The science behind Faceworks
Why does it work?
It is a fact that strength training exercise helps to reduce or eliminate the decline in muscle vitality as we age. Faceworks increases production of the proteins within muscle fibres, so that they gradually increase in size and strength.
Muscle tissue is bound in bundles and covered by a fascia, like lots of elastic filaments inside a thin transparent skin. Some muscles have more bundles of fibres than others. They attach at each end by very strong but less elastic fascia and tendons to other parts of the body. Contracting the fibres shortens the muscle and produces movement of the body. Muscles often work in pairs, as one contracts the opposite or ‘antagonist’ muscle relaxes in a smooth and controlled movement. This is most easily seen by flexing the elbow joint: the biceps contracts as the triceps relaxes, causing the arm to bend.
Most skeletal muscles attach to bones at each end, but many facial muscles do not. They insert directly into the base layers of the skin to produce facial expression and involuntary reflex actions such as blinking. This means that any strength training activity on these muscles will have a direct effect on the face itself.
The layers of the skin rely on blood and lymph supplies to bring nutrients and remove wastes. Circulation can become sluggish as we get older: slowing down cell renewal in the dermis and epidermis. This can make the complexion look tired and flat. With increased activity from the exercises, blood and lymph circulation improve and the skin begins to glow.
A note on wrinkles: the debate over the possibility that face exercises make more lines is a thorny one. Those in favour of surgical cosmetic procedures often cite this as a reason to succumb to the knife or the Botox syringe. Lines form more easily with age because the skin's ability to reproduce elastic skin tissue lessens. Habitual expressions eventually cause lines due to the natural characteristics of the skin, though even babies have lines! To help avoid the possibility of more wrinkles forming, some exercises use defence measures by gently easing out lines with the fingertips or palm. However, in my research so far I have found that after two to three months of Faceworks, lines and wrinkles appear smoothed out.
Next: Results: before & after
