Face Yoga for Smile Lines: A Gentle Routine Around the Mouth

Smile lines, the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, are a natural part of a face that laughs and talks. Many people like to give this area a little extra care with gentle face yoga and massage. Here is a simple routine you can do in about five minutes.

Before you start

• Wash your hands and face.
• Apply a little face oil or moisturiser so your fingers glide.
• Sit tall with your shoulders relaxed.
• Use light pressure. You should never feel pain or pulling.

The 5-minute routine

1. Lip press (1 minute)

Close your lips and press them together gently without clenching your teeth. Hold for 5 seconds and relax. Repeat about 10 times.

2. Air swish (1 minute)

Fill your mouth with air and move it slowly from one cheek to the other, then above the upper lip and below the lower lip. Breathe through your nose.

3. "O" to smile (1 minute)

Make an "O" shape with your lips, hold for 3 seconds, then change to a wide closed-lip smile and hold for 3 seconds. Repeat 8 to 10 times.

4. Fingertip smoothing (1 minute)

Place your index and middle fingers beside your nose. Glide them gently outward and upward along the smile-line area towards your cheekbones. Repeat 10 times on each side.

5. Cheek lift and relax (1 minute)

Place your palms on your cheeks and gently lift upward while you smile softly. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax your whole face. Finish with three slow breaths.

Using a kansa wand

The smoothing moves can also be done with a tool. 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. Glide outward from beside the nose toward the ears, keeping pressure light.

How often

Once a day is plenty, for example in the evening while you apply your moisturiser. Consistency is more useful than long sessions.

Habits that support this area

• Sunscreen every day, including on the cheeks and around the mouth.
• Moisturise so skin feels soft and comfortable.
• Sleep at a regular time.
• Drink water through the day.
• Do not smoke. Repeated pursing of the lips and smoke both affect the skin around the mouth.
• Try sleeping on your back if you often wake with creases on one side of your face.

Keep expectations realistic

Face yoga is a relaxing habit that many people enjoy, and it can help a tired face look fresher. It will not erase lines. Smile lines are shaped by genetics, age, sun and a lifetime of happy expressions, so think of this routine as a few minutes of self-care, not a fix.

Be careful if

• You have jaw pain or clicking. Skip the strong mouth moves.
• You have cold sores, broken skin or active breakouts around the mouth.
• You have had recent facial treatments or fillers. Ask your practitioner first.

Moves chosen for your face

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 by email within about 2 hours. 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.