Question 1

Can face exercises really reduce the appearance of jowls?

Accepted Answer

Yes, targeted movements can help. A 2018 study from Northwestern University found that middle-aged women who performed 30 minutes of face exercises daily or every other day for 20 weeks significantly improved their cheek fullness and youthful appearance. By strengthening the muscles that support the fat pads of the face, you create a firmer structural base. This prevents the 'sliding' effect often seen in perimenopause when collagen levels begin to dip. Focusing on the jaw and neck area specifically helps tighten the platysma muscle, which acts as a natural sling for the lower face.

Question 2

How often should I perform these jaw movements for results?

Accepted Answer

Consistency is more important than duration. I recommend my clients integrate these movements into their daily routine, ideally four to five times per week. Because face exercises work on smaller muscle groups compared to the rest of the body, they recover quickly. Short, 5-10 minute sessions are effective for stimulating lymphatic drainage and reducing the puffiness associated with hormonal fluid retention. Most women begin to see a visible difference in their jawline definition and a reduction in tension-related headaches after about six weeks of consistent practice.

Question 3

Why does my jaw feel tighter during perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

The drop in estrogen can lead to increased joint laxity and inflammation, which often manifests as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) discomfort. Additionally, the psychological stress of perimenopause often leads to 'micro-clenching' throughout the day. Using therapeutic massage and Cow Face poses helps release the deep fascia. These face exercises are designed to down-regulate the nervous system, which directly reduces the signal to your jaw muscles to stay in a state of high tension. Releasing the jaw also has a profound effect on the pelvic floor, as the two areas are neurologically connected.

Question 4

Is it normal to feel a stretch in my neck during these exercises?

Accepted Answer

It is not only normal but necessary. The muscles of the face and jaw do not exist in isolation; they are connected to the neck and chest via the superficial fascia. When you perform face exercises like the ones in this collection, you are often stretching the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles. This relief of tension helps improve posture. Better posture means your head sits correctly over your shoulders, which naturally reduces the 'pull' on your facial skin and helps maintain a more defined jawline without the need for invasive procedures.

Question 5

Can these exercises help with perimenopausal puffiness?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many women experience 'moon face' or morning puffiness due to cortisol spikes and sluggish lymphatic flow during the hormonal transition. The gentle pressure and rhythmic movement of face exercises act as a manual pump for the lymphatic system. This helps clear metabolic waste and excess fluid from the facial tissues. In my practice, I find that combining these movements with deep breathing significantly enhances the drainage effect, leading to a more sculpted and less inflamed appearance within minutes of completion.

Face Exercises for Women

Video workouts

Workout 4

Workout 2

Workout 3

Workout 10

Workout 7

Workout 1

Workout 9

Why this matters in perimenopause

Your trainers

Sophie Jones

Mish Naidoo

Jessica Casalegno

Linda Chambers

Danielle Harrison

Frequently asked questions

Related collections

Neck Exercises

Menopause Workouts

Yoga For Menopause

Mobility Exercises

Breathing And Relaxation

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