The DIY Facelift Secret
Actress Shenaz Treasury, at 44, has recently unveiled a simple yet potentially transformative 5-minute DIY facelift massage that she learned from a specialist
during a trip to the Maldives. She enthusiastically shared this technique on Instagram, suggesting it can help users achieve a more youthful appearance, as if turning back time by two decades. Treasury described the practice as 'face yoga,' emphasizing its zero-cost nature and its ability to make the face appear more vibrant and alive through subtle movements. This method promises a natural 'lift' without the need for expensive treatments or tanning, relying instead on mindful facial engagement.
Performing the Massage
The 5-minute facelift massage involves a series of targeted finger movements designed to stimulate facial muscles and promote circulation. Begin by gently pressing your jawline with your fingertips, repeating this action three times. Next, place your hands alongside your nose and sweep them outwards towards your ears; this step is crucial for lymphatic drainage and should also be performed three times. For the eye area, use your fingers to press downwards and then upwards towards your temples, lifting gently three times. Hold your fingers at the 'third eye' point for about 30 seconds, then press outwards towards the sides, repeating this three times. The routine includes pinching your eyebrows, alternating between pinching and releasing. Subsequently, position your fingers in the middle of your temples and sweep them outwards, a movement Treasury associates with saying 'bye-bye wrinkles.' The massage also incorporates upward strokes on the neck, referred to as a 'neck lift,' and similar upward strokes on the cheeks, which she humorously calls 'hello collagen.' Finally, a forehead-smoothening move for wrinkles is performed, followed by light tapping, or 'butterfly taps,' all over the face and neck. Treasury labels this entire sequence as a natural collagen boost and a DIY facelift.
Expert Opinion on Face Yoga
Dr. Ajay Dodeja, a junior consultant in dermatology at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, provides a professional perspective on the efficacy of face yoga. He explains that face yoga consists of specific exercises intended to engage facial muscles and enhance blood circulation. While these movements might theoretically make the skin appear more refreshed, Dr. Dodeja cautions that the results are typically limited. He clarifies that face yoga does not significantly influence skin elasticity or collagen creation and cannot replicate the profound lifting effects achieved through professional medical or cosmetic interventions. For some individuals, consistent practice might lead to minor improvements such as reduced puffiness, a temporary glow from enhanced circulation, and increased muscle relaxation, particularly around the jaw and forehead. However, it's unlikely to effectively tighten sagging skin or reverse more pronounced signs of aging.
Safety and Comparisons
When performed with care and precision, face yoga is generally considered safe. However, Dr. Dodeja warns that excessive pulling, stretching, or employing incorrect techniques could potentially stress the skin, potentially leading to the formation of fine lines over time rather than their reduction. Therefore, using proper techniques and maintaining moderation in practice are essential. He emphasizes that face yoga should be viewed as a complementary practice rather than a replacement for established treatments. Conventional skincare, diligent sun protection, and dermatological procedures like chemical peels, laser treatments, and injectables work at a deeper dermal level. In contrast, face yoga primarily impacts surface muscle activity, limiting its overall restorative potential. Dr. Dodeja suggests that many perceived benefits may stem from improved blood flow and temporary muscle activation, which can enhance the skin's immediate appearance. The mindfulness and relaxation aspects also play a role, as reduced stress levels can positively influence skin health and alleviate facial tension.
