November 27, 2023
Hey friends! It's Christine here. Today I want to talk about one major muscle in your face that can actually cause premature aging if it's too tight. Do you know which muscle I'm talking about?
It's your jaw!
The jaw sits right at the central axis of your face. When it's clenched or tight, it triggers a tension response in the rest of your facial muscles. You might go into what I call "pain face" - tightened crow's feet, scrunched lips, and puckered cheeks. Everything pulls inward and downward.
When you release the jaw, it gives the surrounding muscles permission to relax and lift. Think of it like unlocking tension in the rest of your face. As the jaw loosens up, the forehead smooths, eyes open up, and cheeks lift.
Releasing the jaw also improves blood flow and lymph drainage. Blood carries fresh oxygen and nutrients to hydrate and plump skin. Lymph fluid washes away toxins, waste and excess fluid that cause puffiness. This rush of circulation delivers a surge of anti-aging benefits!
That refreshed blood flow is why jaw massage is so essential for preventing wrinkles and sagging. It drains built-up toxins, reduces inflammation, and nourishes the skin and muscles with essential hydration and nutrients. Just by working on the jaw, you'll notice an energized, lifted appearance across your whole face!
Over time, repeated facial expressions etch lines into your skin. By relaxing the jaw first, you undo tension and prevent more lines. Targeted massage preps muscles for skincare products to better penetrate. It's the first step in my 3-part anti-aging routine:
I like using a tool to massage the jaw area. The muscles actually extend into your scalp, so I start by kneading that area with loose fists to warm up. Then, I slide my fingers along the cheekbone, gently pulling the skin to signal the deeper muscles below. Light, sliding moves release tension without digging in too deep.
Next, I use circular motions under the ears and around the jawline. Putting bottom teeth over top teeth like a bulldog and slowly massaging helps release the inner jaw. (It hurts, but it's so effective!)
For a quick jaw release, I go inside the mouth. Reach your opposite hand back and feel around for tense spots. Pulling forward provides a huge release of those muscles. I have videos showing both inner and outer jaw massage techniques if you want to learn more!
It makes a huge difference. I can feel my mouth becoming more even after working on the tight areas. If I'm releasing tension but see forehead wrinkles won't flatten, nine times out of ten it means I need to address the jaw next. Then everything smoothly relaxes!
Years of accumulated tension densify facial muscles and skin, drying them out. Think of youthful skin as a plump, juicy sponge and aged skin like a dried-up sponge. Massage rehydrates tissues!
So there you have it - be sure not to skip jaw massage in your regular skincare routine. It's step one before serums, creams or devices can properly work their magic. Releasing tension transforms your canvas and prevents further lines. Plus, it just feels amazing!
Once you've released the tension in your lower face, it's the perfect time to introduce another powerful anti-aging ally - Microcurrent. This non-invasive device works wonders by toning and firming your facial muscles. Using it right after jaw massage helps lock in the relaxation, leaving your face feeling lifted and rejuvenated.
It's clear that the health and relaxation of your jaw muscle play a crucial role in maintaining a youthful and radiant appearance. By releasing the tension and stress that builds up in this powerful muscle, you pave the way for a more relaxed and revitalized complexion. As you make jaw massage an essential part of your skincare routine, you'll find that your skin becomes a receptive canvas for the potent benefits of high-performance skincare products.
February 03, 2025
Whether you want to tighten crepey skin, reduce "tech neck" wrinkles, or simply prevent future fine lines, I have some treatments that can help. Here are my top techniques as a licensed master esthetician for treating the neck and décolleté, as well as my must-have gadgets for home use.
January 31, 2025
Hey everyone, Christine Byer here! As a licensed master esthetician with over two decades of experience, I've seen a lot of confusion around layering skincare products. It doesn't have to be complicated, but a few key things can make or break your routine. I want to help you avoid those mistakes, so let's dive in!
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