FACE UP!

Did you know that your jawline and neck could reveal signs of ageing? Keep them firm and lifted to look younger longer. By Jhelum Biswas

Research indicates that in addition to lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone, the lower half of our face could also contribute to an older appearance. Traditionally the face is imagined as a triangle, often referred to as the “ageing triangle”. A youthful face has the base of the triangle on the cheeks and the apex is on the chin. As we age, due to effects of gravity and the subtle changes in the teeth and bone structure of the jaws lead to the sagging of facial muscles and skin. The triangle reverses. The base is now the chin and the apex moves to the nose.

Hence to keep looking young, the youthful position ageing triangle should be maintained. So how does one do that? Invasive surgeries are generally considered to be the only answer. However, certain smart moves, regular care and some great skincare products could help you look younger longer.

Correct Your Posture

• Consciously hold your head high with your neck stretched as much as possible. This posture is also an immediate confidence booster.
• Avoid using a pillow as it tends to scrunch up your neck.
• Try to keep your chin parallel to the ground. Keep reminding yourself. Tip: Write the words “Chin Up” on a post-it and paste it on your mirror. Use the words as a wallpaper for your phone, laptop and computer. Think about it. Those words can be such a great motivator on a gloomy day.
• Don’t read when lounging on the bed.

Refresh Your Regime

• It’s not enough to just care for your face. Your daily skincare regime should extend to your neck as well.
• Always apply products on your neck stroking it upwards.
• Remember to massage the jawline every day when applying cream.
• Include a neck cream and lifting serums in your daily regimen.
• Look out for products that contain ingredients like peptide. These work on the tiny muscles found in skin pores. They help relax the muscles thus reducing the pores and making the skin look smoother. With continuous use they help stimulate collagen production.

Start Early

There’s really no age to start taking care of your skin. It is a habit that one needs to inculcate from childhood, much like personal hygiene. Cleaning and moisturising your face is a must from early years. Sunscreen in a must for everyone. All these little things go on to contribute to younger looking skin. Along with that avoid smoking. Maintain a healthy diet. Now, you may ask what is the ideal age of starting on anti-ageing program? Your daily care is the first step towards that. But from your mid 20s, start on anti-ageing skincare that takes care of lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation and pays special attention to the jawline and neck.

Eat Right

Your diet could also go a long way in keeping your skin firm and lifted. Here are a few healthy eating tips:

• Drink water with your chin lifted. This action helps stretch and exercise the neck muscles plus it also helps clear the throat. I have been practicing this trick for last two years and I must say that it has not only cured my throat infection but has also helped reduce the lines on my neck.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol can make your skin sag. Cigarettes and alcohol release acetaldehyde in the body, which attacks the fibres in your skin, further reducing their firmness and elasticity. Smoking can make you look 10 years older than a non-smoker of the same age. Alcohol also destroys an important nutrient, vitamin C, which is important for collagen formation.

In your diet include foods that boost skin elasticity. Here are some good suggestions:

• Cabbage, this low calorie vegetable contains collagen-producing agents. Collagen is important for keeping facial skin tight and youthful. Presence of antioxidants and phytonutrients like lutenin, thiocyanates and zeaxanthin makes it a super food for skin hydration and elasticity.
• Kiwi is a rich source of vitamin C. The nutrient helps in boosting collagen production. Research indicated that the fruit can double collagen synthesis in the skin. It also defends fights against free radicals.
• Beans can also make your skin appear tight and youthful. They contain hyaluronic acid which boosts the elasticity and increases collagen formation.

Exercise Your Neck and Jaw

• Trapezius Lift. The trapezius is a neck muscle that holds the head upright. Trapezius lifts (or shoulder shrugs) done with or without hand-held weights help tone and strengthen the neck muscles. If you are doing it with weights, then stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your side. Hold the weights with your palms facing forward and raise your shoulders toward the ears. Count three and then release. Do three sets of 15 repetitions each. Trapezius lifts can also be done while sitting at a desk, without using weights. Simply sit straight with your hands by your side and the palms facing forward. Lift shoulders towards the ear and hold for 5-10 seconds and release. Do it whenever you remember or whenever your neck feels stressed.
• Bumblebees – this workout exercises the jaw muscles. Inhale through the nose, and make chewing motions while vibrating the sound “mmmm” through the nose as you chew. Repeat 5 times
• Tongue Reach. This is a yoga exercise for the neck. It firms and tones the chin. Stick out your tongue, and say “Ah”. Hold your tongue out while keeping the rest of your face relaxed. Hold for 60 seconds and repeat 5 times.
• Kiss the Ceiling. This exercise works the jaw and neck and can be done standing or sitting. Hold your arms at your sides, tilt your head back slightly and pucker your lips, as if trying to “kiss” the ceiling. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times.
• Fish Face. Tighten and tone the jaw and chin with the “fish-face” pose. Pucker your lips and then suck in your cheeks. Hold the pose for a count of 20; release and then repeat for 5 times. Or hold your face like this as long as you can and whenever you can.
• Head Raises. These help firm up and tone neck and chin. Stand or sit in a straight-back chair while looking directly ahead of you. Slowly and gently tilt your head back as far as possible. Hold the position for a count of five before returning to the starting position. Repeat 10 to 15 times daily.
• Baby Bird: Firm chin, jawline and neck with the baby bird pose. Stand or sit with your back straight and tilt your head up looking at the ceiling. Drop your jaw and close it, feeling the stretch in your neck and below your chin. Repeat five times. Tilt your head to the right and repeat the exercise for five more repetitions before tilting your head to the left for a final five repetitions. Do this exercise daily.