From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Facial toning is a type of
cosmetic procedure which promises to alter facial contour
and reduce
wrinkles, sagging and expression marks in the face by means
of increasing
muscle tone, increasing facial volume by promoting muscular
hypertrophy, and preventing
muscle loss due to
aging.
It is therefore part of the techniques for achieving
facial rejuvenation. Facial toning can also help aid one's
appearance due to weight gain of the face that results in facial
distortion.
Facial toning achieves this by performing facial muscle
exercising. There are two types of facial toning exercises:
- Active exercising. In this, the user performs a
repetition of voluntary contractions of certain facial
muscle groups, using a mirror.
- Passive exercising by direct skeletal muscle
electrostimulation. In this, flat metal
electrodes smeared with a conductive gel are affixed to
certain points in the face and an elecrostimulation divide
is used to generate waveforms which promote facial muscle
contractions.
Although theoretically possible, effectiveness of facial
toning techniques are difficult to evaluate and prove
scientifically. As these muscles are not
prime movers, like any internal muscle additional resistance
cannot be added, so the muscles will not grow or gain much
strength. It is solely an endurance and active flexibility
exercise. They may be dangerous, even, in the case of
particularly strong electrical stimulation near the
eyes.
Chronic
pain,
delayed onset muscle soreness,
neuritis and facial distortions and asymmetry may ensue.
Facial toning by chemical means, such as
DMAE
creams has also been developed and championed.
Categories:
Cosmetics |
Exercise
