Skin, the largest organ of our body, has two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis. Four types of cells make up the skin, and they are produced mainly in the epidermis near the basement membrane. Below the dermis is a layer of subcutaneous fat.
Contained in the epidermis is the basal cell layer, the spinous cell layer, the granular cell layer, and the stratum corneum. The deepest layer is the basal cell layer where all the action is. Here cells are continually dividing to produce plump new skin cells – millions daily! They move up to the skin’s surface pushed upward by the dividing cells below them. Blood vessels in the dermis below the basal cell layer supply nutrients to support this active growth of new skin cells. As the cells layer at the top they become more irregular in shape and form the spinous layer then move above into the granular layer. As the cells divide, dead skin cells are continually shed from the skin's surface. This is balanced by the dividing cells in the basal cell layer to produce a state of constant renewal.
Face yoga brings increased circulation to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to create new skin cells. The poses are designed to strengthen and tone the muscles right below your skin’s surface. We have 43 facial muscles. Why would we not exercise those muscles? Exercising the rest of our bodies is good for us, brings about better circulation, tone, strength and a sense of well-being. Practicing face yoga on a daily basis brings about lasting positive change and promotes a sense of empowerment and uplifted spirit. Once you learn the poses, you can do them anywhere, anytime. They are yours for life.