Face Yoga for Cheeks: A Gentle 5-Minute Routine for a Fresher Look

Face yoga is a set of gentle exercises and massage moves for the muscles of the face. Many people enjoy it as a relaxing few minutes in their day, and like how their face looks fresher and less tired afterwards. This short routine focuses on the cheeks.

Before you start

• Wash your hands and face.
• Apply a little face oil or moisturiser so your fingers glide without pulling the skin.
• Sit or stand tall with relaxed shoulders. Good posture helps your face and neck too.
• Move gently. Nothing should hurt.

The 5-minute cheek routine

1. Cheek puff (1 minute)

Take a breath, close your lips and puff air into your cheeks. Hold for 5 seconds. Move the air to the right cheek, then the left, then under the upper lip. Repeat for a minute while breathing through your nose.

2. Smile lift (1 minute)

Smile with your lips closed, pushing the corners of your mouth gently upwards. Place your fingertips lightly on the top of your cheeks. Hold the smile for 5 seconds and relax. Repeat about 10 times.

3. Fish face (45 seconds)

Suck your cheeks in to make a "fish face". Try to smile while holding it. Hold for 5 seconds, relax, and repeat 6 to 8 times.

4. Cheekbone sweep (1 minute)

With your index and middle fingers, start beside your nose and sweep gently outwards along your cheekbones towards your ears. Repeat 10 times on each side. Use light pressure, as if smoothing cream.

5. Jaw-to-ear glide and relax (1 minute)

Place your knuckles under your cheekbones and glide slowly from the mouth to the ears. Finish by resting your palms on your cheeks, closing your eyes, and taking five slow breaths.

Using a massage tool

If you like using a tool, a kansa wand can be used for the sweeping moves. The Theraglam Kansa Wand has a 100% bronze head and is used with a little oil in gentle upward strokes for 5 to 10 minutes. Always keep pressure light around the cheeks and eyes.

How often

Most people enjoy face yoga once a day, for example in the evening as part of their wind-down. Consistency matters more than doing a long session once in a while.

Habits that support a fresher face

• Sleep at a regular time.
• Drink enough water and go easy on very salty food at night, which can leave the face puffy in the morning.
• Move your body every day.
• Wear sunscreen every morning.

Keep expectations realistic

Face yoga is a relaxing habit that many people enjoy, but it will not change your bone structure or replace a healthy lifestyle. Face shape is influenced by genetics, weight and age. Think of it as a few minutes of self-care that helps you look and feel refreshed.

Be careful if

• You have jaw pain or clicking. Skip the strong mouth moves.
• You have active breakouts or irritated skin. Avoid rubbing those areas.
• You have had recent facial treatments. Ask your practitioner first.

Get moves made for you

The Theraglam Glow Scan includes face massage moves with step-by-step diagrams, chosen from your 3 photos and quiz answers, along with a skin routine, a diet and water plan, exercises and a daily to-do list.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent to you by email. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.