The smile lines (nasolabial folds) are two grooves that run from the wings of the nose to the corners of the mouth. When we are young, they only appear when we smile, but over time — due to loss of collagen, sunken cheeks, and weakened facial muscles — smile lines become etched even when the face is at rest, making the face look older and more tired. The good news: Face Yoga can naturally soften smile lines by lifting the cheek muscles and improving circulation, in just a few minutes a day.
Why are smile lines getting deeper?
- Loss of collagen & elastin: skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making the folds more pronounced.
- Sunken cheeks, loss of volume: fat pads that support the cheek area descend → loose skin around the nose and mouth.
- Weak facial muscles: the cheek-lifting muscles (zygomaticus) weaken over time, unable to “push” the skin up.
- Habits: sleeping on your side, smoking, and lack of sun protection accelerate the process.
How does Face Yoga help with smile lines?
The exercises focus on lifting and toning the cheek muscles — when the cheek muscles are fuller and stronger, they support the skin around the nose and mouth, helping to make smile lines shallower and less noticeable. Combining massage helps increase circulation, stimulate collagen, and soften the folds. This is a natural, non-invasive way (unlike fillers).
5 exercises to soften smile lines at home
Wash your hands thoroughly, apply a little cream/oil to allow your hands to glide smoothly and avoid pulling the skin.
1. Air circulation in the cheeks
Close your mouth, fill it with air, and move the air back and forth between both cheeks for 30 seconds, then push the air up to the upper lip (below the nose). This exercise tightens and “fills” the area around the smile lines.
2. Controlled cheek lift
Place your fingers on the top of your cheekbone. Smile gently to lift the cheek muscles, feeling the lifting muscle under your fingers. Hold for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10–15 times. This helps to fill the cheeks and support the smile lines.
3. “O-shaped mouth” exercise
Open your mouth into an O shape, covering your teeth with your lips, and feel the area around your mouth and cheeks stretch. Hold the smile in that O shape for 5 seconds, repeat 8–10 times. This tones the muscles around the mouth.
4. Smile line massage
Use your fingertip to gently stroke along the smile line from the corner of the mouth up to the wing of the nose and then to the cheekbone, moving upward. Repeat 10 times on each side to soften the folds and increase circulation.
5. Upper lip exercise (flattening the philtrum area)
Gently press the upper lip down against the teeth, keeping it taut while trying to smile against the resistance. Hold for 5 seconds, repeat 8 times. This helps tone the area between the nose and mouth.
Notes when practicing
- Be gentle: do not pull the skin too hard — strong force can create new wrinkles.
- Always have a “slip agent”: cream or oil to avoid friction.
- Consistency over intensity: 5–10 minutes daily is better than cramming.
Combine lifestyle changes for faster smile line softening
Use sunscreen daily (UV rays are the strongest destroyers of collagen), nourish collagen from within (protein, vitamin C, collagen-rich foods), limit sugar, get enough sleep, and avoid sleeping face down. These habits account for 50% of the results, while Face Yoga takes care of the muscles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I see smile lines soften?
Improved circulation (fresher skin) can be seen early; noticeable softening of smile lines requires consistent practice for 8–12 weeks. Deep lines due to significant volume loss will improve more slowly.
Can Face Yoga replace fillers?
It does not provide immediate results like fillers, but it is a natural, safe method with no recurring costs and sustainable gradual improvement.
Does smiling more deepen smile lines?
Smiling is a natural expression and good for the spirit — don’t stop smiling. The issue is the loss of collagen and weak muscles, not the smile itself.
References: American Academy of Dermatology; Cleveland Clinic; Danielle Collins – Face Yoga Method.
Want a complete routine for your entire face? Download the free guide “7 Days to Awaken Your Face” — a day-by-day guide to a firmer, naturally youthful face.
Author
Mai Linh - Face Yoga Vietnam
Founder & Face Yoga Coach of Face Yoga Vietnam.