Does Face Yoga Actually Work? Here’s What Experts Say About Its Anti-Aging and Slimming Effects

You’ve probably seen it all over social media — people puffing their cheeks, stretching their mouths, or scrunching their faces in oddly exaggerated ways. Welcome to the world of face yoga, the buzzy trend that promises a “natural facelift” without a single needle or product.

But does it actually work? Can making faces in the mirror really tone your jawline or smooth out fine lines? We asked a yoga instructor, a dermatologist, and a researcher to break it down — and while some of the hype may be overblown, there’s also some science to back it up.

What Is Face Yoga?

Face yoga is essentially a series of facial exercises — think exaggerated expressions, stretching, massaging, and holding poses — all designed to engage and strengthen the muscles beneath your skin.

Advocates say it can:

• Improve facial tone and definition
• Reduce puffiness and sagging
• Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
• Increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage

It’s affordable, product-free, and for some, deeply relaxing.

The Science: Can You Really “Lift” Your Face?

According to Dr. Anetta Reszko, a New York-based dermatologist and professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, the face is made up of skin, fat pads, and muscle — and as we age, those muscles and fat pads start to weaken or shift, leading to sagging or hollow areas.

“Over time, muscles can atrophy — especially if they aren’t being used,” she explains. “That’s part of why the face changes shape with age.”

Enter face yoga. By working the muscles under the fat pads, proponents say, you may be able to restore some of that lost volume — especially in the cheeks, where muscles are larger.

Dr. Murad Alam, a dermatologist and professor at Northwestern University, conducted a small 2018 study where participants performed 30 minutes of daily face yoga for 20 weeks. The result? Dermatologists observed a noticeable improvement in facial fullness — particularly in the cheeks.

“Is this a replacement for cosmetic procedures? Not really,” Alam says. “But for people who want a low-risk, low-cost alternative, it may offer some subtle benefits.”

However, he cautions that larger studies are needed to confirm the effects — and the improvements won’t match what you’d get from fillers, lasers, or surgery.

Other Potential Benefits

Even if face yoga won’t completely reverse aging, it may still have some everyday perks:

Reduces Puffiness

Daily stretching and light facial massage can help move lymphatic fluid, which tends to pool while you sleep, especially around the eyes and cheeks. Reszko likens the effect to gua sha — a traditional Chinese skincare technique.

Boosts Blood Flow

Increased circulation may give your skin a temporary glow and make it appear more hydrated, though the effect is short-lived.

Relieves Tension

If you carry stress in your jaw, forehead, or shoulders (hello, clenched teeth and furrowed brows), face yoga could help release that tension. Instructor and author Annelise Hagen, who helped popularize the trend, emphasizes the mind-body connection:

“A lot of the work is about mindfulness — noticing how we’re holding tension in the face, and learning to let go.”

She teaches exercises like the “smiling Buddha face” to subtly lift the mouth, or “lion’s breath,” where you open wide, stick out your tongue, and exhale forcefully — both silly and oddly satisfying.

Is Face Yoga Safe?

For the most part, yes.

Face yoga is generally low-risk, especially when done gently. Dr. Alam notes that it would take excessive, painful force to cause any real damage like bruising or wrinkles.

That said, be careful around the eyes. Dr. Reszko advises avoiding rubbing or stretching the delicate under-eye area, where skin is thinnest and more prone to irritation.

And if your skin concerns go beyond puffiness or subtle tone — think acne, deeper wrinkles, or volume loss — you’re better off consulting a board-certified dermatologist for tailored advice.

Bottom Line: Should You Try Face Yoga?

If you’re curious and consistent, face yoga might give you a natural lift — not a dramatic transformation, but a subtle improvement in tone and relaxation. It’s safe, affordable, and comes with benefits beyond just appearance.

Will it replace Botox or filler? No. But if you’re looking for a gentle, holistic way to connect with your body, de-stress, and maybe even reduce a little puffiness along the way, face yoga could be worth the 10 minutes a day.

And hey — it might just make you smile.