Yoga Facelift

rheYoga
Face i t
MARIE-VERONIQUE NADEAU
Creutor of ,\Iurie-\ eronique
lzin 1 herupy
Put Your Best Face Forward
Take years off your face naturally. You don't need Botox, dangerous (and obvious) plastic surgeries,
or expensive collagen treatments to look younger and bring back your glow. Master aesthetician MarieVeronique Nadeau's yoga-based program just for the face is designed to eradicate chicken neck, erase
frown lines, and do away with those extra chins. Exercise for just five or ten minutes every day-at
your desk, while stuck in traffic, or watching TV-and you will see results in two weeks or less.
Reclaim your face with The Yoga Facelift-an exercise, energetics, and meditation program specifically
designed for the muscles of the face and neck. There is a plethora of exercise programs to tone our
torsos, backs, and biceps, but none to exercise and maintain the most hard-working set of muscles in
our entire body-the face.
"These exercises can make a huge difference in how you look and feel. If you're looking for gain with no strain,
search no further than The Yoga Facelift."
-Sally Jessy Raphael, host of Sally JR's Open House
"I love this book and started on the exercises immediately-they're so easily added into anyone's daily life. There
are over 90 muscles in the face and this is a great way to tone them and relax. Along with healthy eating and
meditation, I now have the recipe for looking ageless!"
-Julie Fisher- McGarry, author of Be the Change You Want to See in the World
"More than skin deep, The Yoga Facelift is a truly holistic way to keep your face ageless utilizing the universal
energetic principles found in yoga. It transforms your spirit and erases lines and wrinkles. This program works
and its author is the living testament to its efficacy."
-Elise Marie Collins, author of Chakra Tonics
"You can plump your lips, smooth your brow, and send the craw's feet flying away with Marie-Veronique's trade
secrets. The Yoga Facelift's 'Three Minute Lift' is nothing short of miraculous!"
-Deborah Kesten, author of The Healing Secrets of Food and Enlightened Diet
u .s. $19.95
ISBN-10: 1-57324-278-0
ISB N-13: 978-1-57324-278-3
911 1ll,lli II!I!I!IJ111JIIilfiiii1Mili I
As Coco Chane! famously said, "Nature gives

you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you
to merit the face you have at fifty." Now. MarieYeronique Nadeau's revolutionary approach
shows how we can all take charge and have
a fabulous-looking face and sensational skin
at ANY age with The Yoga Facelift.
Filled with helpful charts, instructive photographs , and simple, effective techniques,
The Yoga Facelift is like a trip to the spa.

Marie-Yeronique Nadeau has devised a
holistic method to repair wrinkles, reshape,
and redefine your face. This alternative
beauty program is available to anyone,
anywhere, and anytime and will help you
enhance your inner and outer beauty with
rejuvenating and easy exercises that turn
back the clock.
Better than Botox? Much better, as Botox
does not address sagging tissue. A good facial
exercise program is the only way to firm up
drooping foreheads, eyes, mouths, chins,
cheeks, and necks. In fact, facial exercise is
highly recommended for people who have
had Botox injections, to retrain muscles and
to ensure that facial muscles do not atrophy.
Start the program 2-3 months after Botox
treatments.
Better than plastic surgery? You bet. Plastic
surgery cuts away "excess" skin and pulls it
tight over the same old flabby musculature.
Only exercise will give you lasting, as well as
beautiful, results. Marie-Veronique Nadeau's
restorative yoga will help you enhance your
inner and outer beauty with rejuvenation

and easy-to-do exercises.
Mane-Veronique Nadeau. author of The Yoga
Facelift, is a chemist and a licensed aesthetician

who is dedicated to providing people with healthy
alternatives to natural beauty. She hosts Yoga
Facelift classes at Elephant Pharmacy, and runs
her own cosmetics company. She also operates a
heavily-trafficked website (m-vskintherapy.com)
and has a highly successful Yoga Facelift practice.
She resides in Berkeley, CA.
"Little did I know that while I was inventing a new
kind of pharmacy, Marie was inventing a new type
of Yoga. This is definitely an idea whose time has
come-and best of all, it works!"
-Stuart Skorman, founder of Elephant Pharmacy
Put your best face forward,

"Marie Nadeau's exercises to restore the face to a
more youthful age really work! Finally, someone
has put together a program that gets results. Millions
of women ... and men ...can now look and feel
younger, more vital, and more attractive without
the unnecessary risks, costs, and suffenng
of surgery."
-Dr. Shandor Weiss, ND, LAc
"People in Eastern and Western Europe have long
been aware of the benefits of facial exercise, and this
book is the best-really easy exercises from a Yoga
perspective. My mom says The Yoga Facelift keeps
her more toned than anything she's ever tried. and
she's tried them all. I can see the facial workout
doing wonders for her and it even gives youthful me
a radiant glow. Mother knows best!"
-Angelina Moysov, singerfsongwriter,
Persephone's Bees
"I love yoga, and now I love yoga for my face l look
more rested and energized with the exercises-and
I can do them anytime, anywhere, even at my desk
or a stoplight. A great book, and easy to usP!'
-Sondra Kornblatt, author of 365 Energy Boost as
TheYoga
Facelift
TheYoga
Facelift
MARIE-VERONIQUE NADEAU
First published in 2007 by Conari Press, an imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser,
LLC
With offices at:

500 Third Street, Suite 230
San Francisco, CA 94107
www.redwheelweiser. com
Copyright 2007 by Marie-Veronique Nadeau. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without
permission in writing from Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC. Reviewers may quote brief passages.
ISBN-10: 1-57324-278-0
ISBN-13: 978-1-57324-278-3
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Nadeau, Marie-Veronique.
The yoga facelift I Marie-Veronique Nadeau. p. em.
ISBN 1-57324-278-0 (alk. paper)
1. Facial exercises.
2. Hatha yoga.
3. Beauty, Personal. I. Title.
RA778.N25 2007
646.7'26--dc22
2006027002
Cover and book design by Yoshie Matsumoto

Typeset in ITC Officina Sans, Aldus, and FF Scala
Photographs by Joshua Abeyta
Printed in Hong Kong
ss
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Contents
Introduction
Chapter One: How the Yoga Facelift Works
12
Chapter Two: Getting Started
22
Group One: Warm ups and Stretches
24
Breathers
24
Stand and Breathe

Bend and Breathe
Spine Stretchers
Spine Stretcher/Energizer
The Turtle
Arms and Shoulders
Cow Face
26
Posture
32
Shoulders Back
Group Two: Improving Circulation
34
Head and Face-Upside Down

The Lion
Modified Head Stand
Group Three: The Neck
42
Neck Massage
Chin Lift
Head Roll
Neck I
Neck II
Head Twist
Keep Your Chin Up
Cow Face for the Neck and Chin
Neck Stretch and Back Bend
Group Four: The Jawline
Jawline Definer
Jawline Sculptor
55
Jawline Massage
Jawline Shaper
Chapter Three: Exercises for Specific Areas
Group Five: Cheeks
62
64
Cheekbone Creator
For Droopy Cheeks
Erasing Marionette Lines
Group Six: Lips and Mouth
67
Upper Lip Line Eraser

Upper Lip Smoothie
The Carp Curl
The Carp Curl-Advanced
Group Seven: Eyes
70
Palming
Lower Eye
Upper Eye
For Craw's Feet and Puffy Eyes
For Upper Eyelids
Eye Socket Massage and Craw's Feet Extinguisher
For Droopy Eyes
Group Eight: Forehead and Scalp
78
Tension Banisher
Scalp Tingler
Counteracting Horizontal Lines
Scowl Banisher
Chapter Four: The Facelift Series
Group Nine: Facelifts
Facelift I
Facelift II
Facelift III
84
86
Chapter Five: Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Group Ten: Rela xation and Rejuvenation
92
94
Relaxation
Rejuvenation
Chapter Six: Adding the Power of Belief
The Power of Belief
The Yoga Facelift
98
100
101
Week One
Weeks Two and Beyond
Chapter Seven: The Quick Lift
108
Step One : Focus

Step Two: Wake Up
Step Three: Tighten
Step Four: Relax
Chapter Eight: The Aging Process
Cutting Under the Skin
Changes as We Age
An Alternative Beauty Program
Chapter Nine: Beauty Remedies
Nutrition: Inside and Outside
Alternative Remedies for Common Skin Problems
Other Remedies
114
116
122
124
126
128
132
141
Chapter Ten: Marie-Veronique Skin Therapy
144
Appendix
152
Further Resources
155
About the Author
158
Acknowledgments
159
Introduction
"After age forty, everyone is responsible for hisjher own face."
-Albert Camus
None of us were born yesterday (or we wouldn't be reading this)-yet why is it we are constantly browbeaten into believing we should look as though we were? We're told we should
erase all the evidence of our life experience-the love and laughter, grief and pain, any and
everything pertaining to our emotional testament. Needless to say, this program is not
about promoting this dreadfully mistaken notion. Having lived life to its fullest, I see the
implicit beauty that stems from experience as something far more attractive than the faux
youth look achieved today via dubious makeover procedures.
Proudly brandishing the badge of my "advanced" age (fifty-eight and soon to be a grandmother
for the first time, for those who are curious), I can sincerely say that I've never felt more vivacious or self-assured in my life. Naturally I am bursting to share my discoveries in the field of
skin care with those who know in their hearts that inner beauty won't be coaxed out by the
swipe of a surgeon's blade or the puncture of a Botox syringe. I'm all for embellishing my facial
portrait, but not necessarily that way.
Proper nutrition, therapeutic skin products, and attitude modification are the triple engines of
my alternative beauty program. But before we discuss those, pLease let me introduce the subject addressed by the book you are holding: exercise.
Nowadays we have all kinds of exercise programs that give our torsos, backs , buttocks, everything from the shoulder blades down to the toes, a workout. We have Pilates, Nautilus machines, and calisthenics, to mention just a few. But as far as I know nobody is paying much
attention to the most hard-working set of muscles of our entire body-those operating under
that wrinkled wasteland from the neck up! Why is it that we religiously maintain our pees, biceps, and posteriors, but from the collarbone up we resign ourselves to wrinkles and sags? What
you probably don't realize is that the very strain of exercising all those lower limb and lumbar
regions are making your face and neck sag and wrinkle much faster, making you look much
older than your years. It seems to me that there is a real paradox at work here-we are trying
so hard to look good in places we can always cover up, yet we are neglecting the one part that
for most of us is always naked. This is clearly a lopsided allocation of energy and resources.
The intuitive reader might suggest that I am advocating a lazy person's design for living here.
And about time, I say. The Yoga Facelift is the perfect exercise program for those of you who,
like me, are addicted to the fine art of relaxation. Not only can you stop apologizing and/or
feeling embarrassed about your sloth, but you also now have something to be sanctimonious
about the next time your pals try to drag you to some smelly gym. You simply tell them, "Exercise the Yoga Facelift way! You can be a couch potato and still remain a hot tomato." Once
they've had some time to think it over, they'll probably thank you for releasing them from
treadmill bondage.
To my surprise, what began as a Light-hearted attempt to bring a Little fun into the grim business
of working out soon blossomed into a program that was not only enjoyable, but also actually
produced discernible results. Adults of all ages in my classes were feeling and looking better,
giving me an implicit vote of confidence to proceed with my alternative beauty program. One
friend now claims that she owes her success rate on the dating circuit to three conditions: native charm (25 percent), exercise (25 percent), and Marie-Veronique skin therapy (50 percent).
'
,..... ... _
_: -
Microcurrent vs. Exercise
Recently many people have been asking me what I think about microcurrent, the "new technology" (it's really neither new nor much of a technology-it's actually been around in one
form or another almost since the invention of the Light bulb) in which electrical stimulation
contracts muscles to tone and Lift the face. Clearly, my exercise program is based on a similar
idea-muscles Lengthen over time, imparting to the face the classic sag of aging. Contracting
facial muscles, via exercise or some other way, shortens them, so sagging is reduced and the
face overall takes on a toned and more youthful appearance. This seems to beg the question:
if the outcome with microcurrent is the same as with exercise, why bother with Laborious
calisthenics when I can Lie back and be zapped into youth and beauty? I believe there are
differences between the two rejuvenation techniques that are worth considering.
First of all, as with any technology involving electrical current, microcurrent is an unknown
quantity. Though it is described as noninvasive, we don't really know what the Long-term
effects might be. When you can easily contract your own muscles, why would you subject
yourself to bursts of current, no matter how Low-Level (microcurrent devices are defined as
using Less than 500 microamperes)? I also have aesthetic reservations; Listen to this description of the procedure: "the operator ... uses probes to perform what is known as muscle
reeducation. Through a series of assertive scooping and contouring movements the operator
can Lengthen or shorten muscles on demand." Frankly, I wouldn't trust my one and only
face to some operator whose training and sensibility I can only guess at. I believe the only
person capable of performing such delicate operations on one's face is one's self. That is why
in The Yoga Facelift you Learn techniques for reshaping your face that rely on your intuition
and knowledge.
There is also the question of cost-the national average for each microcurrent treatment is
$110, with a suggested series of seven to twelve treatments. I firmly believe that you will get
more pleasing results, and be safer and healthier in the Long run, for the price of this book.
It's been my experience that alternative practices work better than conventional medical techniques or faddish cosmetic treatments, and the reason is simple. We have only to remember
10
that the body is very wise, and given the least bit of encouragement it can do wonders to heal
and help itself. As Jacques Cousteau once said, "Nature is a great protector." He was talking
about areas of the ocean greatly affected by pollution. When left alone they recovered with
a rapidity that was almost miraculous. The same thing applies, dear students, to your face. Try
it and see.
- 7--
-----------
11
The rationale behind the Yoga Facelift is simple: the face is the gateway to the 5oul,
but the stresses and strains of daily living often pr-event us from putting Our best face
forward. When we were told as kids that if we made funny faces they might stick that
way, there was a grain of truth hiding behind the teasing. Facial expressions that refle.ct
worry, unhappiness, and anger have a way of becoming perman.e.nt. The gooa l"teWS is
that we are not stuck with what we see in the mirro if we don't Like what we see, we
can change it.
The Physical Aspect

