In today’s world, where media and societal influences are omnipresent, women often find themselves subjected to unrealistic beauty standards that can shape their self-esteem, body image, and overall perception of themselves. These standards dictate that youthfulness, flawless skin, and a certain body type are the epitome of beauty, leading to immense pressure to conform. As a result, many women explore various avenues, such as cosmetic procedures like botox and fillers, to counter the signs of ageing. However, an alternative and empowering approach gaining momentum is face yoga, a natural way to defy these standards and embrace ageing gracefully.

Challenging Negative Beauty Standards:

The prevailing beauty standards perpetuate a skewed notion of beauty that prioritizes youth and perfection, leaving women feeling inadequate as they age. The media often airbrushes images and promotes products that promise to “fight” or “combat” the natural process of ageing. This not only fosters a culture of self-doubt but also undermines the wisdom, experience, and uniqueness that come with growing older. Women are forced to chase an ideal that is unrealistic and unsustainable, erasing the value of the journey each individual takes through life.

Embracing Aging with Positivity:

The shift towards embracing ageing more positively is crucial for women’s mental and emotional well-being. This shift involves recognizing that wrinkles, fine lines, and grey hair are not flaws but testaments to a life well-lived. It involves challenging the notion that ageing diminishes beauty and acknowledging that beauty evolves and deepens over time. A positive approach to ageing encourages women to appreciate the strength, resilience, and knowledge they have gained through their experiences.

The Role of Face Yoga:

Face yoga serves as a tangible and empowering response to these negative beauty standards. It encourages women to engage with their bodies and take control of their own definition of beauty. By practising face yoga, women can develop a healthier relationship with their appearance, focusing on what their bodies can do rather than on conforming to external expectations. This practice not only promotes physical benefits but also fosters self-acceptance, mindfulness, and self-care.

Redefining Beauty and Ageing:

To truly change the narrative around beauty and ageing, society needs to collectively redefine these concepts. This entails celebrating women of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds for their contributions, wisdom, and inherent worth. It involves shifting the conversation from “anti-ageing” to “pro-ageing,” (or “Better Ageing” as we like to say) highlighting the positives that come with every stage of life. By embracing diversity and acknowledging that beauty is multifaceted, we can dismantle the harmful beauty standards that hold women back and foster an environment where self-love and authenticity flourish.

Below are 8 great reasons to try face yoga…

Improved Muscle Tone: Just like any other muscle in the body, the muscles in your face can benefit from exercise. Face yoga involves various facial exercises that can help tone and strengthen the underlying facial muscles, potentially lifting and firming the skin over time.

Increased Blood Circulation: Face yoga often involves massaging and manipulating the facial skin, which can enhance blood circulation. Improved blood flow can provide more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, promoting a healthier complexion and a natural glow.

Reduced Tension and Stress: Face yoga incorporates relaxation techniques that can help alleviate tension and stress held in the facial muscles. Stress and tension can contribute to wrinkles and sagging skin, so promoting relaxation can lead to a more relaxed and youthful appearance.

Enhanced Lymphatic Drainage: Some face yoga exercises involve gentle tapping or stroking motions that can stimulate the lymphatic system. Improved lymphatic drainage can reduce puffiness and swelling, helping to achieve a more defined facial contour.

Natural Facelift: Advocates of face yoga often claim that consistent practice can lead to a subtle “natural facelift.” By engaging specific muscles, proponents believe that the skin can appear lifted and tighter, reducing the appearance of fine lines and sagging.

No Needles or Injections: One of the primary draws of face yoga is that it offers a non-invasive alternative to procedures like Botox, dermal fillers, or cosmetic surgery. Face yoga relies solely on natural movements and techniques, eliminating the need for injections or surgery.

Cost-Effectiveness: Face yoga requires no special equipment or products, making it a cost-effective option for individuals looking to improve their facial appearance without investing in expensive treatments.

Holistic Approach: Face yoga often incorporates elements of mindfulness and relaxation, promoting an overall sense of well-being. This holistic approach can contribute to a healthier complexion by addressing both physical and mental aspects of skin health.

Where to try it?
You can download the Luvly app, which provides tutorials on self-massage and facial yoga or you can head to digital yoga studio, The Yoga Class by Laura Dodd, which now offers Face Yoga classes.