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If you’ve noticed your jawline looking softer, your cheeks appearing less lifted, or your neck losing some firmness, you may be wondering if there’s a way to improve skin without invasive treatments. While facial exercises aren’t a replacement for proven anti-aging skincare or in-office procedures, some experts believe they can help strengthen the underlying facial muscles, improve circulation, and temporarily enhance the appearance of firmness over time.
Skincare expert Chris Gibson says a simple facial exercise routine can complement a good skincare regimen by targeting the muscles beneath the skin. According to Gibson, consistency is key—and starting slowly can help prevent muscle soreness while building strength in the face and neck.
Here are the exercises he recommends.
1. Lift Your Brows to Target Forehead Lines
One of Gibson’s favorite moves focuses on the forehead muscles that create expression lines over time.
To do it:
- Place your fingertips directly above your eyebrows.
- Try lifting your brows while gently resisting with your fingertips.
- Hold the contraction for six seconds.
- Relax and repeat five to 10 times.
Gibson says this exercise works the muscles responsible for forehead movement and may help soften the appearance of static forehead lines when practiced consistently.
2. The “Duck Lips” Exercise for the Mouth Area
Fine lines around the lips can become more noticeable with age as collagen declines.
To strengthen this area, Gibson recommends:
- Making a duck-lip or puckered expression.
- Placing your thumbs beneath your lower lip and index fingers above your upper lip.
- Gently pressing down (without stretching the skin).
- Push your lips outward and hold for six seconds.
- Repeat five to 10 times.
According to Gibson, this movement helps strengthen the muscles surrounding the mouth while supporting lip fullness and smoothing the appearance of fine lines.
3. Tighten the Jawline
Sagging along the jawline is one of the most common aging concerns.
Gibson suggests:
- Looking upward just enough to feel tension beneath the jaw.
- Avoid tilting your head so far back that you strain your neck.
- Purse your lips and hold for six seconds.
- Repeat five to 10 times.
“You’ll really feel this one working those jawline muscles,” Gibson explains, noting that the movement should engage the jaw—not the neck.
4. Lift the Mid-Face and Cheeks
To help target the cheeks and nasolabial folds, Gibson recommends another simple exercise.
Here’s how:
- Relax your face.
- Purse your lips.
- Place your index fingers near the corners of your mouth, just beneath the cheekbones.
- Push your lips outward while gently pulling with your fingers to create tension.
- Hold for six seconds.
- Repeat five to 10 times.
According to Gibson, this exercise works the cheek muscles and may help create the appearance of a lifted mid-face over time.
5. The Neck Exercise That Targets Loose Skin
One area many people overlook is the neck, where the platysma muscle can contribute to vertical bands and sagging skin.
Gibson recommends:
- Looking straight ahead.
- Tightening the muscles in the front of your neck.
- Holding the contraction for 10 seconds.
- Repeat while turning slightly to each side.
- Perform five to 10 repetitions.
He says the exercise helps engage the muscles beneath the jaw and neck that support a firmer-looking neckline.
Why Consistency Matters
Gibson emphasizes that facial exercises work much like strength training for the body—they require time and repetition before results become noticeable.
He recommends starting slowly, especially if you’ve never done facial exercises before.
“Like any muscle when you work it that you haven’t been working before, it can get very sore,” he explains.
For beginners, Gibson suggests performing the routine every other day at first, completing five repetitions before gradually working up to 10.
According to Gibson, after about a month of consistent practice, many people notice:
- A tighter-looking jawline
- Less facial puffiness
- Improved cheek definition
- Softer-looking expression lines
- A firmer appearance around the neck and chin
He also notes that facial exercises work best alongside healthy skincare habits like wearing sunscreen daily, moisturizing regularly, and following a consistent anti-aging routine.
The Bottom Line
Facial exercises won't replace treatments like Botox, fillers, or skin-tightening procedures, but they may offer a simple, non-invasive way to support muscle tone and temporarily improve the appearance of firmness. When combined with good skincare, daily sun protection, and healthy lifestyle habits, these exercises could become another helpful tool for maintaining a more lifted, refreshed-looking complexion over time.