There are a number of ways we can effect change. First of all, from a purely physical standpoint, exercises do a lot to counteract the effects of time and gravity. Over time our muscles
lengthen as gravity pulls ever downward, causing the sagging we start to see everywhere in
our faces; eyes start to droop, foreheads and cheeks sag, and jowls start to form until it's
almost like watching a snowman melt in slow motion. Exercising shortens muscles, and so
we end up with tighter, firmer faces as we tone the musculature underneath. This method of
addressing sagging is far superior to plastic surgery, the other option, because it actually improves your appearance over time. Plastic surgery is at best a temporary fix, and sometimes it
isn't the fix you were hoping for. A conventional facelift simply stretches skin over the same
old flabby muscles, and gravity starts to work immediately to undo the lift. The other, more
serious problem associated with cosmetic surgery is that conventional treatments often give
people a very unnatural, blank, or stretched look. Wiping all the character from a person's
face is the most profound form of identity theft I can imagine.
The Spiritual Aspect

Yoga exercises are as mentally and spiritually beneficial as they are physically beneficial. In
stark contrast to surgery, yoga exercises create change from within by bringing the mind and
body into harmony. Yoga facelift exercises bring all parts of ourselves into harmony, including
that part of our body that acts a conduit to the world outside-the face. The face is our interface (an apt word) with the world, the means by which we receive and convey a great deal
of information. It's not surprising then that the face tends to be the big giveaway to hidden
turmoil-our faces can, and often do, reflect disharmonies in ourselves. That means we may
be conveying messages to the outside world that we do not intend and are not even feeling,
simply because we have fallen into habits of expression as we fall into habits of speech and
thinking. Awareness is the first step towards changing that. As Anai"s Nin put it: "We don't
see the world as it is, but as we are."
Changing What We See

Nin's observation is certainly true enough, but this interface starts to get really complicated
when we ask the question: so what does the world (that is, other people) see when it sees
us? The answer is complex (oh, these big brains of ours) because two dynamics are intertwined; others see you according to their own program, but also according to your programthat is, they are seeing you as they are, but also as you are. To make it even more dizzying,
this "as you are" isn't usually the real you; rather, it's a marriage of your projection onto
them with their projection onto you. No wonder most marriages end in divorce.
Hopefully behind all the smoke and mirrors a glimmer of the real you lurks, prepared to peek
out. In any case, the goal of the Yoga Facelift is to bring into better harmony all those disparate elements that fragment and trouble our souls. It might be helpful to think of the world
out there as our mirror, but along with that vision comes the understanding that what we
need to do to change our reflection is to change ourselves, not the mirror.
To make a long journey short, when we become aware of what we are doing with our faces,
as we are aware of what we are doing with our bodies, we find that with conscious effort,
diligent application, and some time, we can effect change. Like sculptor's clay, the flesh can
be shaped, molded, and remodeled with massage, exercise, and attitude. Change may happen
primarily from the inside out, but it's quite astonishing how much we can do to help it along
by also working from the outside in.
18
How Long Does It Take?

At first, a complete set of exercises takes about one hour to do. As you become more accomplished and once your muscles get into shape, you can get by with a maintenance program
of ten to fifteen minutes a day. Eventually you might need to do only a Quick Lift set every
other day or so.
Another advantage of these exercises is you don't need to set aside time to do them. Just
pick out the exercises that are most useful to you, then practice them whenever you have
a few minutes. For example, if you work in front of the computer, take a break by doing
stretches or "palming" and other eye exercises.
16
Who Can Do the Yoga Facelift?

The beauty of the Yoga Facelift is that anyone can do it almost anywhere, anytime. Whether
you are in a wheelchair, ninety years old, or a just a busy person always on the go, you can
benefit from the exercises in this book. What's more, you don't need special clothing, bouncy
balls, spongey mats, or any kind of equipment. ALL you need is a mirror, this book, and a
willingness to try.
A Note to Botox Patients

I should note here that there is one group of people who won't be able to do
these exercises, at least at first-those who have had recent Botox work. Of
course, you are the folks who need it the most. Muscle atrophy follows muscle
paralysis, so if you've had Botox treatments, you should start your exercise
programs as soon as possible after having the procedure done. And even before
the rest of your face responds you will still be able to benefit from the neck and
jawline exercises, as well as those that work with any other area not directly
affected by Botox. It is very important for you to get in the habit of exercising your muscles instead of immobilizing them. Once your face starts collapsing
plastic surgery might be your only option. The adage "if you don't use it, you lose
it" really applies to the muscles of your face.
-----
_j
17
How to Use This Book

This book offers exercises for all levels, from beginning to advanced. They are numbered (1)
for beginners, (2) for intermediate students, and (3) for advanced students based on their
level of difficulty. This categorization is of course very subjective, and it's based principally
on what my students tell me they find easy, somewhat easy, or difficult.
You might find some of the beginner exercises rather difficult at first, because you are using
muscles that you are not accustomed to having control over-in many cases you are working
with muscles you didn't even know you had (this is especially true of the eye area). My advice
is to just stick with them, and the exercises you hate at first may become your favorites after
some practice. But some exercises, even those I've put in the advanced category, might seem
easy to you! Everyone is different.
The exercises themselves are divided into groups that target different areas. For example, the
exercises for eyes, forehead, and neck are arranged so that you can select from each group at
least one exercise that will benefit you. After you've tried all the exercises, incorporate those
that seem most useful into your own exercise routine. I include my own favorite exercise routine as an example. You will get more out of the exercise program by choosing those exercises
that address those areas that are of concern to you and concentrating on them. For example,
I once worked with a middle-aged student whose facial muscles were so firm and toned that
if it weren't for her droopy neck you'd put her age at twenty years younger than she actually
was. We devised a program that addressed her one problem area, and now she often has to
assure people that she really is a grandmother in her late fifties.
Last but not least, please bear in mind that facial workouts are quite different from other
workouts. Being consistent will bring better results than undertaking marathon sessions that
leave you exhausted. As you can see from the photos, you can do these exercises just about
anywhere, so you don't need to set aside a time and place to do them. Spend just five or ten
minutes every day-while you're sitting in traffic, while you're cooking dinner, or while you're
watching TV-doing some of the exercises you've selected, and after a very short time you will
see marvelous results. Usually people start to see changes in as little as two to three weeks,
and certainly by the end of two to three months you will start seeing significant changes.
18
...,. The Quick Lift
Once you have faithfully practiced your exercises for three months or so (it could be as little
as a month, it just depends on how quickly you see results), then you are ready for a maintenance program. The Quick Lift requires only two or three minutes of your time each day and is
marvelous all-over exercise that will keep your toned face in great shape. Folks on the maintenance program can do the Quick Lift five days a week, and a longer, ten- to fifteen-minute
program one day a week. Choose one out of the seven days week to rest.
19
Exercise Hints
1. Isolate. At first, Look in a mi rror when you are doing some of
these exercises to make su re you are not making Lines elsewhere in

your face when you are doi ng them. Keep the muscles that are not
involved in a particular exercis e relaxed. After some practice you
will be able to feel what you a re doi ng and you won't need your
mirror. For example, if you are on e of tho se people who concen trates by drawing her eyebrows together, pay attention to that
area, and try to keep it relaxed. Be aware of th e areas w here you
are holding tension, or where you a re co ntracting muscles.
2. Breathe! Maintaining a brea th i ng pattern makes exercising much
more effective. When you cont ract a muscle, inhale, hold your
breath while you are holding a cont raction, and ex hale as you
release.
A Note to Scowlers
Brow furrowers or frowners are earnest
folk (you know who you are) who convey
seriousness by contracting their brows
together. A good first exercise that
will help you get in the spirit of the
Yoga Facelift is to think about other
ways to convey gravitas or to convince
others you are really paying attention.
Try nodding, or murmuring "uh huh" or
"nyuh uh" or whatever they say in your
neck of the woods at regular intervals,
or tapping your finger against your chin
or scratching your head. You may look
silly, but at least it beats the hell out
of Botox.
3. Visualize. Picture the expression you want to convey (happy,

relaxed) and what muscles you want to call into play to create it.
The facial muscles illustration of at the end of this chapter will
help you visualize what is ha p p ening underneath the skin as you
do the exercises.
4. Modify. With a Little modificat ion , all of the exercises in this book can be done by people
whose mobility is limited. For example, the exercises that begin in a standing po sition can
just as easily begin in a seated position.
5. Have fun. As the guru says, if you're not having fun, you're not being serious. I want you
to be serious in the sense of ha vi ng fun , but I don 't think you should take thi s or a ny ot h er
self-help program too seriously. To p a raph ra se our guru, if you're not having fun, you 're n ot
going to get the results you wan t .
Now we're ready for the exercises. R eme mber, have fun a nd keep smiling!
20
Muscles of the Face and Neck
1.
Epicranius or occipita frontalis covers the top of the

skull and consists of two parts: the occipitalis and
the frontalis
2.
Occipitalis-the back part of the epicranius
3.
Frontalis-the front part of the epicranius
4.
The aponeurosis-a tendon that holds together

the occipitalis and the frontalis
5.
Obicularis oculi-surrounds the eye socket
6.
Corrugator-the Botox scowl muscle
7.
Procerus-lies across the bridge of the nose
8.
Quadratus labii superioris-three parts; raises

and draws back the upper lip and nostrils
9.
Quadratus labii inferioris-controls the lower lip
10. Buccinator-compresses the cheeks

11. Caninus-raises the lips, as in a snarl
12. Mentalis-in the tip of the chin-raises the lower lip
13. Orbicularis oris-surrounds the lips
14. Risorius-draws back lips, as in grinning
15. Zygomaticus-elevates the upper lip
16. Triangularis-draws down the corners of the mouth
17, 18, and 19. Muscles of the ear
20 and 21. Masseter and temporalis-the chewing
muscles
22. Platysma-depresses the lower jaw and lower lip
23. Sterno-cleido-mastoid-rotates the head and
bends the neck
24. Trapezius-back of the neck-rotates the shoulder
blades and controls swinging of the arms
21
22
Warm Ups and Stretches
Breathers
Always start your exercise routine with breathing, bearing in mind that maintaining a
smooth breathing pattern makes exercising much more effective. When you contract a
muscle, inhale, hold your breath while you are holding a contraction, and exhale as
you release.
Stand and Breathe (1)

Stand with your feet slightly apart. Inhale, lift
your rib cage, draw in your abdominal muscles ,
relax your shoulders (Poser). Hold for a count
of ten. Exhale, letting out all the air, then exhale
even more deeply, pushing all the stale air out
of your diaphragm, for a count of ten.
Do this three times.
Stand and Breathe, Pose 1
24
Bend and Breathe (1)
Stand with your feet slightly apart. Inhale. As you bend over from the waist exhale, and lift your
arms up as high as you can towards the ceiling in back of you (Poser). Hold for a count of five,
then come up on your inhalation, lifting your arms towards the sky or the ceiling (Pose 2).
Hold for a count of ten. Repeat two times.
Bend and Breathe, Pose 1
Bend and Breathe, Pose 2
25
Spine Stretchers
Exercise Levels
(1) beginning
(2) intermediate
(3) advanced
Spine Stretcher/Energizer (1)

Stand with your feet slightly apart, knees slightly bent. Relax your shoulders, relax your neck ,
relax your arms. Now bend over at the waist and let your arms dangle while you stay completely
relaxed (Pose 1). It doesn't matter if you hands touch the floor. Don't reach-just relax forward
and let gravity gently stretch the spine.
As you come up, straighten your legs and come up onto the balls of your feet, breathe in, and
stretch your arms towards the ceiling as high as you can go (Pose 2).
Spine Stretcher/Energ i zer. Pose 1
26
Hold for a good twenty seconds, really stretching-you can always stretch higher than you think
you can. Exhale forcefully, with a "whoosh" of breath, then release your arms and let them dangle
towards the floor as you bend over from the waist again.
R epeat ten times.
On the final time, come back up from your last waist bend to stand quietly, breathing and really
feeling your beautiful straight spine. Notice the energy radiating to all parts of the rest of your
body from your spine. Thank your spine for supporting you in all your endeavors.
This exercise is a wonderful warm up and energizer. If you have time for only one exercise, do
this one. Or any time during the day when you are feeling tired, just take a break and do this
spine stretcher-you'll feel instantly energized, particularly if you remember to really breathe.
Spine Stretche r/Energizer, Pose 2
27
The Turtle (2)

