These Simple Face Exercises Can Actually Fight Wrinkles

In a recent study, a small group of women ages 35 to 58 performed facial exercises twice a day. After 8 weeks, their skin was firmer and more elastic. "It's bodybuilding for your face," says aesthetician Carole Maggio, who's been teaching Facercise since 1981. "Isolating a facial muscle tones and tightens it, minimising lines and wrinkles." Try these DIY wrinkle erasers and let the lifting begin.

The moves look funny, but a study found they work. Do 3 reps of each twice a day, holding the reps for 3 seconds at first, then working up to 10 seconds.

Upper eyelids

Place index fingers on outside corners of eyes and middle fingers in centers of eyebrows. Push up gently and look down; then squeeze eyes shut tight, working muscle around eyeballs.

Lower eyelids

Place index fingers on outside corners of eyes and middle fingers on inside corners of eyes. Keep fingers in place, pressing gently, and close eyes while looking up.

Upper and lower eyelids

Touch thumbs and index fingers together to form 'binoculars' over eyes. Gently lift index fingers and lower thumbs, widening the circles. Keeping fingers against skin, scrunch lower eyelids, as if squinting.

Upper lip

Create a V shape with thumb and index finger and place at upper corners of mouth. Place other hand in same position on top of first hand. Look up and try to force a smile against pressed fingers.

Neck

Place one hand below neck, keeping fingers close together but thumb spread wide. Place other hand on top. Point chin toward ceiling and pull down on chest. Smile with lips closed.