Check out these facial exercises that can be incorporated into a regular routine or practiced during ‘dead’ times, such as when watching TV or stuck in a traffic jam.

The Neck, Jaw & Face Lift

A saggy neck and jaw not only make us appear older but also severe or even unfriendly. This exercise will work to firm under the chin and neck and lift the muscles in the lower face and cheeks.

Sit straight with square shoulders. Now jut the jaw forward so that the neck is stretched.

Open the mouth by just dropping the jaw. Extend jaw slowly out lifting the bottom teeth over the upper teeth.

Lift bottom lip as if to touch your nose.

In this position smile upwards slowly in 5 definite steps in the directions marked. Hold for 5 counts. Lower in 5 definite steps.

Repeat 3 times daily.

The Winning Smile (1)
To fight the jolly jowls of ageing here are two simple exercises to ensure your smile remains beautiful.
Mouth closed with teeth together but relaxed. No other facial muscles must be tense; particularly around the eyes.
With the lips and teeth together smile widely in the direction of the arrows in 5 definite steps.
At the broadest point hold for 10 counts. Return the smile in 5 definite steps.
Repeat 3 times daily.

The Winning Smile (2)

With age we can start to appear ‘down in the mouth’. But these muscles can be easily exercised to lift the corners giving you a more cheerful, younger and smoother appearance.

Teeth together and lips closed. No facial tension anywhere.

Work one side of the mouth at a time. Smile to one side, lifting the corner of the mouth in 5 definite steps in direction of the arrow.

Hold for 5 counts whilst you try to push your cheek muscles up to almost close the eye. Return in 5 definite steps. Repeat for the opposite side.

Repeat this exercise 3 times on each side daily.

The Eye Opener

Age and gravity take a toll on the eyes. The lids and under brow area can start to droop even before you reach 30! This 'Eye Opener' exercise is a sure cure for the droops when practiced regularly and done properly.
Rest elbows on a firm surface. Working on both eyes together curve the index finger slightly and place along the orbital bone.
With a firm press, lift the muscles and pull up and out.
Look straight ahead and close the lids slowly. Squeeze lids shut to 6 counts.
Once closed, tightly squeeze eyelids for 3 counts.
Open lids and relax. Repeat 3 times daily.

Other than exercise, you can try some of these non-surgical options:

Micro-current massage: This uses electrical probes to boost the blood circulation while firming the muscles. The more toned the facial muscles, the smoother the skin appears, with wrinkles less apparent. A one hour session can give the face a glow, but up to six sessions are required for the treatment to be effective.

Electrical injection: A sterile needle is targeted at fine lines to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Rollers are then used to plump out the skin. The procedure takes up to two hours and is effective on specific areas such as the upper lip and brow.

CACI: The original non-surgical face lift, this uses a low-frequency microcurrent to strengthen and tighten the support muscles of the face and to improve the general condition of the skin and connective tissues. A great way to zap yourself into better condition, but it requires a dozen or so sessions to see real (albeit short-term) results.

Salon Therapies: Many salons offer ‘the latest and greatest’ approaches to massaging the skin with the supposed results of better tone and texture. Such attentive pampering, with beautifully smelling plant extracts, undoubtedly makes you feel better and look radiant.