Stand or sit upright. Pull your chin in towards your chest, like a turtle pulling into its shell (Pose r).
Now slowly bring your head forward and upward, as if the turtle were poking its head out of its shell
(Pose 2) . Hold for a count offive. Pull your chin in and down, like a turtle retracting his head into
h is shell.
Repeat two times.
The Tu r tle, Pose 1
28
The Turtle, Pose 2
Arms and Shoulders (3)

This exercise helps to draw the shoulders back and, incidentally, works to tighten sagging
upper arms.
Stand with your legs about a foot apart, knees relaxed. Raise your arms so they are horizontal
to each side of your body (Poser). Now raise your shoulders to meet your ears. Then move your
arms behind you, palms facing up, until they almost meet in back; relax your shoulders (Pose 2).
With gentle movements, move your arms towards each other, so that the thumbs almost, but not
quite, touch in back. Do this motion roo times. The trick here is to keep your arms lifted in back
as high as you can while keeping your shoulders relaxed. The higher your arms, the greater the
tightening action. After the last time, release and shake out your arms.
Arms and Shoulders, Pose 1
Arms and Shoulders, Pose 2
29
Cow Face (3)

The Cow Face is an excellent yoga posture that
really stretches the spine. Raise your right arm vertically so that your upper arm is next to your right
ear and then bend it at the elbow so your hand is
resting on your upper right side of your back, as if
you were patting yourself on the back. Reach your
left arm around your left side and up towards the
left side of your back (Pose 1). Reach up with your
left hand towards the fingertips of right hand,
while your right hand is stretching towards the
fingertips of your left hand. Now stretch your
hands together until your fingertips touch. The
goal is to get your two sets of fingertips to touch
each other in the middle of your back (Pose 2). If
you can't get your fingertips to touch don't worry,
just get as close as you can and still be comfortable. The more you do this, the more of a stretch
you will be able to get. Soon you will find that your
fingertips will touch without effort.
Cow F ace. Pose 1
30
Relax your shoulders, hold your chin up, hold

for a count of ten. Release your arms and take
a deep breath.
Repeat two more times.
Now do the same for the other side. This time,
raise your left arm up next to your left ear and
reach down the back with your left hand, while
you reach around with your right hand. Hold for
ten, then relax your arms and take a deep breath.
Repeat twice.
By now we're standing tall and straight without
effort. So let's have a look at our posture.
Cow Face, Pose 2
31
..,.. Posture
Be aware of your posture as you walk. Keep your pelvis tucked in, lift your rib cage, and
hold your head high with your chin pointed straight ahead, so you're looking where you
are going and not down at your feet. It might feel strange at first, but soon it will start
feeling so comfortable you'll wonder how you ever tolerated your slumped posture.
Poor posture can translate into strained, tense muscles in the face. Stand upright, then
take a minute to feel where you carry the tension in your body. Most of us carry a lot of
tension in our shoulders and necks, so let's start by loosening up those areas.
Shoulders Back (1)

Stand with feet slightly apart, arms relaxed, and
shoulders by the sides of your body. Your arm s
are probably hanging slightly in front of your
body (Pose r).
Shoulders Back, Pose 1
32
Gently rotate the shoulder joint outwards, without lifting your shoulders, so that the palms
of your hands face outward (Pose 2). Your spine will straighten naturally, without strain.
When it feels comfortable, mentally tell your shoulders this is a better place for them.
Repeat eight times.
Shoulders Back, Pose 2
33
Improving Circulation
Now let's go on to work on some exercises specifically designed to improve circulation,

reduce tension, and tone your muscles all at the same time. To develop a healthy comple x ion your blood circulation must be good. The blood brings nourishment and color
into the facial areas and carries away waste matter, helping to prevent acne, blemishes,
and w rinkles.
Head and Face-Upside Down (1)

Models sometimes do this simple exercise just
before they go before a camera-it's an instant
rejuvenator. Besides improving your circulation ,
the exercise gives you more awar eness of your
face as part of the whole head. When you think
of your face, think of your forehead, scalp, and
neck, not just the frontal view. While you are
upside down, try to feel where you accumulate
tension-some people feel it around the eyes and
forehead, others in the jaw and chin area, others
in the scalp or neck.
Start standing with your feet about a foot apart ,
then fold over at the waist. Relax and just let
everything drip towards the floor. This position
is essentially the same as the first position of the
Spine StretcherfEnergizer (Pose 1).
Head and Face-Ups1de Down, Pose 1
34
Just so you know, another excellent way to do this exercise is from a sitting position (Pose 2). If
you can't leave your chair you can still get the rush!
Another good way to do the upside-down exercise is in front of a full-length mirror. Bend down
from the wai st and look at your face through your spread legs (Pose 3). Take a few seconds to
recover from the shock, then take note of the areas where you will want to work. For example,
if your eyes seem to disappear into your cheeks you will want to work on toning sagging cheek
areas. You may discover you have multiple chins, so you'll want to include jawline sculpting in
your exercise routine. The upside down face is a good way to get started on developing your own
exerci se routine.
Head and Face-Upside Down, Pose 2
Head and Face-Upside Down, Pose 3
35
While you're down there, pull gently on your hair, pulling your scalp in a downward direction.
Shake your hair-this gets the blood circulating to all areas of your face and scalp. Next comes
the good part-return upright and admire how much better you look (Pose 4).
See, it's already working! If you follow your exercise program and do the upside down face at the
end of every week you will be rewarded with a brand-new look, even upside down .
Head and Face-Upside D own, Pose 4
36
The Lion (1)

The Lion is a well-known yoga pose that exercises
all the muscles of your face and neck, even your
vocal cords, and is als? great for relieving tension .
My daughter calls it the "cat coughing up a hairball" exercise.
Sit on your heels, resting your hands on your
knees.
Now, take a deep breath. On a count of three you
are going to do the following all at once: exhale
forcefully, make an 0 with your mouth, then
smile without changing the 0 shape (this forces
the cheeks towards the ears), open your eyes wide ,
and look up (Poser).
Th e Lion, Pose 1
37
Now extend your tongue out and down as far toward your chin as you can, stretch out your
fingers , ten se them , and say "RRR RRR" as ferociously as you can (Pose 2).
On a count of three, lean forward so your fingertips touch the ground and you're kneeling on
your knees. Growl! Growl for a count of ten, then sit back and relax (Pose 3).
Do this two more times.
The Lion, Pose 2
38
The Lion, Pose 3
Modified Head Stand (2)

This is not nearly as difficult to do as a full-out head stand. If you can do a full head stand, kudos
to you-go for it. However, the modified version will also serve to get the blood circulating in the
head and neck, so you can be a Yoga Facelift pro even if you can't do the fancy stuff.
Sit on your heels, hold out your arms in front of you, and interlace your fingers, palms facing
toward you (Poser).
Modified Head Stand, Pose 1
39
Rise up from your heels, then slowly bend forward

and place your elbows and outer edges of your
hands on the floor. Your elbows and hands will
form a triangle; your elbows are the base corners
and your hands are the apex. Lower your head into
your clasped hands ; allow the front part of your
scalp to touch the floor and the back of your head
to be cradled by your hands (Pose 2).
Place your full weight on your forearms. Raise

your hips, bring knees off the floor, and push up
with your toes, so your lower body is off the
floor (Pose 3).
41
Inch forward slowly with your toes until your

knees are as close to your chest as possible (Pose 4).
Straighten knees, if possible . Hold this position
for a count of thirty. Your weight should be resting
primarily on your forearms and hands here-not
your head and neck. Be sure to keep the shoulders
away from the ears, so the neck stays lengthened
(Pose 5).
Lower your knees to the floor, slowly raise your
head, rise and bring your hands and arms to your
sides and relax into a seated posture.
-0
The Neck
This book includes many neck and chin exercises because these are problem areas for
just about everyone. In fact, the neck is the first part of your anatomy to start reflecting your true age.
Neck Massage (1)
This exercise is a great way to tone the neck and

firm up that softening jawline. It helps to drain
the excess fluid from your neck, prevents sagging,
and is a wonderful stress reducer. And it just
feels good!
Lift your chin so that your neck forms a taut line.
Place your hands together in front of your throat,
side by side. Then, with the first three fingers of
each hand and starting from your Adam's apple
(about two inches below the chin), push the skin
of your neck firmly towards the chin (Pose I).
Neck Massage, Pose 1
-2
41
When you've arrived at your chin, with your right hand push the skin under your jawbone towards
your right earlobe, and with the left hand push the skin under the jawbone towards your left earlobe (Pose 2). Use both hands simultaneously, so you are pushing the skin in opposite directions.
Once at the earlobes, massage the neck downward toward the hollows in your collarbone (Pose 3).
Neck Massage, Pose 2
Neck Massage. Pose 3
Chin Lift (1)

You do this one sitting down. It is great for stretching the spine and the neck. This is a wonderful way to get in a good stretch and take a break from your computer without having to leave your
office or even your chair.
Sit up straight in your chair. Fold your arms in back so that your forearms are resting along the
base of your spine. Push your shoulders down and stretch your neck nice and long (Pose r).
Chin Lift, Pose 1
Now lift your chin up towards the ceiling as high as it will go. Arch your back to really stretch
your chin up towards the ceiling, but remember to keep your shoulders down (Pose 2). Look
towards the back of the room. Hold the pose for a count of ten.
Slowly release, letting your chin drop to your chest. If you can, stand up for a few seconds to feel
what a good stretch this is for your neck and spine.
Ch i n Lift , Po se 2
45
Head Roll (1)

In a seated posture, close your eyes. Allow your head to come forward and rest your chin against
your chest (Pose r). Hold for a count of ten.
Very slowly roll your head to the extreme left position and hold without motion for a count of
ten (Pose 2).
Head Roll, Pose 1
46
Head Roll, Pose 2
Very slowly roll your head to the extreme backward position and hold for a count of ten (Pose 3).
Very slowly roll your head to the extreme right position and hold for a count of ten (Pose 4).
Very slowly roll your head to the front position so that your head rests against your chest again
for a count of ten (Pose r). Repeat the movements, but this time clockwise, starting with the
extreme right position . Repeat twice.
H ead Rol L Pose 3
H ea d R oll, P ose 4
47
Neck I (1)
Lift your chin to create a taut line.
Press the top of your tongue against the roof of
your mouth. Your mouth may fall open slightly.
Hold for ten seconds (Poser).
Repeat three times, holding each time for a count
often.
Neck II (1)
Lift your chin to create a taut line.
Neck I, Pose 1
Press your back teeth together while you press the

tip of your tongue against the inside of your lower
gum line (Poser). Your mouth may be slightly
open. Hold for ten seconds. Rest.
Repeat three times, holding each time for a count
often.
Neck II, Pose 1
46
Head Twist (2)

You can do this one sitting or standing up.
Clasp your hands and rest them firmly on the back of your head. Gently push down with your
clasped hands until your chin is pressing firmly against your chest (Poser). Hold for a count
of ten.
Slowly raise your head and rest your chin in your left palm. Place your right hand firmly on
the back of your head. Use your hands to turn your head slowly as far to the left as possible
(Pose 2) . Hold for a count of five.
Head Twist, Pose 1
-t8
Head Twist, Pose 2
49
Remove your hands, but keep your head in the

same position. Then use your hands to push your
head left as far as possible once again.
Hold for a count of five, then release, but keep
your head in place. Then use your hands to push
your head to the left one last time. Release and
relax, allowing your head to return to center and
drop towards your chest.
Head Twist, Pose 3
Your head should twist a little farther back each

time, but remember, never push your head so far
that it causes discomfort. Always be very gentle
when doing neck exercises.
Now turn your head with your hands as far to the
right as possible (Pose 3).
Hold for a count of five. Remove hands briefly,
then once again use your hands to push your head
right as far as possible. Hold again for a count of
five. Release and repeat once more. Rest your chin
on your chest and relax.
Repeat the entire exercise-to the center, to the
left, and to the right-one more time.
50
Keep Your Chin Up (2)

This exercise is very similar to the Head Roll, but
with an added twist that puts it in the intermediate
category. If you have any jaw or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, do not do this exercise
-just stay with the simple head roll.
In a comfortable seated or standing posture allow
your jaw to slacken and go completely limp, so
your mouth is open. Protrude your jaw and raise
it very slowly until your bottom teeth are over the
upper front teeth (Poser).
As in the Head Roll, turn your head to the right
and look up (Pose 2). Hold for a count of ten .
Then tilt your head all the way back while still
protruding your jaw, and hold for a count of ten.
Then turn your head to the left, keeping your jaw
protruded, and hold for a count of ten. Return
your head to the starting position, then relax and
slowly lower your jaw. Do the same thing again in
a counterclockwise direction.
Keep Your Chin Up, Pose 1
Repeat the entire sequence one more time.
Keep Your Chin Up, Pose 2
51
Cow Face for the Neck and Ch i n (3)

