By Sonia Singh, certified face yoga instructor
Face yoga for wrinkles is genuinely double-edged, and almost no one says so plainly. Done well, it can soften lines and help prevent new ones. Done carelessly, with lots of scrunching and squinting, it can actually create the very wrinkles you’re trying to smooth.
So this guide is about doing it safely. I’ll be honest about what face yoga can and can’t do for wrinkles, give you the one rule that matters most, and take you through exercises by area, from forehead to mouth.
Can face yoga really reduce wrinkles?
Partly, and it depends on the type of wrinkle. Here’s the honest breakdown.
Many lines are held in place by chronic muscle tension, from frowning, squinting and screen focus. Face yoga is good at releasing that tension, so these lines often soften. It also boosts circulation and supports the skin, which helps overall.
But it’s worth knowing that the well-known 2018 JAMA Dermatology study found improvement in cheek fullness, not in wrinkles and fine lines. So for deep, set-in static wrinkles, face yoga is more of a supportive and preventive tool than an eraser. Set that expectation now and you won’t be disappointed later.
Short version: best for tension lines and prevention, modest for deep static wrinkles.
The golden rule: don’t create the wrinkles you’re removing
This is the most important thing on the page. Wrinkles form where skin creases over and over. If your “exercises” involve scrunching your forehead, squinting hard, or pursing your lips tightly, you’re folding the skin repeatedly, which is exactly how lines set in.
So the rule for every exercise below: anchor the skin gently with your fingers and keep the surface smooth. You’re working the muscle underneath without creasing the skin on top. If you catch yourself frowning or squinting during a move, ease off. Smooth, not scrunched, always.
How face yoga helps wrinkles
When done correctly, it works in three ways:
- Releases muscle tension. Relaxing overworked muscles (forehead, between the brows) softens the tension lines they create.
- Boosts circulation. More blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin, supporting a smoother, brighter look.
- Tones and supports. Stronger, better-toned muscle gives the skin more support, which can make the surface look firmer.
Wrinkle exercises by area (done safely)
Clean hands and face, a little oil or serum, and remember the golden rule throughout: anchor, don’t crease.
Forehead lines Place your fingertips flat across your forehead. Apply light pressure to hold the skin smooth, and gently try to raise your eyebrows against that resistance. You should feel the muscle work while the skin stays flat. Hold a few seconds, release, repeat 5 times.
Between the brows (frown lines) Place two fingers flat between your eyebrows to hold the skin smooth. Now consciously relax that area, letting go of any frown. This is more of a release than a workout, since frown lines come from tension. Hold and breathe for 20–30 seconds.
Eyes and crow’s feet Rest your ring fingers lightly at the outer corners of your eyes to anchor the skin, no pulling. Gently close your eyes and hold a soft squeeze without scrunching, then release. Keep it feather-light. Repeat 5 times. This is a zone to be extra gentle in; the skin here is thin.
Mouth and lip lines Wrap your lips over your teeth into a soft “O”, then smile within that shape while keeping the skin around your mouth smooth (use your fingers to smooth out any lines that appear). Hold a few seconds, release, repeat 5–6 times. Good for the muscles around the mouth that support the lower face.
Finish: full-face relaxation Rest warm palms over your face, take a few slow breaths, and consciously soften your forehead, brows and jaw. Releasing overall tension is half the anti-wrinkle work.
How long until you see a difference?
For tension-related lines, some people notice a softer, more relaxed look fairly quickly. For firmer tone and prevention, think in terms of 8 to 12 weeks of near-daily, gentle practice. Deep static wrinkles change slowly, if at all, so judge results against realistic expectations.
Face yoga versus botox and fillers
Honest comparison: botox relaxes specific muscles to smooth lines quickly, and fillers restore lost volume. They’re faster and more dramatic for deep wrinkles. Face yoga is slower, subtler, free and natural, and better suited to tension lines, prevention and overall tone. They’re not mutually exclusive, plenty of people do both. If deep wrinkles are your main concern, a dermatologist is the right conversation, and face yoga can support whatever you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Does face yoga reduce wrinkles?
It can soften lines caused by muscle tension and help prevent new ones, but the main study found no change in existing wrinkles. Best for tension lines and prevention rather than deep static wrinkles.
Can face yoga cause wrinkles?
Yes, if you scrunch or crease the skin repeatedly. That’s why the golden rule is to anchor the skin and keep the surface smooth during every exercise.
Does face yoga work on forehead and eye wrinkles?
It can help forehead and frown lines by releasing tension, and support the eye area gently. Keep the touch very light around the eyes, as that skin is delicate.
How long until I see results?
Softer tension lines can show fairly quickly; firmer tone and prevention take around 8 to 12 weeks of gentle daily practice.
Is face yoga better than botox?
Different tools. Botox is faster and stronger for deep lines; face yoga is natural, free and better for tension lines and prevention. Many people use both.
Want to target your specific lines safely?
The safest, fastest results come from doing the right moves for your wrinkles with correct, no-crease technique. In a one-on-one online session I’ll check your technique and build a routine for your specific concerns. Online, Australia-wide.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice.