If you’re on a weight loss journey or often struggle with losing weight, there are probably some specific areas of body fat you want to target the most.

Be it the beer belly you’re desperate to lose or the stubborn arm fat that’s made you wary about wearing sleeveless clothes time and again, we all have our problems.

However, one of the hardest types of fat to reduce is buccal fat – a pad of fat in the lower cheeks that helps shape the face and facilitate the movement of facial muscles. This has made facial fat grafting one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries globally, including in India.

viral problem

During the pandemic, the popularity of home workouts increased, and videos on ‘how to lose weight at home’ flooded social media. This led to the rise of influencers who promised quick weight loss tips that you could follow at home.

For buccal or facial fat, there has been a significant rise in fitness content where influencers guide people on how to reduce facial fat through home remedies like massage, facial yoga, and tools like Gua Sha.

Soon, terms like ‘lymphatic drainage’ and ‘cortisol face’ became the next thing to reduce facial fat, prompting experts to offer tips on how to get rid of that extra layer of facial fat.

But what is the best way to lose face fat?

We asked various experts and according to them, reducing face fat is not easy, but it can be achieved by taking a holistic approach.

Pathik Patel, fitness expert and founder of Fit & Flex (NIVA Nutrifoods LLP/Basil Group), Ahmedabad, explains India Today, “When people aim to lose weight the aim is to lose fat throughout the body, and this can be achieved through diet and regular exercise. If one is able to reduce body fat through proper diet and exercise, If you are determined to, facial fat will also be reduced, resulting in a well-defined body and face.”

He adds, “I regularly run, cycle or do other cardiovascular exercises. Such activities help burn fat, increase metabolism and reduce calories.”

Pathik also notes that staying hydrated, limiting sugar, and reducing excessive sodium intake helps reduce water retention, which can reduce facial puffiness.

Yoga expert and founder of Akshar Yoga Center, Himalayan Siddha For Akshar, facial yoga, which involves specific postures and pranayama techniques that apply gentle pressure to the face, achieves a radiant glow and a well-shaped appearance without resorting to cosmetic procedures. Can help to do. ,

In simple words, working out along with a good diet can help you lose weight and workout can be your option and it also includes yoga.

What about facial massage?

Facial massage and exercise are commonly promoted as beneficial ways to improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote a healthy glow, but they can have some side effects if done improperly or in excess. Are. However, Dr. Shyam Sundar Sharma, General Physician, Assam, says that if facial exercises are not done properly, it also has side effects.

He lists some of them:

increase wrinkles

If facial exercises involve repetitive or exaggerated movements, they can cause the formation of wrinkles, especially around areas with fine lines like the eyes and mouth.

Headache

Dr. Sharma says that excessive exercise of the facial muscles can lead to fatigue or stiffness, just like other muscles in the body.

“This can cause discomfort and, in some cases, tension headaches,” he says.

jaw pain

“Exercises involving jaw movements can sometimes cause jaw discomfort or even aggravate conditions like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), resulting in pain or stiffness,” says Dr. Sharma.

skin irritation

Excessive pulling or stretching of the skin during facial exercises can make the skin more sensitive, causing irritation or redness, especially for people with delicate or thin skin.

And facial tools?

From Kendall Jenner to Deepika Padukone, facial tools like gua sha to jade roller have now become an essential part of the skin care routine of many beauty enthusiasts.

Statistics also show the same. The global skin care device market size was projected to reach $14 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $15.3 billion in 2023.

These devices are also often marketed as a way to reduce facial fat. However, experts suggest that tools like gua sha only work temporarily to make your face look slimmer.

A 2018 study that analyzed 50 women and asked them to use the Pao device showed that it could increase the thickness and cross-sectional area of ​​facial muscles, thus contributing to facial rejuvenation. Gives.

But Dr. Sharma suggests that there is a lack of scientific evidence to prove the effectiveness of these devices. Additionally, it may also have side effects such as:

• People with sensitive or acne-prone skin may experience irritation, breakouts, or redness if the devices are used too aggressively or improperly.
• Excessive pressure can cause blood vessels to rupture, especially for people with thin or delicate skin.
• If you have conditions like rosacea or eczema, using facial devices may aggravate these problems.

Memorization

The most effective way to reduce face fat is to focus on reducing overall body weight through regular workouts and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and not fall prey to fads such as facial devices or facial massagers. .