Allow your jaw to slacken and go completely limp so your mouth is open. Protrude your jaw and
raise it very slowly until your bottom teeth are over your upper front teeth (Pose r).
Get into Cow Face position, starting with the right arm raised.
Turn your head to the left and look up (Pose 2). Hold for a count offive. Slowly lower and relax
your jaw, but keep your arms in place. Lift and protrude your jaw again, this time holding for a
count of ten.
Cow Face for the Neck and Chin, Pose 1
52
Repeat two more times on the left side. The last time, release your jaw, lower your head and
arms, and relax. Take a deep breath. Then repeat the same sequence on the left side.
Now we'll do the same exercise for the other side. This time, raise your left arm and reach toward
the back with your left hand while you reach around with your right hand. Protrude your jaw,
then repeat the series of head movements, turning to the right this time.
After the third time, relax your arms and take a deep breath.
Cow Face for the Neck and Chin, Pose 2
53
Neck Stretch and Back Bend (3)
You may do this exercise standing or kneeling. It firms the neck and lifts the forehead and eyebrows.
Kneel on the floor or stand erect. Bend your head forward so it rests on your chest (Pose 1). I !old
for a count of ten.
Slowly lift your head upright then backward until you are looking at the wall in back of you. Now
arch your spine backward as far as you comfortably can, as if you are trying to see the floor in back
of you. Keep your hips and thighs forward as much as possible. Put your hands on the small of
your back or on the backs of your thighs for support (Pose 2). Keep your eyes open. Your neck is
stretched and taut. Hold for a count of ten. Return to your original position and take a deep breath.
Repeat twice more.
Neck St etch and Back Bend, Pose 1
54
Neck S tr etcl and Back Bend Pose 2
The Jawline
As we get older our jawline starts to lose its definition, and we may even develop jowls
or dewlaps. These exercises will do wonders to firm up that whole area, taking years off
the face.
Jawline Definer (1)

Place your index fingers on the inside of your
mouth, resting alongside your bottom molars,
toward the back where the jaw hinges (Poser).
Clench your teeth together and push your jaw
muscles in against the resistance of your fingers.
Hold for a count of five, then release. These are
the muscles you chew with, and you can feel how
powerful they are as you work them.
Repeat five times.
Jawline Definer, Pose 1
55
Jawline Sculptor (1)

Starting from the tips of the earlobes, lightly grasp the flesh on both sides of your jawline between your fingertips, using small pinching movements, working towards the chin (Poses r, 2) .
A s you pinch lightly, tighten the muscl es of the neck. Feel the resistance against your fingers.
Jawline Sculptor, Pose 1
56
Jawline Sculptor , Pose 2
When you get to the chin area, hold your thumbs right under the tip of your chin. Push the
muscle at the tip of your chin down against your thumbs, feeling the muscle of your chin tighten
as you do (Pose 3). This is your platysmus, and if it is not exercised you may end up with a loose
fold of skin under your chin, often referred to as the "turkey wattle." Push ten times, then relax.
Starting from the chin, repeat the pinching movements back towards the earlobes.
Jawline Sculptor, Pose 3
57
Jawline Massage (1)

In the Jawline Sculptor you pinch the flesh
between your fingers. This exercise is only
slightly different-here you massage the neck
and under-jaw area rather than pinching the
flesh. In both exercises you really work the masseter and temporalis muscles (see diagram on
page
21)
against the resistance of your fingers .
Starting from your earlobes, use your thumbs

and index fingers and feel for your jawline
(Pose 1).
Work your way toward your chin, using the finJawline Massage, Pose 1
gers of each hand (Pose 2). This is an isometric

exercise, and in this case you are contracting the
muscles of your chin and neck. You are using your
fingers to help feel your muscles working. Push
your chin downward as you gently push upward
with your fingers, and push your neck outward as
you push your fingers gently inward. You do not
need to apply strong pressure with your fingers.
Just use them to feel the muscles contracting.
Jaw line Massage, Pose 2
58
When you reach your chin, feel for your platysmus muscle, that little muscle right under your
chin that gives you that turkey wattle. Curl your fingers of one hand to make a half fist and place
your first two curled fingers under your chin right on the muscle (Pose 3). Push down with your
chin against your fist. Push for a fast count of ten, then relax.
Repeat the whole sequence of pushing against the jaw again, starting from your chin and moving back towards your ears.
Jawline Massage , Pose 3
59
Jawline Shaper (1)

Curl your fingers to make a half fist with each hand. Place both half fists under your chin so that
the little fingers of each hand meet in the middle of your neck, alongside the underside of your
jaw (Pose I).
Push your chin down against your fists.
Contract and relax the chin and neck muscles, so that your chin is pushing down against your
fists, for a count of ten. Feel those neck muscles work. Then relax. Contract and relax your
muscles for a quick count of ten, then relax.
Jawl i ne Shaper, Pose 1
60
Now move your two hands slightly apart (Pose 2). Contract and release the neck muscles again
for another count of ten.
Now move your hands slightly apart once more-the curled fingers are resting on the sides of
your neck , under the jawline. Contract and release the muscles for a final count of ten. Relax.
Jawline Shaper, Pose 2
60
62
Cheeks
Cheekbone Creator (1)

This exercise targets saggy cheeks and, incidentally, helps to reveal beautiful
cheekbones in people who didn't know they had any. According to a friend
of mine this exercise also helps open up her na sal pa ssages, and she is able
to breathe more easily. It is also wonderful to do if you have sinus problems.
Just do this simple exercise whenever you want instant relief.
Put your anchor fingers (your two forefingers) of each hand just outside your
nostrils (Poser). Smile without smiling, drawing your cheeks up. Open your
eyes wide. Hold for count of ten.
Release.
C h eekbone Creator, P ose 1
Cheek,
ueatP
Pose 2
64
Move your fingers outward until they rest on the

middle of your cheeks. Push up gently until you
feel your cheekbones (Pose 2). Open your eyes
wide, smile without smiling, hold for a count
of ten.
Move your fingers farther apart so that now they
rest on the hollow between your cheekbone and
your jaw (Pose 3). Holding your mouth slightly
open, press in and up with your fingers, toward
your ears, holding for a count of ten. Keep your
jaws separated and don't clench your teeth.
For Droopy Cheeks (2)
Cheekbone Creator, Pose 3
Place your index finger just in front of your right

ear, on your temple, between-the edge or your
right eyebrow and your hairline. Curl your finger
slightly (Poser). Move your cheek up and back
toward your fingers, making the line along your
nasal-labial fold (sometimes called the "marionette" line-the fine crease that curves around one
side of your mouth) disappear. Do this ten times
in quick succession.
Relax. Go to the other side and do the same thing.
Relax, then repeat one more time for each side.
For Droopy Cheeks, Pose 1
6..J.
Erasing Marionette Lines (3)

This exercise is good for softening those nasal-labial fold lines (the marionette lines).
Crook your left forefinger and place it along the right nasal-labial fold. The left thumb goes in
the mouth. Pinch thumb and forefinger together to anchor the muscles. Place the forefinger of
your right hand on your temple in front of your right ear (Pose r).
Contract your right cheek muscles up and towards your ear. With a pulsing movement that can
be felt around your temples, pull your cheek muscles up towards the ear for a count of ten. Relax,
then repeat twice more.
Repeat the same movements for the same count on the right side.
Era<ing Mar o1ette Lines, Pose 1
66
Lips and Mouth
Upper Lip Line Eraser (1)
This exercise addresses those pesky lines along the upper lip. It work s best as
a pr eventive measure, but it will also help with existing lines.
Place the inside tip of one forefinger just above your top lip and the inside
tip of the other forefinger just underneath your bottom lip (Pose I} to feel
the tingl e in your orbicularis oris (the muscle surrounding th e mouth area).
Keep lips relaxed while stimulating the muscle and feeling the energy.
Switch fingers and do the same thing (Pose 2).
Repeat two times.
Upper Lip Line Eraser, Pose 1
Upper Lip Line Erase r, Pose 2
67
Upper Lip Smoothie (1)

This exercise strengthens the top part of your orbicularis oris. If you have a tendency to pucker
your lips, which creates so-called "smoker's lines" around them, use this exercise to help you
visualize a smooth upper lip that you wouldn't dream of puckering.
Place your forefingers on either side of your mouth corners to anchor the muscles. Stretch your
top lip down and over your top teeth and toward your mouth corners at the same time (Pose r).
Your upper lip should be completely smooth, no puckers. Hold for a count offive, then release.
Repeat three times, holding for a count of ten each time.
Uppe1 Lip S moothie, Pose 1
68
The Carp Curl (2)

The philtrum (the area between the nose and the top lip)
starts to lengthen and the top lip starts to disappear
as we get older. This carp curl exercise counteracts
that tendency.
Place your two forefingers on either side above your
mouth, along the nasal-labial folds. This serves to
stabilize the area as you work your orbicularis oris.
Without making lines in your upper lip-stretch it
forward-curl it up towards your nose, as if you
were lifting a weight with it (Pose r). Curl your lip
up and out, as if you are a fish sucking in water.
Curl it ten times, relax, then curl it ten times more,
this time a bit faster. Curl it another ten times, this
T he Ca r p Cur l, Pose 1
time faster still. Relax.
The Carp Curl-Advanced (3)

Place your forefingers on either side above your
mouth, along the nasal-labial folds, and curl your
lip toward your nose as in the previous exercise.
Now stretch your upper lip down over your teeth
(Poser). Repeat the two movements so that you
resemble a fish. Repeat ten times. Relax.
Now do it ten times again, only a little faster. Relax.
Now do it once more, just a little faster. Feel the
burn. You may also feel the contraction in your
cheeks, which is fine.
The Carp Curl A dvanced, Pose 1
69
Eyes
Palming (1)
This exercise is a must for people who work long hours in front of the computer. It is great for reducing puffiness around the eyes, and is very soothing
for the optic nerve as well as the eye in general.
Find a comfortable seated position, either on the floor on a cushion or in a
chair. Sit with your back straight. Begin with your eyes closed. Focus on your
breath as it moves in and out of your nostrils. Cool air in, warm air out.
Now rub your palms together very fast until they feel warm (Poser). Then
cup them over your closed eyes, so that the heels of your hands are directly
over the eyeballs (Pose 2). Contract your orbicularis oculi (the muscle that
surrounds your eyes) against the heel of your hand. Feel it pushing against
your hand.
Contract and release ten times. Rest. Repeat five times.
Palming, Pose 1
70
Palming, Pose 2
Low er Eye (1)
This exercise tones the muscle around the eye, the orbicularis oculi, and consequently helps to
smooth out crow's feet.
Make V's with the first two fingers ofboth hands. Place the fingertips of the forefingers on
the outer corner of each eye. The second fingers rest on each side of the inner corner of each
eye (Pose 1).
Raise and lower the bottom lids rapidly (Pose 2) . This is almost like a blink, but try to keep your
eyes open, if you can . "Blink" ten times. Stop, then repeat two more times .
Lower Eye, Pose 1
71
Lower Eye, Pose 2
Upper Eye (2)
This exercise targets the upper part of the eye, under the eyebrow. It does wonders to prevent
eyelid wrinkles and forestall the "crepeiness" that starts to appear in this area.
Place the four fingertips of each hand on each eyebrow, pushing eyebrows up very slightly
(Pose 1). Close your eyes, then tighten your upper lids while pushing them against your fingertips. Hold for a count of ten.
Repeat twice.
Uwrr Eye Po
71
For Craw's Feet and Puffy Eyes (2)

Practice this very relaxing eye soother at the end
of a workday or whenever you need a break.
Make sideways V's with forefinger and middle
finger of each hand. Place your forefingers on your
top lids, pushing up the brows slightly. Place your
middle fingers on the bottom lids (Pose r).
Contract your orbiculari s oculi muscle against
your fingertips . Hold for one to two seconds.
Release.
Now close the V until your two fingers are together
over the center of your eye. Your forefingers are
resting against your top lids, the middle fingers
are resting on your bottom lids (Pose 2).
Fo r Craw's Feet and Puffy Eyes, Pose 1
Again , contract your orbicularis oculi muscle

against your fingertips. Hold for one to two
seconds . Release.
Press gently against your eyeballs for a few
seconds and release, then open your eyes slowly
and blink.
For (row's Feet and Puf f y Eyes, P ose 2
73
For Upper Eyelids (2)

As we get older the space between the brow and the top of the eye tends to shorten. This is
another exercise to help strengthen the muscle under the eyebrow, which helps to prevent
sagging in that area.
Curve both of your forefingers into upside down L's. Place them along your upper eye bone, just
under your eyebrow (Poser).
Press fingers gently against the bone. Contract the muscles of your upper eyelids against your
fingers. Do this ten times.
For U pper Eyelids , Pose 1
74
Eye Socket Massage and (row's Feet Extinguisher (3)

