Firm Your Sagging Face Naturally: Inexpensive Tips for Jowls, Cheeks, and Radiant Skin

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

A sagging face can make your skin appear dull, lifeless, and older than you feel. Lost skin elasticity and weakened facial muscles contribute to this common concern.

Facial exercises can help with a sagging face. Here is my before and after picture.Before picture in my early 50s. In the after picture I'm about 63 years old.

But don't worry, there are natural and effective ways to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate your appearance.

This ABZ guide explores proven facial exercises, targeted skincare routines, and expert tips to help you achieve a firmer, more youthful-looking face.

Lift & Sculpt with face exercises

Facial exercises have made a comeback—and for good reason. I’ve personally seen how targeted movement can help lift and tone the face, especially around the cheeks, jowls, and neck.

Explore My Favorite Face-Firming Routines:
This section breaks down the workouts and guides that made the biggest difference for me—including before-and-after results, beginner how-tos, and targeted routines you can do at home.

Whether you’re just starting out or want to firm up a specific area, there’s something here for you.

1. Where I started

2. Lift Sagging Cheeks, Jowls & Neck

3. Combo tips & daily routines

Want smoother skin too:

Facial exercises work even better when your skin is prepped. A gentle exfoliant and a nourishing serum can help your face absorb all the benefits. You’ll find more tips below—but if you want a quick start, try:

Why Your Face Starts to Sag

bone loss in lower face and jowlsThe bones in our face don’t stay the same—they slowly shift and shrink over time, which can change how we look. (Image courtesy of Dr. Robert Shaw, 417plasticsurgery.com. Based on research by Langstein and Shaw, M.D.)

Did you know your face changes shape as you age? Here's what happens:

  • Bone Shrinkage: The facial bones lose volume, reducing the support they provide to your skin and soft tissues.
  • Fat Shifting: Fat pads in your face shrink and move, creating hollows in some areas while causing sagging in others.
  • Loss of Elasticity: Collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and bouncy, gradually break down over time.

These changes often lead to sagging cheeks, jowls, and double chins. Starting facial exercises early can help counteract these effects, naturally lifting and tightening the lower face.

Do face exercises really work?

Yes—if you stay consistent, facial exercises can absolutely make a visible difference. A study in JAMA Dermatology found that 20 weeks of facial workouts improved facial contours and made participants look younger on average.

In my case, I saw the most dramatic changes between months 6 and 9—especially along my jawline and neck.

Sagging cheeks before and afterFirmer Face before and after Face Exercise

Which facial routine is right for you?

Not all facial exercise programs are created equal. An effective program should:

  • Target All Major Facial Muscles: A comprehensive approach ensures balanced results and prevents an overdeveloped look in certain areas.
  • Incorporate Massage Techniques: Massage stimulates circulation and collagen production, enhancing the benefits of exercise.
  • Be Easy to Follow: A simple routine encourages consistency, which is key to achieving long-term results.

My before & after photos

A sagging face is characterized by droopy cheeks, jowls, and dull skin. This can make the face appear bottom-heavy and aged. Consistent facial exercises can reduce sagging in the mid and lower face. In my experience, they not only lifted my cheeks but also boosted my skin’s radiance for a natural glow.

Before Facial Exercises: My skin looked dull despite regular exfoliation and expensive skincare treatments.
After Facial Exercises: Strengthened muscles created a smoother surface, allowing light to reflect more evenly for a radiant complexion.

Sagging face before and after. Results of face exercises before and after.My Before and After results over 10 years later.

Before Facial Exercises: My skin looked dull despite regular exfoliation and expensive skincare treatments.

After Facial Exercises: Strengthened muscles created a smoother surface, allowing light to reflect more evenly for a radiant complexion. 

Note: Studies show that facial exercises can improve skin function. Although studies are limited, and researchers admit they're not sure how or why it works.

How facial exercises tighten skin

Facial exercises strengthen the muscles that support your skin, especially around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. With consistent practice, these movements create a firmer foundation, reduce drooping, and help restore a more sculpted look. They also increase circulation and support the production of collagen and elastin—proteins that keep skin smooth and elastic.

Why it works:

  • Toned Muscles = Less sagging, firmer skin
  • Improved Circulation = Brighter, more radiant tone
  • Collagen Support = Smoother, more elastic skin

Think of it as a hands-on way to support your skin’s natural firmness—no procedures required.

Boost results with skincare tips

Facial exercises can work wonders, but combining them with a solid skincare routine and other targeted solutions takes your results to the next level. Here's how to naturally support firmer, healthier skin while exploring additional options.

Skincare Essentials for Tightening Sagging Skin:

Additional solutions for loose skin:

  • Facial Massage: Regular massages improve blood flow and stimulate lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and enhancing skin tone. Pair with a hydrating serum for extra glide and nourishment.
  • Dermarolling or Microneedling: These at-home tools can boost collagen production and help improve skin texture when used correctly.
  • Face Masks: Look for facial masks infused with tightening agents like clay, caffeine, or marine extracts to temporarily firm the skin.

Top exercises for loose skin

The chart below shows all the muscles used during the workout. In the first 6–12 months, it's recommended to do the routine about three times a week—it takes less than 15 minutes per session. Once you've reached your goals, you can switch to a few times a month for maintenance.

