. But it does give your neck a good stretch.

3. Forehead: "Anti-Grumpy"

Place your fingers on your forehead and try to frown despite yourself.
— 5 repetitions of 5 seconds each.
It really helps relieve tension between your eyebrows.

Without skincare, it's like working out without protein

In the morning:

✔ Cleansing (gentle)
✔ Vitamin C
✔ Moisturizing
✔ SPF (even if you're in a cave)

In the evening:

✔ Rinse everything off—twice
✔ Retinol (as scheduled)
✔ Nourishing cream

A facial massage is a free facelift—if done right

Every couple of days:

1. Apply the oil
2. Stroke from the center toward the ears
3. Gently tap with your fingers
4. Just 5 minutes—and you'll feel like you've just had a drainage massage

And now, the part nobody wants to hear about—diet and exercise 🥦

• Water: not 1.5–2 liters, but as much as your body needs. No one wants a face as wrinkled as a raisin, so if you feel like drinking water, you should drink it right away.
• Cut back on salt and alcohol. Otherwise, you'll end up with swelling and a big mess.
• Protein = collagen. Therefore protein intake is extremely important in your diet. To calculate your daily protein intake, use our calculator: poke.
• Collagen powder? You can drink it if you like. But don't expect it to be a "facelift in a jar."

💡 Bonus tips from the editors:

• Sleep on your back (pillow indentations are a pain)
• Change your pillowcases 2–3 times a week
• Buy a decent pair of glasses—stop squinting
• Chewing gum 24/7 = you'll get "jaw muscles"

🪞 What will happen if I do all of this?

📆 1–2 weeks:
— the face “wakes up,” with less puffiness

📆 3–4 weeks:
— My skin looks fresher and has a glow

📆 2 months:
— a couple of fine lines might disappear, and the facial contours might become a little more defined

Face fitness isn't a cure-all, but it's a good boost to:

• proper care
• massage
• sleep and water
• and yes, a little self-love

It's like working out: you can work out for an hour a day, but if you have pizza for dinner, you won't get a six-pack. Want to do it? Go ahead. Just don't expect magic—this isn't Gryffindor.