Take your index or middle finger of each hand and place them on either side of your nose just
below the bridge (Poser). Move your fingers up the bridge of your nose and along th e bone
underneath your eyebrows. You'll feel a notch under your brows where the bone begins to turn
downward. Rub the notch gently for a moment (Pose 2).
Eye Socket Massage and (row 's F eet

Extinguisher, Pose 1
Eye Socket Massage and Craw's

Feet Extinguisher, Pose 2
75
Now follow the eye bone to the outer corner of your left eye. Take your left index finger and place
it against the outer corner of your left eye, making sure you are flattening the lines. Make a sideways V with the first two fingers of your right hand. Place the right forefinger underneath your
left eyebrow and the right middle finger underneath the middle of eye, anchoring the muscles
(Pose 3). Contract your lower lid against the resistance of all three fingers (Pose 4). This is almost
like a blink, but keep your eyes open. You should be moving only the lower lid.
Repeat eight times for each eye.
Eye Socket Massage and (row's Feet

Extmgui ;her, Pose 3
76
E ye Socket Massage and (row's Feet

Extinguisher, Pose 4
For Droopy Eyes (3)
This exercise takes some concentration, but it is extremely effective for giving a lift to the eyes at
the corners.
Place forefingers of each hand on either side of the outer corners of each eye, so that the sides of
the fingers rest against the forehead just in front of the hairline (Pose r). Without making lines in
your forehead, move the muscles surrounding your eyes up towards your fingertips. Hold for a
count of five, then release.
Repeat five times.
For Droopy Eyes, Pose 1
77
Forehead and Scalp
Tension Banisher (1)

Many of my students have told me that this exercise is the one to do if you
have a tension headache.
Place the index and middle fingers of both hands in the middle of your
forehead. Rub your forehead by making feathering motion s with your
fingers (Pose I).
Now raise your scalp and forehead by lifting your brows slightly with your
fingertips. Hold that position while you massage your forehead in short,
upward strokes towards your hairline (Pose 2). Release. Alternate feathering
and stroking six times.
Tension Banisher, Pose 1
78
78
Move your fingers across your brow to your temples, pausing

there to give your temples a gentle massage. This is an area where
we hold stress and tension that can often lead to headaches.
Then move your fingers to the corners of your eyes and massage
gently (Pose 3).
Move your fingers down to the hinge of your jaw, pausing to
massage your jaw muscles (Pose 4). Then move your fingers
along your jawline, massaging firmly.
Move your fingers down to your collarbone. Then, turning your
head to the right, massage both sides of your neck with firm
upward strokes (Pose 5). Turn your head to the left and repeat
the massage on the left side of your neck.
79
Scalp Tingler (1)

With both hands on the top of your head, reach deeply into the roots of your hair and firmly
grasp as much hair as you can hold. Pull up, making your scalp wiggle (Pose 1). Do this ten
times . Do not make wrinkles in your forehead while you are doing this.
Now move your hands to the sides of your head and pull hair upwards and backwards for
a count of ten (Pose 2). I call this the "facelift pull ," because this is the area plastic surgery
addresses when a facelift is done. Of course , you're much better off toning those muscles
all on your own.
Now move your hands to the back of your scalp and pull hair backwards for a count of
ten (Pose 3).
Sca l p T"ngler, p,. ,. 1
80
so
Scdl, T
.er, Pose 2
Counteracting Vertical Lines

(the Scowl Lines)
The scowl lines appear between your brows as one
or two deep furrows. They are sometimes called
the Botox lines because these are the lines JllOSt
commonly addressed with Botox injections. You
realize just how powerful these muscles, called
the corrugator muscles, are when you see yourself
or others with deep lines in this area. Scowling
or squinting too much creates these lines, and
you can see them even on young people who've
acquired this bad habit. Here are some tips to
help prevent them, or, if you already have them,
to help soften them.
Scalp Tingler, Pose 3
1. A common cause of scowling is simply squinting because you can't see properly. If you find
yourself doing that, it's time to have your
eyes checked.
2. We make about 50 percent of our expression
lines, and the scowl lines in particular, when
we are sleeping. We don't realize when we're
dreaming how often we scowl, frown, or make
other faces. Putting Scotch tape over the
scowl lines before we go to bed actually
reminds
us not to make those expressions while we're
sleeping.
3. Use the Scowl Banisher exercise (see page
82} to train the corrugators to pull apart the
brows rather than pull them together.
81
Counteracting Horizontal Lines (2)

Place the four fingertips of each hand along the upper hairline and push up gently (Pose r).
Pull your forehead muscles down towards your eyes against the resistance of your fingertips.
Hold for a count of ten.
Repeat two more times.
Scowl Banisher (2)

This is an exercise that requires some concentration-just don't scowl or frown while
you're concentrating!
Feel the movement of pulling your eyebrows together (Pose r). Painful, isn't it?
Counteracting Horizontal Lines, Pose 1
82
Scowl Banisher, Po'e 1
Now place your fingertips on either side of the scowl

line. Pull your fingers gently apart to smooth out
the line. Now try to pull your brows together, but
be careful to avoid making the line again (Pose 2).
You are strengthening the muscles around the
line, not deepening the line itself. Hold for a count
often .
Now move your fingers further apart so that they
rest in the middle of your forehead, approximately
above the arch of each eyebrow. Contract your
forehead mu scles outward toward your fingers
and your temple s, pulling that vertical line
smooth (Pose 3).
Alternate Poses 2 and 3 one more time.
Scowl Banisher, Pose 2
Scowl Banisher, Pose 3
83
82
This is my favorite series of intermediate exercises. The exercises :q JiiJI:'.IK! liJ:Qijf..

movement with mental focus, and are very effective at creating h
I've placed aLL the exercises in chapter four in the intermediate categ(Yy fQr a reason.
When you first start doing the Yoga facelift, you are working to a
s 'Of
the muscles of the face, aAd practicing exercises that will help R n;t:; .i}tfclt '::
some of those 190 facial muscles. Once you've had a Uttle practic
to build on that knowledge,
Face lifts
Facelift I (2)
Muscle Memory
We've all had the experience of being

able to find a Location we've been to
just by making the physical movments
we took before to get there. For example,
when we walk to our neighborhood
grocery store (or the park, or even
just around the block if you are just
beginning to wean yourself away from
automobile tyranny) we don't have to
think, "Now I make a right here, and
then go two blocks and make a Left at
the witch's house"; we don't have to
think about it at all, our bodies just
take over. This is because all muscles
have memory-even facial muscles.
The beginner's job is to create a new
set of memories for facial muscles to
draw upon. You will be amazed at how
quickly you can accomplish this-new
habits replace old ones very rapidly.
After a few exercise sessions, you will
find that your muscles have incorporated the new memories, and you will
have acquired a whole new set of facial
habits. When you have done this, you
will be ready to build on your new
skills wjth the exercises in chapter four,
where the focus shifts from doing purely
mechanical exercises to energetics and
visualization.
Step One: Stand comfortably, looking straight ahead. Now concentrate on

tightening your cheek muscles-do this by making an 0 with your mouth,
then, without changing the shape of your mouth, move your cheek mu scles
up and back towards your ears as you would if you were smiling . You may
place your forefingers on each side of your mouth to anchor your lips
(Pose 1). Hold for a count of five. Release .
Facelift I. Pose 1
86
Step Two: Bend over at the waist. Shake your

cheeks gently. Now tighten your cheeks the same
way you did in the previous step, while you were
standing up. Hold for a count of twenty.
Without releasing your cheek muscles, come slowly
back up to a standing position. This takes some
concentration. Now release. Take a deep breath.
Do Step Two twice more. Remember, gravity is
your friend when you are upside down, but it's
not really your pal when you are upright.
Facelift II (2)
This one works to lift eyes and forehead. As we get
older the distance between our eyebrows and our
eyes shortens-we're going to work on widening
the gap.
Step One: Stand comfortably, looking straight
ahead. Relax your face. With your fingers, just
feel the placement of your eyebrows. Take hold
of a large portion of hair on the top of your head
and pull gently upwards (Pose r). Visualize what
is happening to the upper part of your face-your
eyes are wider, your brows are lifted, your forehead is smooth.
86
Facelift II, Pose 1
\..
Let go of your hair. Now we're going to do the

same thing upside down.
Step Two: Bend over at the waist. Feel how gravity
pulls your whole face upward. Feel the placement
of your eyebrows. Grasp your hair again and tug,
focusing on keeping all the muscles in your forehead and scalp taut (Pose 2). Hold for a count of
twenty.
Without releasing your muscles and with your
hands still in your hair, come slowly back up to
a standing position. When you release , visualize
your eyebrows staying in their new position.
Do Step Two twice more.
Facelift II, Pose 2
88
Facelift III (2)
Step One: Stand comfortably, looking straight ahead. Relax your face. Starting at your collarbone,
bring your hands up along the sides of your face, but without actually touching your face (Poser).
Visualize everything moving up-feel it in your cheeks, forehead, and scalp.
Bring your fingertips together about five inches above your head. Imagine that you have strings
leading from your fingers to the top of your head. You've created an energy field around your
face, and all the muscles are stretching in the direction of your fingers. Remember that image.
Bring your hands down.
Step Two: Bend over at the waist. Starting with your hands at your collarbone, make that the
same energy field with your hands. With your hands hovering above the top of your head (your
fingertips do not need to be touching), feel all your muscles being pulled by the invisible strings
leading from your hands. Feel how gravity pulls your whole face upward. Hold for a count of twenty.
Face lift III. Po se 1
89
Keeping your hands in the same position, come slowly back up to standing (Pose 2). You should
feel your whole scalp tingle. Bring your hands back to your side. Take a deep breath.
Do this step twice more . Now that you've created a lovely force field that looks like a shimmery
bubble all around your head and neck, try to maintain awareness of it throughout the rest of your
exercise routine .
Facelift II I, Pose 2
90
------0
91
10
Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Relaxation (1)
Lie down and relax. If you can't lie down but you still want to take a ten-minute
relaxation break, you can also do this exercise sitting.
First , focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your nostrils . Cool air in ,
warm air out. Breathe deeply and rhythmically.
Now rub your palms together very fast until they feel warm. Then cup them
over your closed eyes (Pose r). This pose is great for puffy eyes and very
soothing for both the optic nerve and the eyes in general.
Relaxation, Pose 1
With your hands over your eyes, visualize a rainbow-colored force field
around your head and neck. All the muscles of your face feel tingly and alive.
Recall the exercises you did that gave you the facial expressions you wanted
to convey to the world. Breathe deeply and enjoy the sensation of peace, rest,
and quiet. Remove your hands and relax completely. Thank your face for
doing such a good job communicating to the world. If you're going to sleep,
tell your face its job is over for the day-it's off the clock.
Breathe slowly. Let go of all tension in your temples, eyes, forehead. Feel
your forehead melt into the floor as if the weight of your hair is pulling it
downwards. Relax your scalp and the crown of your head. Feel them melting
into the floor. On each exhalation feel as if gravity is pulling everything
toward the floor-upper back and neck, cheeks, ears, and forehead. Just rest.
If you are not going to sleep right now, when you are ready, go on to the
rejuvenation exercise.
9-1
95
Rejuvenation (1)
Open your eyes slowly. Notice the energy bubble
shimmering around you. Inhale.
Stretch all your limbs wide, feeling the stretch
down to your fingers and toes and far as you can.
Slowly stand up, bringing your head up last.
Lift your arms up in ballerina position around
your energy bubble (Pose r). Feel the bubble
expand as you stretch it out with your arms.
Raise your arms to the ceiling and stretch, standing on your tiptoes. Reach towards the ceilingkeep stretching. Feel the bubble burst into a
shower of sparkling pinpricks oflight all around
you. Lower to your heels and, keeping the stretch
in your spine, lower your arms and relax your
shoulders. You are done!
Note: In times of stress visualize the energy
bubble . You will find it helps keep you serene and
above the fray.
96
'
The Power of Belief

Yoga means "union," and in this part of the exercise routine we take a look at how we
can "unionize" the physical face with the inner self in a way that permits our inner being
to shine forth, unimpeded by the stresses and worries that tend to contort our features.
The face we present to the world will eventually reflect the serenity we feel inside. ,
The exercise routines I have devised come from a combination of research, study, and
practice. The mental techniques that transform simple exercises into a powerful yoga
program are drawn from the positive-thinking movement, headed these days by such
luminaries as Deepak Chopra and Wayne W. Dyer. The notion that focused intention has
the power to get you what you want has many applications. In my case, I intend to use
it to transform how we think about beauty and how we regard ourselves when we look
in the mirror. From there it's a short hop to transforming how we think and feel about
ourselves.
The power to make the change is in your hands. In fact, it's really the heart of the secret.
The plastic surgeon can't make you beautiful-it is not in his hands, it is in yours. You
have the power within your self-you just have to know how to tap into it and how to
use it.
Here are some techniques to help you get started, but please feel free to revise the language and the structure to suit yourself. The idea is to incorporate the concept of belief
into not just your exercises, but also into everything you do. I guarantee you will be
overjoyed with the results. Remember the French women who are all dressing as if-act
as if, and it will happen.
Don't forget to breathe-and, oh yes, dear students don't ever forget to have fun.
100
,..\ r
The Yoga Facelift: Acting As If
'
'
Week One
Step One: The Preparation

