Can Facial Exercises Improve Your Appearance?

Could making faces in the mirror result in a natural facelift? The fish, the balloon, and the twist are terms circulating on social media as people try facial gymnastics for fewer wrinkles.

Dr Rosemary Coleman, Consultant Dermatologist at Blackrock Clinic, shared her views on the matter with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1. She mentioned that repetitive movements and certain poses may cause wrinkles and there's no evidence that facial exercises reduce wrinkles.

If you aim to tone your face, these exercises might help strengthen muscles, but they are not a substitute for injections or surgery, according to Dr Coleman. In fact, they could potentially backfire in wrinkle reduction.

Dr Coleman noted that less movement can lead to fewer wrinkles, citing examples of stroke and Bell's palsy patients. While she believes facial exercises can strengthen muscles and improve tone, she advises caution, especially for younger individuals considering treatments like Botox and fillers.

She emphasized that young people should allow their faces to fully develop before opting for such treatments, as premature interventions may cause muscle atrophy and other issues. Dr Coleman also warned about the risks of excessive filler use, which can distort facial features and lead to permanent damage.

For more insights on skincare, you can listen to Dr Coleman on RTÉ Radio 1.