![20200106_210943[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/03eaa7_52abc96611ba4cbc804bea3ef565465d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_80,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20200106_210943%5B1%5D.jpg)
As January is ending soon, February will be upon us! I’ve certainly struggled in the recent cold weather and noticed how dry it can make my skin – come and join me for face yoga next Saturday 5th February 9.15-10am for tips on good skin health, how to do facial yoga and massage and begin the month feeling refreshed!
What is face yoga?
Face yoga is exercise for the face muscles. It includes a combination of exercises for the facial muscles, massage and relaxation techniques around the face, head and neck to improve your overall wellbeing and skincare routine. Your face is the first layer that you show out to the world- let's look after it!
The key benefits you may notice with face yoga are
-less tension in the face, head and neck
-a calmer mind
-smoother and softer skin
-a feeling of firmer muscles around the face and neck
-an improved appearance of the skin and a reduction in lines and wrinkles
Anatomy of the face
The largest organ of our body is the skin and it is the first protective layer. It provides protection from the weather, bacteria and other unwanted products. It protects the 3 underlying layers (known as the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis). Collagen is found in the second layer (dermis) and within other structures in the body too (such as tendons, connective tissue and bone). It provides us with strength and stability. Elastin is a protein which gives our skin elasticity. Both collagen and elastin decrease with aging. There are more than 30 muscles within the face. Face yoga works on mainly the muscles around the face and neck area and along with other lifestyle factors face yoga can help towards looking and feeling great in our skin, as well as our mind and body.
What do I need for face yoga?
For face yoga it is helpful to:
-wash your bands before starting class to avoid spreading any bacteria
-wash your face and remove any make up you might have
-have a drink as we are practicing (perhaps a hot water with a slice of lemon to help the skin hydrate) or a glass of water
-if you have long hair, or a fringe you may wish to tie this back, or remove glasses if you wear them
-sit in an upright position that feels comfortable for you, with your back support or under a bolster/cushion if that feels good for you
-use of a light moisturiser when doing face yoga
What else can I do to help my skin?
-Diet and exercise
A large amount of research suggests that a healthy balance diet helps to ensure our skin is healthy too, and exercise helps to increase blood supply to the skin helping it to stay hydrated and well. See the links below for further information
-Skincare routine
Having a good skin care routine including cleaning, toning and moisturising the skin with products that work for your skin, help to keep the skin healthy and remove toxins that gather in the day from pollution and excess dirt/oil. There is research to suggest this doesn't need to be complicated but having a routine that is regular helps to improve skin hydration, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
-Sun cream protection
UV radiation from the sun can age the skin and increase the risk of cancer, wrinkles, lines and hyperpigmentation (sun spots). For further advice on skin care and the sun see
-Sleep and stress
Poor sleep and stress can contribute to collagen and elastin breakdown in the skin, making the skin less hydrated. When sleep deprived, our bodies also produce too much cortisol, a hormone that breaks down collagen. Skin makes new collagen when you sleep, which prevents sagging. Our skin also needs time to sleep - It's where the term 'beauty sleep' comes from!
Face yoga online class
Come and join me for an online face yoga class Saturday 5th February 9.15-10am. This will be followed by an online yoga flow class 10-11am. You can book as a single class for £7 here
This class is FREE with February’s unlimited online monthly pass for £22.
This can be purchased here
Research resources and references
Comments