Look in the mirror. Be objective. Study those areas that need work. Take a
picture of yourself and hang it up where you can see it. Write down the
areas you are going to concentrate on. Now you are ready to build your
own exercise routine.
Step Two: Building an Exercise Routine

After you have practiced all the exercises once or twice you are ready to pick
the ones that are most helpful to you. Select the exercises you like from the
chart on pages I02-I03 and from your short list, come up with your own
fifteen-minute routine. You know your own face, you know what areas you
want to work on, and after a few attempts you will know which exercises are
the most helpful to you.
Do vary the routine a bit, so that once a week you go back and do some
exercises not included in your daily routine, just to keep all your muscles in
shape. The amount of time you need to devote to your beauty routine, once
you've gotten past the preliminary stages, should be about fifteen minutes a
day. After two or three months you can shift to the maintenance program,
but every once in awhile you should do a longer routine, just to keep in practice.
101
Beginning:
Group One:
Group Two:
Stand and Breathe

Bend and Breathe
Head and Face-Upside

Down
Chin Lift
Spine Stretcher/Energizer
The Lion
Head Roll
Shoulders Back

Neck Massage
Neck I
Neck II
Group Four: The Jawline
Group Five: The Cheeks
Group Six:
Lips and Mouth
Jawline Definer
Cheekbone Creator
Jawline Sculptor
Upper Lip Line Eraser

Upper Lip Smoothie
Jawline Massage
Jawline Shaper
Group Seven: Eyes
Group Eight: Forehead

and Scalp
Group Ten: Relaxation

and Rejuvenation
Palming
Tension Banisher
Relaxation
Lower Eye
Scalp Tingler
Rejuvenation
Intermediate:
In addition to the beginning exercises, incorporate some of the following exercises for a more challenging routine.
Group One:
Group Two:
The Turtle
Modified Head Stand
Head Twist
Keep Your Chin Up
Group Six:
Lips and Mouth
For Droopy Cheeks
The Carp Curl
Group Seven: Eyes

Upper Eye
For (row's Feet and
Puffy Eyes
For Upper Eyelids
102
Group Eight: Forehead

and Scalp
Group Nine: The Facelift Series
Counteracting Horizontal Lines
Facelift I
Scowl Banisher
Facelift II
Facelift III
Advanced:
In addition to the beginning exercises, incorporate some of the following exercises for a more challenging routine.
Group One:
Arms and Shoulders
Cow Face
Cow Face for the Neck

and Chin
Erasing Marionette Lines
Neck Stretch and Back Bend

Group Six:
Lips and Mouth
The Carp CurlAdvanced
Group Seven: Eyes

Eye Socket Massage and
Crow's Feet Extinguisher
For Droopy Eyes
Sample Fifteen-Minute Exercise Routine

Here is a sample exercise routine. This is the one I do when I have time, and it takes me from ten to fifteen minutes.
Beginning warm up:
Bend and Breathe followed by the Spine Stretcher Energizer
2 min.
Circulation: Modified Head Stand
3 min.
Neck: Cow Face for the Neck and Chin
1 min.
Jawline: Jawline Shaper
1 min.
' Facelift: Facelift III
1 min.
(if I have time I do all three Facelift exercises-these really are my favorite exercises)
Cheek s: Cheekbone Creator, Erasing Marionette Lines
1 min.
Lips: The Carp Curl
.5 min.
Eyes: Upper Ey e, Lower Eye, For Droopy Eyes
2 min.
Forehead: For Horizontal Lines, Scowl Banisher
1.5 min.
Rejuvenation
2 min.
103
Step Three: Seeing the Results You Want

You are going to see a firmer chin, a younger face, a vibrant, attractive
you-whatever is your goal-but make this a goal you can see yourself
achieving.
Your goal may sound like a testimonial. For example, "I tried the exercises
in The Yoga Facelift book and after one week my eyebags were gone and I
could see subtle changes taking place in the rest of my face; it was firmer
and tauter overall. After three weeks my friends were asking me if I'd had a
facelift. After six weeks they were asking for the name of my plastic surgeon.
After eight weeks I'd signed a contract with Paramount." You get the picture.
I want you to write your own testimonial tailored to what you want to see
happen, and you are going to write it before you see the results you are raving
about. (You can send your testimonial to me after the program works. I'm
serious. I expect my mailbox to be overflowing with gladsome tidings.) If you
like, you can repeat your goals like mantras as you embark on your selfimprovement quest.
Step Four: Getting Excited About It

I learned this part from a psychotherapist in the Bay Area who teaches others
how to use visualization techniques with great success . The trick is to visualize
the end result that will make you happy and excited and to get excited about
it in advance. The simple act of generating enthusiasm about something, as
if it has already occurred, alters the energetics of the universal flow in such
a way that the power becomes manifest to make the desired result happen.
I look at it as a benign game you play with the Universe, in which a presque
fait accompli becomes a real fait accompli by virtue of a little
prestidigitation of the mind, a trompe ]'esprit as it were. It's a paradox, but
what in the Universe isn't?
104
One might object that such a practice is just a simple exercise in selfdelusion. I have two answer s to that. First, so what if it is? If you yourself
can't tell the difference between the illusion and the real thing, then it's
working for you, and what more do you want? And besides, what isn't
illusory anyway?
My second defense addresses that whole pesky "it's all in your mind anyway"
business. To my way of thinking, Samuel Johnson destroys the idealist argument, in his inimitable fashion, by kicking a rock and proclaiming "I refute it
thusly." If it works, it works, and that' s all you need to know. In other word s,
use objective results, results you can see, to bolster your belief system, and
the more positive returns you receive from the external world (and you will
receive them) the more your intent will be reinforced. For example, if you
visualize a promotion and you get one, it could be a coincidence, but you'd
probably keep up the visualization exercises, just in case. In the case of this
program you will have a picture that you take of yourself every two weeks and
the comments of friends. Believe me, it won't be long before they start noticing.
105
Weeks Two and Beyond
You are already seeing results. You should take a picture of yourself at the end of week
two, again at the end of week four, and yet again at the end of week eight. Compare
them and be happy.
'
You may want to add a mantra to say to the transformed image you see in the mirror. You
say this after you are finished with your facial exercises for the day. Here's a suggestion:
I like what see.

I am what I see.
This face is me. I love me.
Repeat this out loud two or three times, or however many times it takes before you feel
comfortable saying it. It should feel quite natural, not forced or contrived. Concentrate
on the utterance and the conviction behind it with as much attention as you paid to
learning the physical exercises. At first it will be just as hard as learning some of the
subtler facial movements. As with physical exercise, practice makes perfect. The more
you practice, the easier it will become. Give it a try-You have nothing to lose but
your wrinkles!
106
107
After one to two months of faithfully doing the exercises you chose for your routine in
chapter six, you'LL be ready for the maintenance program. It will be very helpful for you
to have practiced the other exercises in this book before you attempt this one. Once
you've had practice exercising individual muscles you are going to find it easy to work
the muscles in concert.
The Quick Lift is, as its nart e suggests, quick and easy. It resembles very much The Lion
exercise you learned in chapter two, but with the Quick Lift you are going to exercise
the deep muscles of your face without stretching your lips or indeed, moving your face
much at all.
Step One: Focus
Pick a place where you can relax and focus as you

do this exercise. I do not recommend doing this in
the middle of a traffic jam, for example. Choose a
spot where you feel at peace, and if you can, make
this "power spot" the place where you always practice the Quick Lift. You will come to regard it as
your haven. You may be sitting, standing, or even
lying down.
Step Two: Wake Up
Take a deep breath, exhale. Relax. Now we're

going to wake up the various muscles in different
parts of your face.
Wake Up. Pose 1
1.
Place your fingertips on top of your head and,

keeping your fingers still, move your head to
shift the scalp under them. Feel your scalp
muscles move against the pressure of your
fingers (Poser).
2.
Move your fingertips down to your forehead.

Now wake up your frontalis muscles by
contracting the forehead muscles using your
fingertips as resistance (Pose 2).
Wake Up, Pose 2
110
3.
Move your fingertips down to your eye sockets (contracting the orbicularis oculi against the
resistance of your fingertips) and effect the same wake-up call (Pose 3).
4.
Now move your fingertips down to your cheeks. Contract the cheek muscles against the
resistance of your fingertips (Pose 4).
Wak e Up, Pose 3
110
Wa ke Up, Pose 4
5.
Pat your fingertips along your jawline (Pose 5).
6.
Brush your fingertips up and down along your neck (Pose 6).
7.
Cup your hands gently on your face (Pose 7). By now all the muscles in your scalp, face,
and neck should feel tingly and alive.
Wake Up, Pose 5
112
Wake Up. Pose 6
112
Step Three: Tighten

Remove your hands. Take a deep breath and
hold it. Tighten all the muscles of your face and
neck. Widen your eyes. Feel your forehead, eye,
cheek, lip, jaw, and neck muscles tighten. Hold
for ten seconds, working up to thirty seconds as
you become more comfortable with the exercise.
Release and exhale. Repeat twice more.
Step Four: Relax

Take several deep breaths. Feel the energy and
well-being radiating from your face.
Wake Up, Pose 7
113
114
Getting Under the Skin

Before we take a closer look at some of the dynamic processes and mechanisms that contribute to skin aging we need to understand a little bit about that wonderful layer of skin
where most of the action is-the dermis.
..,_ The Dermis: An Overview
The most profound alterations to the skin are actually happening at the dermal rather
than the epidermal level. We can describe the dermis as the mattress portion of the skin,
and the epidermis as the nice smooth blanket you place on top. Now, what happens to
a mattress when its support structure starts to collapse? Of course, it develops sags and
creases, and the blanket no longer lies as smoothly on its surface. Wrinkle formation on
the skin follows the same procedure, with the epidermis collapsing into the depressions of
the uneven dermis.
The dermal layer or extra cellular matrix (ECM) is composed of collagen and elastin fibers
and fibroblast cells embedded in a vast array of proteoglycans and other ECM components. Proteoglycans are protein cores to which are attached long chains of repeating
disaccharide units. These repeating disaccharide units, called glygosaminoglycans, or GAGs
for short, are composed of sugars (glucuronic or iduronic acid) and hexosamines (glucosamine or galactosamine) bound to a protein core. The abundance of hydroxyl, carboxyl,
and sulfate groups makes the GAGs intensely hydrophilic (water-loving) and thus able to
form porous, hydrated gels. The GAG everyone has heard about is hyaluronic acid,
a major player in maintaining skin health and beauty.
116
Skin aging is principally associated with atrophy of the dermal connective tissue. Two
related processes contribute to dermal atrophy. The first is glycation, which initiates
degradation of existing collagen by cross-linking associated with skin wrinkling; the
second is skin dehydration due to diminished presence of hyaluronic acid and other
GAGs. We need to understand a little bit about these basic processes.
/
/
I
I
I
I
I
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I
117
""" Glycation
Glycation is a normal process and necessary for the correct development of the ECM.
However , spontaneous (nonenzymatic) chemical reactions between proteins and sugars
can result in the formation of advanced glycation end products, or AGEs (also called Maillard reaction products). These sugar-protein products change progressively to very stable
compounds, which form sticky deposits that can accumulate all over the body. They are
directly implicated in a variety of ways in the accelerated aging phenomenon. In the
dermis, AGEs bridge (cross-link) collagen fibers. In addition, glycation appears to affect
the aggregation of collagen monomers into fibers, thus compromising the integrity of the
interwoven support structure of the epidermis.
Corneus layer
_ ,_
young skin
118
Elastin ---+-more mature skin
It appears that glycation doesn't influence just the properties of the ECM, but it affects
matrix cell interactions as well. Cells grown on matrices composed of glycated p roteins
differ from normal cells with respect to growth, differentiation, motility, and gene expression. Changes in the ECM and ECM cellular behavior result in the formation of stiff,
brittle collagen fibers accompanied by the collapse of dermal supporting structures.
Glycation Inhibition and Glyconutrients

