In recent years, Face Yoga Exercises have swept across the wellness world, promising a natural facelift through mindful movement and muscle awareness. But as with any viral beauty trend, myths and misconceptions abound. Can face yoga actually cause wrinkles? Does moving your face make you age faster? And do you really need to spend half an hour a day pulling faces in the mirror? Let’s uncover the truth behind some of the most common misunderstandings (1, 2).

Myth 1: Face Yoga Can Create Wrinkles

Truth: Yes — if it’s done incorrectly.

Like any form of exercise, face yoga requires proper technique. When performed carelessly, excessive folding or pulling of the skin can indeed create new creases. The key is to support the skin with your hands during exercises, preventing unnecessary lines from forming. Practised properly, face yoga strengthens and tones the facial muscles, helping to smooth existing wrinkles rather than deepen them (3).

Anything done without mindfulness can cause harm — and face yoga is no exception. But when performed with care and under professional guidance, it becomes a powerful tool for rejuvenation and facial harmony.

Myth 2: You Should Move Your Face as Little as Possible to Prevent Ageing

Truth: False.

Facial movement is essential for keeping the muscles toned and the skin supported. If you stop using your facial muscles, they begin to atrophy, just like any other muscle in the body. This loss of tone can even affect the underlying bone structure (1). The aim isn’t to freeze your face but to use it intelligently — balancing strengthening with relaxation, just as we do in yoga for the body.

We are designed for expression. Smiling, laughing and frowning are part of being human. The issue arises when tension builds up and certain muscles stay contracted all the time, not when we express emotions naturally and occasionally.


Myth 3: Face Yoga Can Make You Look Older by Burning Face Fat

Truth: Yes - if you overdo it.

Facial muscles are delicate and should be exercised with gentleness. Overworking them can lead to a reduction in facial fat, causing a hollowed or tired appearance. Those with naturally slender faces should be especially careful. The best approach is balance and proper guidance. Working with a qualified face yoga instructor ensures you’re targeting the right muscles with the right intensity for your unique facial structure (3, 4).


Myth 4: You Need to Spend Ages Doing Face Yoga to See Results

Truth: False.

Results depend on awareness, not duration. A focused five‑minute daily routine can be far more effective than half an hour of random exercises. The magic lies in understanding the root cause of wrinkles or sagging areas so that your movements are purposeful (3, 5).

Face yoga isn’t meant to consume your life — it’s a small, consistent act of self‑care, much like brushing your teeth. A few minutes a day can deliver visible, lasting improvements.


Myth 5: Following Influencers Online Is Enough

Truth: it depends

While online videos can introduce you to face yoga, not all instructors are properly trained. True results require knowledge of facial anatomy and physiology — without that understanding, exercises can do more harm than good (1, 2). Instead of following dozens of influencers, choose one trusted teacher or programme and stick with it. Structured guidance helps you learn the best face yoga exercises for your individual needs, ensuring safety and long‑term success.


Final Thoughts

Face yoga is not a gimmick; it’s a practical, results‑driven approach to maintaining muscle tone, improving circulation, and supporting skin health naturally. When done correctly, it addresses the root causes of wrinkles rather than masking them, making it a far safer and more sustainable option than invasive treatments (3, 4). The key is to work with a qualified instructor, follow a structured routine, and practise the exercises mindfully. With consistency and proper guidance, face yoga delivers transformative results. 

References

Güzel H.Ç., Keçelioğlu Ş., Kurtoğlu A., & Elkholi S.M. (2025). Effect of intensive face yoga on facial muscles tonus, stiffness, and elasticity in middle‑aged women: A pre‑experimental clinical trial. Medicina, 61(5), 840. (mdpi.com)
Indian Express. (2023, Jan 27). Myth or fact: Face yoga helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. (indianexpress.com)
Verywell Health. (2025). Can Face Yoga Transform Your Skin? Explore Poses and Scientific Insights.(verywellhealth.com)
RealSelf News. (2019). Face Yoga for Anti‑Aging: Does it Work? (realself.com)
Times of India. (2023). Facial Yoga: Can Facial Yoga Help Enhance Your Appearance?(timesofindia.indiatimes.com)