Fit body, fit face

While we are all aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, what can we do to make sure the face keeps up asks YANNA DARILIS

Fitness is becoming part of an increasing number of people’s lifestyles, and we are all familiar with the benefits exercise has on the body. Exercise increases circulation, increases metabolism, burns stored energy, regenerates the body, strengthens and tones muscles and offers an overall wellness of being, among all the other great things that come along with it. We also need to keep in mind that along with the health benefits, exercise is also a great way to combat ageing!

After the age of 25 the metabolism slows down, and less collagen is produced every year resulting in slow signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sagging and less supple skin. Anti-ageing is helped by a healthy lifestyle that also helps reduce free radicals, the right nutrition and, most of all, exercise.

There are over 600 skeletal muscles in the body and strength training has been proven to stimulate collagen and bone growth. Another great reason to exercise!

I am a big fan of and use the HIIT training method (High Interval Intensity Training) to train many of my clients as a great way to perform a shorter but effective exercise programme that helps stimulate not only collagen but HGH levels (Human Growth Hormones) in the body.

However, what are we doing about training the muscles in our face? How do we keep our face ‘fit’, other than making sure we are properly hydrated?

The face has approximately 40 muscles, and skin creams and specific treatments focus on the dermal to help improve appearance. However what’s best for dealing with deeper levels such as our muscles? Can we exercise our face?

“We are not really exercising our face, and if we give some attention to it that could actually help minimise sagging,” says dermatologist Margo Gkini. Other than some facial exercises, some found in yoga, how do we do that?

There is plenty to explore. Gkini outlines an array of non-evasive treatments that not only help reduce wrinkles in the dermal layer but also work deep to help stimulate collagen and elastin. The latest anti-ageing methods that combat sagging skin include a variety of methods for you to look into: acupuncture, skin tightening lasers, radio frequency, electric currents, red therapy, and ultrasound treatments to help stimulate collagen production, toning and tightening of facial muscles and ageing skin.

I was excited at all the possibilities of keeping my face fit! I suggest doing your research, see your doctor, and chose what will be best for your skin and desired outcome.

By adopting natural methods and alternative non-invasive treatments it is possible to get great results and slow down the natural effects of ageing while also improving our health from head to toe!