AGEs are irreversible and accumulate as we age, especially in the case
of long-lived proteins such as structural collagen. Their role in compromising protein function by contributing to protein cross-linking has
consequences for us in the general aging process.
As AGEs have been implicat ed in such diseases as Alzheimer's, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes. Studies in the fairly recent field of glycobiology
suggest that many of these disorders afflicting aging adults can be traced
to the lack of an entire category of essential nutrients. The critical missing
nutrients are called glyconutrients, and they comprise eight essential
carbohydrate monosaccharides. These sugars are crucial for the proper
functioning of a huge array of biological processes, from cell building
to cell communication. Of the eight carbohydrates essential to proper
bodily function, it appears that our modern diets, replete with processed
foods, supply us with only two: glucose and galactose. The other sixmannose, fucose, xylose, n-acetyl-glucosamine, n-acetyl-neuramic acid,
anp n-acetyl-ga lactosamine-are not commonly found in th e modern
diet. The consequences of carbohydrate insufficiency have been associated
with a vast array of diseases ranging from immune disorders to attention
deficit disorder to infection s.
119
I would like to suggest, in addition to all of the preceding , a cosmetic connectionadmittedly trivial when stacked up against diabetes and cancer, but nonetheless of
concern to all of us faced with the looming prospect of the visible consequences of
aging (the appearance of wrinkled, sagging, and dehydrated skin).
It is possible that glyconutrients, by inhibiting AGEs formation, could assist us in
delaying the ravages of time , or even help us recapture the supple, unblemished
skins we had as children. The research here is sketchy at best, but I suspect we will
be hearing more about the glycation process and AGEs as the data comes in . Two
areas deserving of further investigation are: (r) skin disorder s such as acne vulgaris
and psoriasis that are characterized by skin cell overproduction and (2) skin
dehydrated due to hyaluronic acid depletion .
...,. Dehydrated Skin and Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is an important component of the ECM, because it is the major waterholding molecule to be found in the connective tissue of the body. One thousand milligrams of hyaluronic acid holds up to six liters of water in the human body. This gel-like
disaccharide, composed of alternating molecules of glucosamine and glucuronic acid, is
a unique GAG in that it does not contain any sulfate and is not covalently attached to
any proteoglycan. This gel-like glycosamineglycans physically supports fibrilar collagen
bundles in the dermis.
Hyaluronic acid depletion is one of the primary culprits in dehydrated skin. At around
age thirty we start to lose hyaluronic acid at the rate of 1 percent per year. It becomes
depleted over time due to age-related slower production rates and oxidative degradation.
The production of the disaccharide HA may be stimulated in the presence of adequate
amounts of the monosaccharide building blocks needed for its formation. Sufficient
amounts of hyaluronic acid in the dermis will keep the collagen scaffold sufficiently
hydrated and may also help to prevent the cross-linking of fibers.
120
Wrinkles, Free Radicals, and Antioxidants

A comprehensive discussio n of aging skin must include the free-radical theory of
aging, a very important component of an increasingly complicated picture. We have
all come to fear the assault of the dreaded free radical-those unstable oxygen
molecules that are always in attack mode. To make a long biochemical story short, the
theory goes that chronic inflammation caused by free radicals accelerates aging.
The process by which they create wrinkles is complex, but an abbreviated version goes
like this: free radicals are released by ultra-violet (UV) exposure (for example) and after
a hop, skip, and a jump around various, rather involved biochemical processes they
activate production of collagen-digesting enzymes called metalloproteinases. While the
function of these metalloprotein ases is to remodel sun-injured tissue by manufacturing
and reforming collagen, some of these enzymes actually degrade collagen, resulting in
an uneven formation of disorganized coLlagen fibers called solar scars. Repetition of this
imperfect building process causes wrinkles.
The oxygen free radical also accounts for diminished amounts of hyaluronic acid in
connective tissue throughout the body. The reason there is so much excitement over
anti-oxidants these days is that they quench free radicals and thus help prevent
oxidative damage.
121
Changes as We Age
All of these mechanisms-damaged collagen, collapsing support structure, loss of moisture

content, and cell migration-show up in our fa ces as wrinkled, dry, and sagging skin. The
chart below is a simplified version of some of the whys and wherefores of the changes
that take place as we age.
Before we take a closer look at some treatments, such as exfoliating peels, we need to
talk about one more deep process that explains why our skin, as well as the rest of us, ages.
Problem
Diminished moisture
content
Cause(s)
Diminished hyaluronic
acid (HA) produ ction ; degradation of HA and other
GAG s by free radicals
Looks like
Dehydration (dry,
flaky skin)
Cross- Lin king due to
Better nutrition; sleep;

antioxidant therapy via nu tritional supplementation
and topical applications
Better nutrition; anti-
g lycation ; dama ged protei n

accumulation ; diminished
collagen and elasti n
Premature wrinkling (from

UV exposure and other
causes); dynamic wrinkling
production; free radica l

atta ck s
(expression Lines)
Fatty cell migration,

decreased muscle tone
Gravity; Lack of exercise;

Lymphatic congestion
Sagging
Exercise, massage,
Lymphatic drainage
Diminished oil production
Sebaceous gland activity

slows down
Dry skin , surface wrinkling
Better nutrition ; supplementa tio n with essential

fatty acids (EFAs); sleep;
moisturizers
Hy p erpigmentation
Sun exposure, hormonal

ch a nges
Freckles, "sun spots,"

a ctinic keratoses
Sun protection, topi cal

skin Lightener s
Collapsing support
structure
122
Remedies
oxidant supplementation;
Limit exposure to sun and
to chemicals and synthetics in products
.,... Exfoliation and the Hayflick limit

Extreme exfoliation treatments such as microdermabrasion, enzyme or AHA peels, Retin-A,
and the like are often employed in the antiaging battle. Peels remove the outermost layer
of the skin, which stimulates the cells in lower layers to grow and divide, causing the
skin to thicken and thus diminishing visible signs of aging. The more you exfoliate, the
more cell divisions you have occurring in the lower skin layers.
It is true that exfoliation stimulates cell growth, however, there is one problem: normal
human cells cannot divide indefinitely. Fibroblasts are a key type of cell in the dermis,
important for proper wound repair, collagen production, and epidermal cell replacement.
A fibroblast divides about fifty times before it hits the "Hayflick limit." Named after its
discoverer, Dr. Leonard Hayflick, the Hayflick limit refers to the number of times a cell
divides normally before reaching its senescent stage. Once a cell has reached senescence,
division proceeds in a sluggish and inefficient manner, and the cell is unresponsive to
various signals from the body. Skin with many senescent cells is usually fragile, blotchy,
and easily wrinkled, resembling a plant that slows its leaf and bloom production at the
end of its growth cycle. Exfoliation can be a valuable cosmetic tool, but if you overuse
it your skin may "hit the Hayflick limit" earlier than it should. In other words, if you
increase the frequency of the damage/repair cycle, you could be speeding the cells into
senescence and accelerating aging.
In recent years, researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism of the Hayflick
limit. (It has to do with the areas at the tips of chromosomes called telomeres.) Medical technologies to eliminate the Hayflick limit may appear at some point in the future,
although these advances in technology are likely to work only for those cells whose
H yflick limit has not yet been reached.
123
An Alternative Beauty Program

We've gone over some of the major causes of skin aging. This was the bad news. But
the more we know about causes, the better we can make our remedies. In the next
chapter, we embrace the good news-what we can do to slow down the rate at which
our skin ages.
---0
124
The whole notion of antiaging has such hostile -overtones it's no wonder we regard
treatments involving cutting, slashing, burning,. paralyzing, or peeling as perfectly
normal. But just suppose we take an al rnatiVe ap:proach, with the attitude that we
should do unto our skin as . well, you t the pit,tur.e. We. can start by be-ing kind
to ot1r skin-it's a beautiful, intemgent uga t ilt tlhds almost iftstanUy to gentle
treatment. Feed it, nourish it, and a v.@ call, Love i
"s look at S UDe *':P
ttJat show us how we can do just that. Wt'r.e gqiftg_ to
hO\'V about relrredies for $km
problems, starting with the most important-nttt '
Nutrition: Inside and Outside

Ill>
Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatories

It is believed that chronic inflammation caused by free radicals accelerates aging. Part of
the free-radical damage related to skin change takes place in the lipid bilayer that makes
up the cell plasma membrane. The lipid bilayer maintains the skin's health and beauty by
protecting it from external damage and by promoting moisture absorption and retention.
Exposure to sun or chemicals activates the enzyme phospholipase A2, which produces
arachidonic acid. Activation of the "arachidonic acid cascade" generates inflammatory
substances called prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These inflammatory chemicals go on
to cause inflammation inside the cell, accelerating its destruction and the aging process
in general.
Free radicals are, of course, a natural part of the metabolic process, but emphasizing
certain foods in our diet can help to minimize inflammatory cascades. In general, the
foods that make up a good diet are whole, enzyme rich, unprocessed, and fresh. Some
foods to add, some foods to keep in moderation, and foods to avoid include the following:
Foods to add: apples, burdock, celery, celery root, cold water fish oil and flax seeds (contain omega-3, which quenches the inflammatory cascade), onions (contain high amounts
of histamine-quenching quercetin, which inhibits production of leukotrienes), berries
(high in bioflavonoids), garlic (rich in sulfur and selenium), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli,
cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, chard, mustard greens, rutabagas,
turnips, and kale contain antioxidants), turmeric (contains curcumin, a powerful antiinflammatory agent excellent for treating inflammatory problems such as arthritis, liver,
and gall bladder conditions; curcumin has also been found to block the production of
certain prostaglandins and has effects on par with cortisone and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs but without the side effects).
Foods to keep in moderation: nightshades (tomato, eggplant, peppers, and potatoes
contain solamine, a calcium inhibitor), dairy foods except goat- and sheep-milk-based
products (contain transfats and animal fats, sources of arachidonic acid), excess salts
and sugars (change cell membrane fluidity).
128
Foods to avoid: highly processed foods and foods containing synthetic colors, flavors,
transfats, and/or high-fructose corn syrup.
Supplements
Essential fatty acids (EFAs): anti-inflammatory; inhibits arachidonic acid cascades;
found in fish, flax, and other omega-3 oils. I recommend 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon
a day.
Bioflavonoids: found in the white pulpy part of citrus fruit peels; might reduce cuperose when applied topically; quercetin is another good source. Recommendation: 600
to 1200 mgjday, taken internally.
Vitamin B complex: for tissue repair; take 50 mg/day of each B vitamin except for
B2, which should not exceed 20 mgjday.
Vitamin C: antioxidant; essential for collagen synthesis; take 3,000 to 6,000 mg/day.
(This is a lot of vitamin C, and I don't necessarily recommend taking this much all the
time. You may do emergency high doses like this when you have a cold or you just
want to do some skin repair, but as a daily routine of 1,000 mg-500 mg in the morning and another 500 mg in the evening-is plenty. Large doses won't hurt you, but
you may experience diarrhea. If you do, just cut back. We belong to the small set of
mammals that doesn't produce their own vitamin C, unfortunately. Goats, for example,
produce about 1 gram a day.)
Vitamin E: antioxidant; take 300 to 600 IU/day as mixed tocopherols. Vitamin E
mixed tocopherols are considered more bio-useful than alpha-tocopherols alone.
Beta-carotene (vitamin A): known as the skin vitamin; important for new cell
growth. There are animal sources (retinol) and vegetable sources (carotenes) in foods.
Animal sources are about six times more potent than vegetable sources, but can be
toxic if taken in excess. Because of this, vitamin A supplements are restricted to
carotenes and limited to under 25,000 IU per pill. Because vitamin A is stored in the
liver, it is safer to get your vitamin A in the beta-carotene precursor form, through
129
Malabsorption
A "good" diet is only as good as our

ability to absorb and utilize the
nutrients contained within it, and
as we age we tend to find that we
experience problems with digestion.
Taking probiotics can give our
struggling digestive tracts a helping
boost. In addition, we should not
underestimate the power of nutritional
substances taken transdermallyin the case of hormones, transdermal
application is a much more efficient
delivery system, and I suspect this
may be the case with many other
substances as well, including the
very important vitamin C and glyconutritionals. My skin therapy products
offer a transdermal delivery system.
130
food sources. Good food sources are fish oil, liver (pork, lamb,
chicken, turkey, or beef), eggs, butter, and orange or yelLow
vegetables or fruits. Broccoli is a good source of vitamin A
(green chlorophyll camouflages the yellow carotene color). Another excellent source of both vitamins C and A is the Tibetan
goji berry, which are tiny and have the tasty flavor of currants;
the dose is 20 to 40 dried berries a day.
Bilberry: enhances the health of capillaries; also a powerful
antioxidant. Take 4 to 8 oz of fresh berries, 80 to 160 mg of
bilberry extract (25 percent anthocyanidin), or 20 to 40 mg
anthocya nosides (powerful antioxidants) daiLy.
Turmeric: reduces Leukotriene formation; increases and potentiates your own cortisol response (cortisol, the so-called "stress'
hormone, is involved in skin changes-too little can cause hyperpigmentation, too much may contribute to acne conditions);
take 2 to 4 grams three times daily in capsules with equal
amounts bromelain; also use in cooking. Turmeric can also be
used topically for age or Liver spots (see "Alternative Remedies
for Common Skin Problems," pages 132-134).
Glycation Inhibition and Glyconutrients

As discussed in the previous chapter, it appears that many of the disorders afflicting
aging adults can be traced to the lack of an entire category of essential nutrients. The
critical missing nutrients in the new category are called glyconutrients, comprising eight
essential carbohydrate monosaccharides. These sugars are crucial for the proper functioning of a huge array of biological processes, from cell building to cell communication.
Sources of glyconutrients are fresh fruits and vegetables, aloe vera juice, Kombucha tea,
and human breast milk.
The glyconutritionals are almost impossible to get in the over-processed modern diet. We
don't have the variety in our diets that we had as scavengers, and our food is no longer
fresh. Look to reputable supplements and never pass up a chance to eat freshly picked or
harvested fruits and vegetables.
131
Alternative Remedies for Common Skin Problems

