How to Reduce Smile Lines

How to reduce smile lines with facial exercises

By Keeley Selvage, eHow contributor


Smile lines are those folds that appear on either side of the lips running down from the nose. These lines give a bitter and aged look to the face. Facial exercises targeting the mouth and cheek areas increase blood flow and improve muscle tone leaving your skin looking youthful and healthy. Read on to learn how to reduce smile lines with facial exercises.


1. Pull both the upper and lower lips slightly inward and hold them tight. Now blow air inside your mouth so the area around your mouth expands. Stay in this position for a count of five and release. Repeat for three sets.


2. Lie down comfortably and relax your face. Pucker your lips and suck in the corners of your mouth slightly like making a fish face. Hold for five counts and relax. Repeat three times.


3. Make a small "O" shape with your mouth having your lips slightly parted. Keep them tight and smile from the corners of your mouth. Feel the cheek muscles move. Hold for three seconds and relax. Repeat this exercise five times.


4. Keep your lips together and face relaxed. Move the corners of your lips away in a wide smile. Feel the muscles on your cheekbone lifting up. If you have higher cheekbones causing your eyes to squeeze while doing this exercise, gently lift your eyebrows to open up your eyes.


5. Smile widely with your lips parted. Squeeze the sides of your cheek to work the corner of your mouth. Repeat five times.