The DIY Facelift Routine
Actress Shenaz Treasury, at 44, has shared a remarkable five-minute facial massage routine she acquired during a trip to the Maldives from a seasoned professional.
She enthusiastically presented this technique on Instagram, touting its potential to visibly reduce the signs of aging and impart a more vibrant look to the face. Treasury described the method as a 'face yoga' practice, emphasizing its cost-free nature and minimal time commitment, while highlighting its ability to make the facial features appear more 'alive.' The routine involves a series of targeted pressure points and sweeping motions designed to stimulate the skin and underlying muscles, offering a natural pathway to a more lifted and refreshed complexion without any artificial interventions.
Step-by-Step Facial Massage
The DIY facelift massage involves several distinct yet simple steps designed for easy replication. Initially, one should apply gentle pressure to the jawline with their fingers, repeating this three times to activate the area. Following this, a lymphatic drainage technique is performed by placing hands beside the nose and sweeping them towards the ears, also done three times. Next, focus shifts to the eye area; starting from the corners of the eyes, press down and then upward towards the temples, repeating this lifting motion three times. A moment of stillness is encouraged by holding the point between the eyebrows, known as the third eye, for 30 seconds. This is followed by pressing outwards to the sides of this point, repeated thrice. The routine continues with a pinching motion along the eyebrows, alternating between pinching and releasing. Then, fingers are placed in the middle of the temples and swept outwards. Treasury suggests this can help bid farewell to wrinkles. A neck lift is incorporated using upward strokes along the neck, and similar upward strokes are applied to the cheeks, noted as a way to encourage collagen. Finally, the forehead is smoothed with specific anti-wrinkle movements, culminating in gentle tapping across the face and head, including 'butterfly taps' on the face and neck, which she refers to as a natural collagen boost.
Expert View on Face Yoga
When assessing the efficacy of face yoga, Dr. Ajay Dodeja, a junior consultant in dermatology at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, offers a nuanced perspective. He acknowledges that face yoga, which involves specific exercises for facial muscles, may theoretically enhance blood flow and engage these muscles, leading to a more refreshed appearance. However, he cautions that the observable results are inherently limited. Dr. Dodeja clarifies that face yoga is unlikely to significantly influence skin elasticity or collagen production, and it cannot replicate the substantial lifting effects achieved through professional medical or cosmetic treatments. While consistent practice might yield minor improvements, such as reduced puffiness, a temporary glow from increased circulation, and greater awareness of facial muscle relaxation, it falls short in effectively tightening loose skin or reversing pronounced signs of aging.
Safety and Skincare Comparison
Practicing face yoga with correct techniques and moderation is generally considered safe. However, Dr. Dodeja warns that excessive pulling or stretching, or employing improper methods, could inadvertently stress the skin, potentially leading to the formation of fine lines rather than their reduction. He strongly advises that face yoga should serve as a complementary practice, not a substitute for scientifically proven skincare and dermatological treatments. While face yoga primarily influences superficial muscle activity and offers benefits like improved circulation and relaxation, established treatments such as potent skincare products, diligent sun protection, and procedures like chemical peels, laser treatments, and injectables work at a much deeper cellular level within the skin. The perceived benefits of face yoga, according to Dr. Dodeja, often stem from transient effects like enhanced blood flow and temporary muscle engagement, alongside the psychological advantages of mindfulness and stress reduction, which can positively impact overall skin health and alleviate facial tension.
