BLOG 362: 5 WAYS TO REDUCE JOWLS NATURALLY (WITHOUT BOTOX OR SURGERY)

If there is one area of the face I have been asked again and again over the last 21 years of teaching Face Yoga, it is the jowls.

As we get older, it is completely normal to start noticing changes around the lower face. The jawline may not look quite as defined as it once did, the cheeks can start to feel a little less lifted and we may notice more heaviness around the mouth, chin and jowl area.

There are many reasons for this. We naturally lose collagen and elastin as we age, our facial structure changes and factors such as genetics, lifestyle, posture and even the way we hold tension in our face can all play a part.

I am 44 and, as many of you know, I have never had Botox, fillers or cosmetic surgery. There is absolutely no judgement from me towards anyone who chooses those things, but personally I love exploring the natural ways we can support our face and skin as we age.

And the good news is there is so much we can do.

Here are five of my favourite natural ways to help reduce the appearance of jowls and create a firmer, more lifted and defined-looking lower face.

1. Face Yoga

Of course, Face Yoga has to be number one!

I have been teaching Face Yoga for over 20 years and one of the areas I love focusing on is the lower face.

Face Yoga combines facial exercise, massage, acupressure, wellbeing and relaxation techniques to support both the muscles and skin.

For the jowl area, I particularly like techniques which work the cheeks and the muscles around the mouth and jaw. The key is not simply doing lots of strong facial exercises. We want balance.

Some areas may benefit from strengthening and toning, while other areas, particularly around the jaw, may actually need relaxation and tension release.

Facial massage is also wonderful here. Try placing your fingers along your jawline and gently sweeping upwards and outwards towards your ears. Keep your touch light to medium and always work with your skin rather than pulling or dragging it.

Just a few minutes regularly can make such a lovely addition to your skincare and wellbeing routine.

2. ZIIP HALO Microcurrent – One of My Favourite At-Home Devices for the Jowls

If you want to take your natural jowl routine to another level, one of the devices I really love is the ZIIP HALO (use code FACEYOGA for 10% off)⁠.

I am very selective about the devices I use and recommend because I don’t believe we need endless gadgets or complicated routines. I am much more interested in finding a few things that genuinely complement Face Yoga and can easily fit into everyday life.

ZIIP HALO uses electrical currents, including microcurrent, and offers different personalised treatments through its app. Microcurrent is particularly interesting when we are thinking about the appearance of the jowls because it can be used to help create a more lifted, toned and sculpted appearance.

I particularly love using it around the lower face and jawline because this is an area where so many of us want that extra feeling of lift and definition.

And there are some impressive results behind it too. According to ZIIP’s current clinical results, 97% saw an immediate improvement in lifting and firming, while the device produced a 27% improvement in plumpness and firmness, a 27% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and a 13% improvement in skin tone.

For me, however, what makes ZIIP particularly interesting is that it isn’t only about the jowls.

We tend to look at one part of our face in isolation and think, “I just want to fix this.” But I always encourage you to think about your face more holistically.

If we can create the appearance of more lift through the cheeks, improve the look of firmness, support a more defined-looking jawline and simultaneously work on skin quality, the whole face can look fresher and more rejuvenated.

ZIIP can also be used for concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven-looking skin tone, dullness and loss of firmness. The app offers personalised treatments using different electrical currents depending on what you want to focus on.

That versatility is a big reason I like it.

Rather than buying one device for your jawline, another for wrinkles and another for glow, you have something that can become part of a wider facial routine.

I don’t see technology such as ZIIP as replacing Face Yoga. I see the two as working beautifully alongside each other.

Face Yoga allows us to consciously work with the muscles, release tension, use massage, improve our awareness of facial habits and bring that important mind-body connection into our routine.

ZIIP gives us a different type of stimulation through its electrical currents.

So rather than thinking you have to choose between Face Yoga and a device, I love layering different natural approaches together.

And consistency is far more important than doing everything perfectly. Find a routine that you genuinely enjoy and can maintain.

3. Release Tension in Your Jaw

This one may surprise you.

When we think about jowls, our instinct is often to do more lifting, more strengthening and more exercising.

But sometimes we need to release.

So many of us unconsciously hold tension in our jaw. We clench when we are concentrating, stressed or even sleeping.

I love taking my thumbs underneath the jaw and slowly gliding them from the centre of the chin out towards the ears. You can also gently massage into the masseter muscles at the sides of the jaw.

Take slow breaths as you do this and consciously allow your lower face to soften.

Remember, Face Yoga isn’t just about what your face looks like. I always want it to help you feel better too.

4. Look at Your Posture

Your face doesn’t end at your chin!

The face, neck, shoulders and upper body are all connected, which is why posture is something I talk about so much in Face Yoga.

Think about how much time we spend looking down at phones and laptops. The head moves forwards, the shoulders round and the neck shortens.

Throughout your day, imagine there is a string gently lifting you from the crown of your head.

Bring your shoulders back and down, lengthen through your neck and try bringing your phone up towards eye level rather than constantly taking your face down towards your phone.

It sounds incredibly simple, but these small daily habits really matter.

5. Support Your Skin From the Inside and Outside

Finally, remember that facial ageing isn’t only about the muscles.

Skin quality is hugely important too.

I focus on nourishing my skin externally with good-quality skincare, but I am equally passionate about supporting my skin from within.

For me, that means eating plenty of whole foods, focusing on protein, eating lots of colourful fruit and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, moving my body every day and managing stress as much as possible.

None of these things is a magic overnight solution.

But that is actually the message I have shared throughout my entire career: small things, done consistently, can create big changes over time.

I also want to finish with something I think is really important.

There is nothing wrong with having jowls.

There is nothing wrong with lines, wrinkles or seeing your face change as you get older.

My approach has never been about desperately trying to look 20 forever. It is about looking and feeling like the healthiest, happiest and most confident version of yourself at whatever age you are.

So use Face Yoga. Massage your face. Try technology such as the ZIIP HALO if it feels right for you. Look after your posture, nourish your skin and take care of yourself from the inside out.

But do all of these things from a place of self-care rather than self-criticism.

Because natural ageing isn’t something we need to fear. We can embrace it while still enjoying all the wonderful tools available to help us look and feel our very best.

Find out more about ZIIP HALO here (and use code FACEYOGA for 10% off).

Learn more about Face Yoga here.

Watch my ZIIP and Face Yoga class on Youtube here.

(This is a paid partnership with ZIIP HALO)