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, there's a sagging of facial muscles and skin. The triangle reverses. The base is now the chin and the apex moves to the nose. So it follows that in order to keep "ageing" at bay, the youthful-position of the "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 quality skincare products could help you look younger longer. Here's how to get started.
CORRECT YOUR POSTURE:
" Take a cue from the geishas (trained in traditional Japanese dance and arts),' says Mumbai-based celebrity dermatologist, Dr Rashmi Shetty. 'Did you know that they generally sleep with a roll under their neck to avoid lines on the neck?' she asks.
" Avoid using a pillow, as it tends to scrunch up your neck.
" Keep your chin parallel to the ground. Keep reminding yourself. Here's how: 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 in bed--scrunches the neck.
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 such as peptide,' says Dr Shetty. '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,' she explains.
Delhi-based dermatologist Dr Shehla Agarwal suggests, 'Check out for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. These help in hydrating the skin and keep blemishes at bay.'
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. Here's how: 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 release. Do three sets of 15 repetitions each.
They can also be done while sitting at a desk, without 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 five 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 five times.
FISH FACE: Tighten and tone the jaw and chin with the "fish-face" pose. Pucker your lips and suck in your cheeks. Hold the pose for a count of 20; release and then repeat for five 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: This gives you a firm chin, jawline and neck. 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.
EAT RIGHT: Your diet could also go a long way in keeping your skin firm and lifted. Here are a few tips on healthy eating:
" 'Drink water with your chin lifted,' says Delhi-based yoga therapist Dr Subhash Sharma. This action helps stretch and exercise the neck muscles and helps clear the throat. 'I have been practicing this for the last two years and it has not only cured my throat infection but has also helped reduce the lines on my neck and make it firmer,' he adds.
" Smoking and drinking alcohol can make your skin sag. Cigarettes and alcohol release acetaldehyde in the body that attacks skin fibre, reducing its firmness and elasticity. Alcohol also destroys vitamin C in your system, which is important for collagen formation.
Opt for foods that boost skin elasticity and make skin firmer. Here are some good suggestions:
" Cabbage is low calorie and contains collagen-producing agents. Collagen is important for keeping facial skin taut and youthful. Presence of antioxidants and phytonutrients such as lutenin, thiocyanates and zeaxanthin makes it a super food for skin hydration and elasticity.
" Kiwi is a rich source of vitamin C which helps in boosting collagen production. Research indicates that the fruit can double collagen synthesis in the skin.
" Beans contain hyaluronic acid which boosts the elasticity and increases collagen formation, resulting in firm, youthful skin.
Start early: Skincare 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. The other must is the use of sunscreen. Ideally, specific anti-ageing rituals may start from the mid- 20s - focus on lines, wrinkles and pigmentation with special attention to the jawline and neck.
