The 3 Most Effective Facial Yoga Poses for Wrinkles Around the Eyes

They say eyes are the mirror of the soul... But they are also a reflection of our lifestyle, our laughter, our worries, and even the way we squint at the sun.

The lines at the outer corners of the eyes, known as "crow's feet," the fine wrinkles under the eyes, and the tired expression that settles in our gaze are a common problem for all of us.

This is not only related to aging, but also directly to how we use the muscles in that area.

There are countless creams and serums on the market that make promises for this area. They offer great support by moisturizing the skin's surface .

But facial yoga gets one layer deeper into the problem, to its root: the muscle structure.

Wrinkles around the eyes are largely caused by chronic muscle tension and weakened muscles that can no longer support the skin's weight.

Facial yoga aims to revitalize the face naturally by strengthening muscles and relaxing tension in a conscious way, without pulling at the skin.

In this guide, we'll share the 3 most effective targeted facial yoga exercises you can add to your routine to transform your eye area.

Why Does the Skin Around the Eyes Wrinkle So Quickly? (Anatomy and Reasons)

There are scientific reasons why the area around our eyes is so sensitive and is one of the first places to show signs of aging.

Before moving on to the exercises, understanding the anatomy of this area will help us understand why we perform these movements.

Skin Structure: The Thinnest and Most Sensitive Area

The skin around our eyes is approximately 40% thinner than the skin on the rest of our face.

This makes it much more vulnerable to external factors. Furthermore, the density of sebum (oil) glands, which form the skin's natural moisture barrier, is very low in this area.

Because it doesn't get oily, it's more prone to chronic dryness and consequently, fine lines.

The muscle in the leading role: Orbicularis Oculi

Our eyes are surrounded by a circular muscle called the Orbicularis Oculi . This muscle allows us to close, squint, and blink. Every laugh, every squint we make while looking at the sun or a computer screen, activates this muscle.

Over time, this muscle becomes chronically contracted at certain points (especially at the outer corners), folding the thin skin over it. "Crow's feet" are precisely these crease lines.

Facial Expressions and External Factors

We unconsciously make thousands of facial expressions throughout the day. Constantly squinting and frowning creates tension in these muscles.

In addition, UV damage (collagen breakdown), sleeping position (burying the face in the pillow), and insufficient moisturizing accelerate the process of lines deepening in this delicate area.

How Does Face Yoga Help the Eye Area? (Mechanism)

Facial yoga offers a three-pronged approach to addressing these problems:

1. Muscle Strengthening and Toning: Just like other muscles in our body, the muscles around the eyes get stronger with exercise. Especially when the weakened muscles under the eyes are toned, they act as a fuller "suspension" for the skin underneath, reducing the appearance of sunken eyes.

2. Releasing Chronic Tension: Face yoga is not just a "sport," it's also a "stretching" practice. It teaches you to consciously loosen and relax those tense, chronic contractions that cause crow's feet.

3. Increasing Circulation (Revitalization and Repair): Targeted exercises for this area increase blood circulation. Increased blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients are transported to the area. This indirectly supports the skin's self-repair capacity and collagen production. It also helps reduce under-eye puffiness (edema) by stimulating lymphatic drainage.

Before You Begin: Preparation and Safe Practice Guidelines

As with any exercise, there are rules we must follow before starting face yoga.

• Hygiene: Always begin your practice with clean hands and clean skin.

• The Most Critical Rule: NEVER PULL! We've discussed how thin and delicate the skin around the eyes is. Any harsh pulling in this area can worsen the condition. Movements should be "feather-light" and muscle-focused.

• Slippery surface is essential: You must create a slippery surface to avoid tugging at the skin.

  • Polente Natural Product Integration: For this sensitive area, it is essential to use a non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) oil suitable for your skin. Polente Natural Rosehip Seed Oil, known for its rich antioxidant content, restorative and anti-spot effects, is ideal for this practice. Alternatively, Jojoba Oil, which is gentle on all skin types, can also be preferred. Simply take 1-2 drops of oil on your fingertips and gently apply it to the area with dabbing motions.

