Why Face Yoga is the Next Anti-Aging Solution You Need to Try

Upon getting this assignment to write about “Face Yoga,” I’m not going to lie that it’s the first time I’ve even heard of it. My immediate reaction, of course, is to Google. What is face yoga? I asked Google—and what I’ve found so far has been pretty impressive.

There’s an ad for a one-hour Udemy course dedicated to Face Yoga. Hmm, okay. Goop attests that it works. Interesting. Then there’s the Face Yoga Method (FYM) by creator Fumiko Takatsu. Now we’re talking.

What is Face Yoga?

“Face Yoga is a completely natural alternative to anti-aging remedies,” explains FYM. “By practicing a series of facial exercises, you can learn to tone the muscles beneath the facial skin and increase facial circulation and blood flow, which results in a more youthful and radiant complexion.”

In a backstory published on the website, Takatsu recounts developing the practice after surviving a life-changing car accident. When she decided to drive again, she was shocked to see her asymmetrical face on her license. “It was difficult to look at myself,” she shares. Despite all the skincare she used, nothing worked for her. Then, a lightbulb went off. “I realized that if I exercise my body muscles, I should be able to do the same for my face,” she says.

Now with 90+ appearances in magazines, 30+ on TV and radio, another 20+ on talk shows, six books, and a YouTube channel with almost 500,000 subscribers, Takatsu’s 15-year-old Face Yoga practice is getting men and women genuinely curious.

The benefits of Face Yoga

With over 40 muscles, the face is one of the most muscle-dense areas in our body. Face Yoga targets these muscles, resulting in more beautiful, radiant-looking skin from within. 

Among its long list of benefits, the most common are reduced forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and laugh lines as well as more defined cheeks and jawlines. Overall, Face Yogis flaunt more symmetric, firmer-looking faces with consistent practice.

The best part about practicing Face Yoga is it works for any age. “It’s never ‘too late’ and you’re never ‘too old’ to tone your muscles,” FYM says. True enough, a quick browse through their website shows testimonials from Face Yogis aged anywhere between 33 to 59, from Asians to Caucasians.

Why Face Yoga is effective

Compared to its cosmetic alternatives, Face Yoga isn’t just a skin-deep solution. “When you set healthy habits and make self-care a part of your day, you are committing to taking the time for yourself and creating nourishing space to look and feel as young and radiant as you feel on the inside,” FYM says. “Like ‘regular’ yoga, practicing Face Yoga corrects more than just what meets the eye.” 

The key to achieving the best results, however, is consistency. While commitment-phobes may find that an issue, Face Yoga poses can actually be done while taking a shower, brushing your teeth, or even while driving. Similar to skincare, significant results appear after a month or two. It’s a good thing it’s 100% natural with many free resources already available online.

If you don’t know where to start, here’s a video to get you started:

For more inspiration, here are women who swear by Face Yoga you may want to follow on social media:

1. Fumiko Takatsu of @faceyogamethod

2. Daisy Guy of @faceyogadaisy

3. Danielle Collins of @faceyogaexpert

4. Natalia Broberg of @fit_faces

5. Karin Velikonja of Glow in Face