In the first scientific study of facial exercise, 27 middle-aged women that performed specific facial muscle movements looked an average of two-and-a-half years younger in 20 weeks based on a standardized scale called the Merz-Carruthers Facial Aging Photoscales. By doing the exercises for 30 minutes each day or every other day, the fullness of both the upper and lower cheeks, in particular, of the women were significantly enhanced, report Northwestern University researchers.

“The exercises enlarge and strengthen the facial muscles, so the face becomes firmer and more toned and shaped like a younger face,” says lead author Murad Alam, a medical doctor.

Some of the study exercises can be found by searching the topic of Happy Face Yoga on YouTube.

This article appears in the June 2018 issue of Natural Awakenings.