The 3 Most Effective Facial Yoga Poses for Wrinkles Around the Eyes

Here are 3 powerful exercises, step-by-step, to revitalize your eye area:

1. Movement: "V" Movement (Resistance Against Crow's Feet)

• Why it's effective: This movement prevents skin from folding (the crease that forms crow's feet) by creating resistance with your fingertips while squinting. This strengthens the muscle without creating wrinkles.

• How to Do It:

  1. Make a "V" sign with the index and middle fingers of both hands.

  2. Place your middle fingers on the inner beginning of your eyebrow (near the bridge of your nose) and your index fingers on the outer corner of your eye (on the temporal bone where crow's feet end).

  3. Without pulling at the skin with your fingers, press gently enough to secure those points in place.

  4. Keeping your head still, look upwards towards the ceiling.

  5. Now, try to squint your eyes using your lower eyelids, as if you were looking at the sun. You should feel the muscle around your eye (Orbicularis Oculi) twitching under your fingers.

  6. Hold the muscle contraction for 5 seconds and then slowly relax. Repeat 10 times.

2. Exercise: Under-Eye Pump (Under-Eye Lines and Bags)

• Why it's effective: This exercise specifically strengthens the under-eye muscles, which are prone to weakening and puffiness. It also stimulates lymphatic drainage in the area.

• How to Do It:

  1. Gently place your index fingers just above your lower eyelid (on top of your cheekbone), without applying any pressure to the skin. Your fingers should only support the skin under their own weight.

  2. Close your eyes.

  3. With your eyes closed, roll your pupils upwards as if you were looking into your forehead. You will feel this movement under your eyelids.

  4. While in this position, try to quickly "vibrate" or "pump" 20 times using your lower eyelid, not your upper eyelid.

  5. Take a deep breath and completely relax your eyes. Repeat this set 3 times.

3. Movement: "Binocular" Movement (Temple Stretching and Forehead Relaxation)

• Why it's effective: This movement lifts not only the outer corner of the eye but also the eyebrows, creating a "lifting" and opening sensation all around the eye area. It releases the buildup that accumulates at the outer corner of the eye.

• How to Do It:

  1. Open both hands in the shape of the letter "C" (as if holding binoculars).

  2. Place your index fingers just above your eyebrows and your thumbs on your cheekbones (near the sides of your nose).

  3. Do not pull the skin backward or sideways with your hands! Simply anchor the skin in place.

  4. Now, against this fixed frame created by your hands, try raising your eyebrows and widening your eyes as if you were very surprised.

  5. Feel how your forehead and temples work against this resistance. Hold this tension for 5 seconds and slowly release.

  6. Repeat 10 times.

Conclusion: Change Begins with Awareness

These 3 effective movements are a powerful starting point for revitalizing the skin around your eyes, giving you more rested and vibrant eyes.

The key word in face yoga is consistency. But for a lasting effect, there's something else just as important as the exercise: recognizing the facial expressions we unconsciously make throughout the day that cause those wrinkles (squinting, frowning, surprise).

Face yoga is not just an exercise, but also a "self-awareness" practice where we listen to our bodies and reconcile with our facial expressions.

If you'd like to take these exercises a step further, gain a deeper understanding of your facial expression habits—the root cause of lines around your eyes and forehead—and reprogram them with targeted micro-exercises , we invite you to our "Awareness + Micro-Exercises to Reduce Expression Wrinkles" class.

Remember, real and lasting change begins with awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I do these exercises?

 Consistency is key to best results. Ideally, you can incorporate these 3 movements into your routine by dedicating 5-10 minutes each day.

When will I start seeing results?

You will usually notice that your eye area looks more "rested" and "vibrant" after 2-3 weeks of regular application. Toning the muscles and softening the appearance of lines may require 2-3 months of patient practice.

Will these actions harm my eyes?

No, as long as you perform the movements gently, never tug at your skin, and stop at the point where you feel pain. Be extra gentle if you wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes.

How do I use it with my eye cream?

You have two options: 1) First, perform the exercises with an oil (e.g., rosehip oil) as described above, then cleanse your face and apply your eye cream. 2) If your eye cream doesn't provide sufficient lubrication and isn't absorbed quickly enough, you can gently perform the exercises immediately after applying the cream.