Muscles of the face.
face exercise stepsCourtesy of Carolyn's Facial Fitness, LLC

How to tighten jowls naturally

Sagging jowls along the jawline are a common aging concern. They can make you look older and contribute to a less defined facial contour. While surgery is an option, many people prefer a more natural approach.

If you're looking to lift and tighten sagging jowls without the risks and expense of surgery, targeted facial exercises can be an effective solution.

Learn more about these effective jowl exercises and how they can help you achieve a firmer, more youthful jawline. 

Takeaway:

Facial exercises changed the way my face looked and felt—and honestly, it was one of the best low-cost investments I’ve made in my skin. If you’re dealing with sagging cheeks, jowls, or dull skin, just know that you can make a difference with consistent effort and the right routine.

The key is to stick with it. Start small, be patient, and support your results with a few simple skincare habits like exfoliation, hydration, and facial massage.



FAQs

Q:What causes face sagging?

A: Many factors contribute to facial sagging, but the most important are:

  • loss of collagen
  • loss of and redistribution of facial fat
  • loss of and reabsorption of facial bone mass

The facial fat that once sat high in the cheek area is reduced, and this causes the skin to sag downward. Picture a balloon with some air let out.

Facial bone changes cause the skin to droop too, especially around the eyes and jaw bone area. See this picture on how facial bone change with age.

Eventually, these change affect the shape of our face. The face tends to get bottom-heavy (i.e., droopy cheeks, jowls, and double chin) as time goes on.

Q: Some massage therapists like to use a jade stone roller as a form of massage. Which face rollers do you suggest for a sagging face?

A: Personally, I like to use my hands. The index finger, middle finger, and ring finger provide enough gentle pressure to stimulate lymph nodes, massage face muscles and is a great way to relax and reduce a lot of tension in the face and neck. For best results, make circular motions using firm pressure. Start at your jowls and massage in an upward direction along the sides of your face. Make sure to apply a little face cream  or face serum, so you're not tugging on the skin. Click here to see a video of the Sagging Skin Face Massage.

Q: What causes face sagging?

A: Many factors contribute to facial sagging, but the most important are:

  • loss of collagen
  • loss of and redistribution of facial fat
  • loss of and reabsorption of facial bone mass

The facial fat that once sat high in the cheek area is reduced, and this causes the skin to sag downward. Picture a balloon with some air let out.

Facial bone changes cause the skin to droop too, especially around the eyes and jaw bone area. See this picture on how facial bone change with age.

Eventually, these change affect the shape of our face. The face tends to get bottom-heavy (i.e., droopy cheeks, jowls, and double chin) as time goes on.

Q: How does facial massage help sagging skin?

A: A face massage helps increase blood flow and helps stimulate fibroblast cells, improve connecting tissues and increase collagen and elastin... All necessary for healthy, firm skin tone. We're not talking about results like a facelift, but regular facial massages helps keep good skin tone and lessen age related sagging.

Q: How does a jade roller or gua sha stone help firm up facial skin?

A: These devices can help improve and drain the lymphatic system. As we get older, our faces tend to hold more fluid around the lower half of our face, making our faces look saggy and bloated. A regular facial massage can help slim and contour the face and neck area - giving you a firmer look

Q: Does Botox help with sagging cheeks?

A: Botox is not typically used to address sagging cheeks. Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a neurotoxin that is commonly used for cosmetic purposes to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing specific facial muscles. It is commonly used for areas such as the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and around the eyes (crow's feet).

Sagging cheeks, on the other hand, are usually caused by a loss of skin elasticity and volume, which occurs naturally with aging. To address sagging cheeks, other treatments like dermal fillers, fat transfers, or surgical procedures (such as facelifts) are typically recommended.

Dermal fillers, like hyaluronic acid-based fillers, are commonly used to restore lost volume in the cheeks and lift the sagging skin. These fillers help to plump up the cheeks, providing a more youthful and lifted appearance.

Q: How long does it take for face skin to tighten when using face exercises?

A: That really depends on your age and skin condition. But, it can at least a few months before you start to see any results. More results can be seen up to 12 months later. It takes time, but it's something you just do on a weekly basis.

Q: What are the best essential oils for sagging skin? I've read that neroli oil and lavender oil have skin tightening properties, but I'm not sure how to use them since I have very sensitive skin.

A: Essential oils won't lift saggy skin, but keeping dry skin hydrated can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin elasticity. Lavender, frankincense, and Neroli oil have antifungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, but like all essential oils, they are very concentrated. You should dilute them and make your own essential oil blend by mixing a drop or two of these essential oils with carrier oils (like coconut oil or jojoba oil).

Additional Reading:

Simple skincare routine

Face Lift Treatments at Home

Facial Toning Benefits Over 40

Face Exercise - Key Tips for Success

Forehead Wrinkles 

Which Face Lift Exercises are Best

Facial Exercises for Fuller Cheeks

Facial Exercises VS. Botox: Pros and Cons

About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.

Before you go ....

Please tap on the💙in the bottom right corner if you found this page helpful. Also, Let’s CONNECT! Click the buttons below to follow me on social media.

Thanks so much!