| An
independent study consisting of a panel of
healthy older females with some signs of facial
laxity followed a mechanically aided facial
exercise program based on progressive resistance
for 3 months. Dr. Gary L. Grove, PhD, conducted
the study at the Skin Study Center in Broomall,
PA, a well known and highly regarded research
facility utilized by many of the world's top
cosmetic companies. By
the end of the 3-month treatment period,
highly significant differences were achieved.
The scientifically monitored changes in
the panelist's facial structure were quite
consistent with the primary perception of
the panelists that their facial skin had
become firmer and more elastic.The overall
pattern of change also corresponded nicely
to changes in the condition of their facial
muscles as measured by the time they could
hold a high resistance load.
The data collected
during this study clearly indicates that
dynamic constant external resistance exercise
performed twice daily with a resistance
exercise device can noticeably improve facial
muscle strengthand decrease skin laxity.
It was found, however, that not everybody
benefits to the same extent or in the same
way. Those who appear to need the most rehabilitation,
with the "saggiest" skin obtain
the greatest improvement.
In general, E. R. Buskirk, author of Handbook
of the Biology of Aging, concludes
that physical alterations effected by regular
exercise blunts the downward trend commonly
associated with aging. The results of Dr.
Grove's study strongly suggest that this
is true for the cutaneous muscles responsible
for facial expression as well.
Other workers, most
notably Morikawa and Nakamura, authors of
Cutaneous Aging
referring to the muscles in facial expression,
also feel that the various patterns of wrinkles
and slacks that characteristically occur
at different again stages can be directly
related to specific facial muscles. Their
view of the Japanese literature on this
topic reveals that several groups have reported
that programmed expressional exercise will
improve facial appearance. They also point
out that strong motivation and patience
are required to achieve effective results,
and this is clearly the case with a progressive
resistance device. However, if faithfully
followed, a dynamic constant external resistance
exercise program is an effective rehabilitation
therapy for persons experiencing facial
weakness and sagging skin.
Gary L. Grove, PhD
Skin Study Center
Broomall, PA
|
