4 Natural Ways To Target Facial Asymmetry & Uneven Aging, From A Derm

As we get older, research shows our faces become increasingly asymmetrical. A popular plan of action is to use fillers or injectables to correct these imbalances, but because we like to approach beauty at a holistic angle around here, we consistently try to decipher the root cause of certain skin care concerns, be it asymmetries, puffiness, or general "signs of aging." And in our 2022 Wellness Trends, we argue that body alignment can actually help bring balance back to the face—as a result, we predict bodywork will become the focus of facial skin care.   

Before actually targeting the facial asymmetry itself, it's important to discover what may be causing the imbalance in the first place—if it's a lifestyle habit you can change (like, say, your sleeping position), you're better equipped to stop the asymmetry in its tracks. "Some people notice if they sleep on a certain side, that side of their face gets flatter. So maybe it's just addressing your sleep," Turegano says. 

If the root cause is difficult to pinpoint, "I'm actually a fan of chiropractics and having [a professional] take a look to see if there's any misalignment in your neck or your overall spine," Turegano says. 

On to bodywork: If facial asymmetries can lend insight on body alignment, whole-body healing modalities can help bring balance back to the face. "Things like massage, acupuncture, and overall energy healing type of modalities—whether it's reiki or other forms," Turegano explains. Acupuncture, for example, is all about flow: Before focusing on facial rejuvenation, professionals (like Debbie Kung, DAOM, L.Ac.) typically perform several sessions of body constitutional acupuncture. Why? Because your chi can't flow to the face if the hips, back, or other parts of the body are blocked.

That doesn't mean you must always seek out a professional to do the work. At-home modalities, like regular massage, can also help encourage flow, thus targeting facial asymmetries. "I'm a fan of massage work, ways to reduce tension in your upper back, neck, and shoulders," Turegano says. "I'm a fan of facial massage, too, because it just invigorates the muscles in your face, promotes circulation, and provides the nourishment that our face needs." Studies even show that massage improves circulation in the face1 and aids lymph flow.