Facial toning
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'''Facial toning''' is a type of [[Beauty|cosmetic]] procedure which promises to alter facial contour and reduce [[wrinkle]]s, sagging and expression marks in the face by means of increasing [[muscle tone]], increasing facial volume by promoting muscular [[Organ hypertrophy|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 [[physical exercise|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 [[electrode]]s 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 [[eye]]s. [[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.
[[Category:Cosmetics]]
[[Category:Exercise]]