Let's take a look at a few treatments that draw upon natural sources to address some
common problems associated with aging skin .
..,.. Acne Rosacea
Rosacea, a problem that has become epidemic among older adults, is related to vascular
instability and inflammation. The etiology is unknown. Rosacea can be an annoying, even
painful disorder to have, and in the later stages can be very disfiguring, so it is an affliction not to be taken lightly.
Dietary Treatments
Topical Products
I
I
L
I
132
Because we absorb at least 60 percent

of what we apply to our skins I believe
we should take a different perspective
on skin products. First. we should never
apply anything to our skins that we
wouldn't put in our stomachs, and
second, we can start looking to skincare products to do what good food
does-that is, they should take care
of our skin by providing the specific
nutrients this wonderful organ needs
to thrive. Nutritional topicals should
nourish from the outside in, and in
apdition, help to heal skin problems
and conditions in the same way herbs
and vitamin supplements taken internally are intended to do. To my mind,
this is a far better approach than slashand-burn cosmetic intervention, and
it is the chief reason I started my own
skin-care manufacturing company. I saw
the crying need for someone to create
topical products that were actually
therapeutic-good for you and good
for your skin.
The small dietary changes below are worth a try and certainly can't hurt.
1.
Because the standard medical approach is to treat rosacea with broadspectrum antibiotics, one can suspect a relationship to a proliferation
of harmful bacteria in the gut. Therefore a good way to treat rosacea
internally is to use probiotics to increase quantities of friendly bacteria
in the gut. Not too surprisingly, probiotics are also often the best way
to treat stubborn cases of cystic acne and acne vulgaris.
2.
In addition, it makes sense to try to maintain a diet high in the antiinflammatory foods discussed previously, since it is highly likely there
is a relationship between inflammation and rosacea.
3.
Take bioflavonoids to build up your capillaries. To get a great daily dose

ofbioflavonoids eat 4 to 8 oz of fresh bilberries and 8o to r6o mg of
bilberry extract (25 percent anthocyanidin) or 20 to 40 mg anthocyanosides daily.
Topi cal Treatments

Some topical treatments include:
Cleansing: with whole milk yogurt (contains acidophilus, a friendly
bacteria) twice a day.
Masks: use yogurt, or a combination of yogurt and honey (which is
a humectant, antiviral, and antimicrobial). Colloidal oatmeal
andfor
crushed berries can also be added to the above masks (see
"Bioflavonoids" page 134).
Sunscreen: use daily, even when it's cloudy, as you need protection against the UVA rays (out from dawn to dusk) that can trigger
inflammation. Use only mineral (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide)
sunscreens; this is very important, because chemical sunscreens
can be extremely irritating to rosacea sufferers. Look especially for
zinc oxide, which is a good anti-inflammatory, very healing, and
provides the broadest, full-spectrum protection available. (MarieVeronique Creme de Jour [SPF 15 or 25+] is a sunblock specifically
designed for rosacea sufferers. It contains natural sunscreen agents
like zinc oxide, emu oil, and red raspberry oil, which are also
highly anti-inflammatory.)
About Ultraviolet Waves

Ultraviolet (UV) Light has shorter
wavelengths than visible Light. There
are three types of ultraviolet rays that
should concern us when we think
about sun protection. UVC rays are
the shortest of the three types, with
wavelengths Less than 280 nm (nanometers). Short wavelength, highenergy UVC rays are implicated in
skin cancers, particularly basal cell
carcinomas. These rays are ordinarily
completely absorbed by the ozone
Layer; however, as this protective
shield thins or is even, as in some
areas of the world Like Australia,
nonexistent, we are more at risk
of exposure to these damaging rays.
UVB rays, the burning rays, range
from 280- to 320-nm on the spectrum.
The SPF (sun protection factor) rating
by FDA regulation need only apply to
UVB rays. Look at the Label on your
sunblock to make sure it provides both
UVB and UVA protection. Long-wave
UVA rays are in the 320- to 400-nm
range. UVA or "wrinkling" rays, present
from sunup to sundown, can penetrate
clouds and glass. Protection should be
year-round, not just when the sun is
out. When looking for effective sun
protection, bear in mind that zinc
oxide offers full-spectrum UVA protection, up to 400 nm, while titanium
dioxide blocks UVA rays only up to
350- to 360-nm.
133
An easy mnemonic for remembering the effect of each type of UV ray is:
C =cancer,
B =burning,
A= aging
Topical anti-inflammatories: such as emu oil, zinc oxide, turmeric,
raspberry seed oil, colloidal oatmeal, seaweed, arnica, and sea buckthorn oil.
Bioflavonoids: those in berries and the white pulpy part of citrus
skins may help with cuperose, or dilated capillaries. Eat the fruit
often and don't forget to make a mask with the berrie s andjor the
citrus pulp. Raspberry seed oil is also high in bioflavonoids.
134
.,... Liver Spots

Liver spots, also known as age spots, are yellowish brown flat spots that look like large
freckles. They are thought to be caused by aging, too much sun, impaired liver function,
and a dietary or nutritional deficiency. (Note: If you have irregular, dark spots that
increase in size or change color or texture, have them checked by a doctor.) As we age,
our metabolism changes, and the liver may become so overwhelmed with toxins that it
cannot rid the body of them. Oxidation within the body and the lack of antioxidants also
plays an important role in this process.
Dietary Treatment
Take 2 to 4 grams of turmeric three times daily in capsules with equal
amounts brom elain.
Topical Treatment
Mix r teaspoon tomato juice and rj2 teaspoon lemon juic e, then add
enough organic turm eric to make a paste. Apply to spots twice daily .
.,... Actinic keratoses

Actinic keratoses are the raised spots, usually dark brown in color, that are presumed
to, be caused by sun (actinic) exposure. Again, antioxidants play an important role in
preventing their appearance.
135
Topical Treatment
Add r clove pressed garlic and a pinch of tumeric to 6 teaspoons aloe
vera gel. Apply to spots at night.
Seborrheic keratoses
These yellow or brown oval spots with clear perimeters and raised surfaces develop in
middle age and are enhanced by sun exposure. They can be treated in the same manner
described for actinic keratoses.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is linked to sun damage, but other factors can contribute to it,
including diminished cortisol production (associated with Addison's disease), oversecretion of cortisol brought about by stress, hormonal changes, and post-inflammatory
response (from injury or infection).
Dietary Treatment
Taking turmeric may help as it potentiates cortisol. Take 2 to 4 grams three
times daily in capsules with equal amounts bromelain.
Topical Treatments
Cleansing: with yogurt or a milk product containing lactic acid helps to
whiten the skin.
Masks: (r) Make a paste by mixing colloidal oatmeal and turmeric with
water, milk, whipped cream, or yogurt. Apply and leave on thirty to forty
minutes. (2) Spread a thin layer of olive oil on the face, avoiding the eye
136
area. Cut a fresh lemon into quarters, then rub one quarter of the
lemon over your face for twenty to thirty seconds. Rinse with
cool water.
(3) Puree a two-inch slice of fresh cucumber, r teaspoon lemon juice,
and 2 tablespoons cream or plain yogurt in a blender. Apply mixture
to face, avoiding the eye area. Allow thirty minutes to dry. Rinse
with cool water.
Skin bleaching agents: lemon, pearl powder, grated raw potato (con-
tains calecholase, a natural skin lightener), zinc oxide, licorice root,

green tea, yellow dock, lactic acid.
Avoid: products containing hydroquinone, which is banned in most
countries as it has been charged with causing cell mutations and is
considered site toxic to cells. Uva ursi, or bearberry, contains hydroquinone and should probably be avoided. Essential oils in the citrus
family, bergamot essential oil, retinoic acid, Retin-A or Renova,
fragrances, and alcohol can create photosensitivity and increase
hyperpigmentation, so they should not be applied externally .
l
For Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Do this when you have ten to twenty

minutes of free time to just relax.
Cut out two pieces of cheesecloth big
enough to hold 2 to 3 tablespoons
of grated potato. Grate a raw, white
potato, then wrap the potato in the
pieces of cheesecloth. Make two "potato
wraps." Place one potato wrap on each
eye so that the juice see.ps onto the
undereye area. Lie back and enjoy for
ten to fifteen minutes.
_ _j
..,.. Wrinkles
Dietary Treatment
Remember, there is an important connection between inadequate nutrition and wrinkle formation. Vitamin C is absolutely essential, not just
as an antioxidant, but also because it is absolutely crucial to one stage of
the collagen biosynthesis process. Without vitamin C you do not make
new collagen. The glyconutritonals that inhibit glycation (which leads
137
to cross-linking and brittle collagen fibers) are also important to add to your
diet; the best sources are homegrown fruits and vegetables that you pick
and eat right away. (Glyconutritionals are in all the Marie-Veronique topical
products, so that's another way you can get a dose for your skin. Please see
the last chapter for further discussion.)
Topical Treatments
Feeding your face from the outside will nourish and hydrate your skin and
help to soften wrinkles. Here are a few thing s you can do. Note: If you have
a garden, use your imagination-almost anything that you can eat raw, or
prepare for eating by cooking, can go on your face.
Cleansing and masks for exfoliation: I've discussed my stand on extreme
exfoliation in chapter eight; I do believe that microdermabrasion, Retin-A,
glycolic acid peels, and so on ultimately accelerate aging and should be
avoided. Exfoliation treatments have achieved great popularity because
they act like a quick fix-removing the top layer of the epidermis does
give a temporary rosy blush to the skin. However, in the interests of
preserving the skin over the long haul, I suggest exfoliating gently with
natural food products. You will ultimately get the same beautiful results,
but without damaging your skin.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and enzymes: There are two AHAs that
are safe to use when you get them from food: citric acid and lactic acid.
Buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream contain lactic acid, which helps the
biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans and leaves your skin feeling soft and
supple. You can cleanse with them, or apply them as a mask, leaving
them on for twenty to thirty minutes. The citric acid in lemon juice
makes a great mask as well. I suggest applying a thin layer of olive oil
over the skin, then rubbing the juice from a quarter of a fresh lemon
over the olive oil. Leave on for thirty seconds or so, then rinse. Papaya
138
mak es a great enzyme mask, but don't leave it on longer than ten
minutes. R emember to wear your sun screen after any kind of exfoliation treatment, as you will have compromised the stratum corneum , your environmental protective barrier. External nourishment
is more important than exfolia tion , which is overrated as a wrinkle
fighter in my estimation . If you feel the need to use AHAs other
than lactic acid, it's a good idea to vary AHA treatments with nourishing ma sks (made with honey, oatmeal, or avocado to name ju st a
few) to avoid thinning the skin.
Hydrating, nourishing masks: Make carrot juice, drink it, and use
the pulp for a mask. Leave on for thirty to forty minutes. You can
add honey, yogurt, or seaweed. Seaweed is an excellent moisturizer
that increases circulation, helps eliminate toxins, and delivers nutrient s and minerals to the cells.
Vitamin C: Yes, it can be applied topically, but be careful how you
do it. Most vitamin C in creams and lotions have already oxidized
(that's why vitamin Cis a good antioxidant!), and the lotion may
actually release free radicals on the skin when applied. Best to get
stable, phyto-based sources of vitamin C or use fresh fruits, such as
citrus and berries. The vitamin C in the citrus pulp and berries will
build collagen and help in cellular repair, while the bioflavonoids
will help strengthen capillaries.
Sun protection: UV protection is a full-time affair, since the
' wrinkling UVA rays are present from dawn to dusk, rain or shine.
U se a mineral sunscreen. Wear a hat. Try to avoid exposure from
ro A.M. to 2 P.M., the burning time. Remember that UVA rays reflect
from shiny surfaces, so your exposure is greatly increased in traffic,
at the beach, or on the ski slopes.
139
Hyaluronic acid: After age thirty, we lose approximately
percent hyaluronic acid per year. You can take hyaluronic acid supplements, but it
will go to your joints and not your skin. Applied topically? The hyaluronic
acid molecule is very large and probably does not absorb well. Because it
is a disaccharide composed of glucuronic acid and glucosamine, adding
the glyconutritionals to your diet will help your body produce more
hyaluronic acid. (If you are looking for a topical treatment, the MarieVeronique Skin Therapy company has developed a new product called
Renaissance, which consists of all the saccharides your skin needs to
biosynthesize hyaluronic acid in a form that ensures penetration to
the dermis.)
1
Hl
Other Remedies
DMAE
DMAE, short for dimethylaminoethanol, is a naturally occurring substance that facilitates

the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. DMAE also may stimulate the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, an important component of celt membranes. (In fact, DMAE
is far better known and researched as a "smart drug" than a skin-firming agent. In a number of studies DMAE has been shown to reduce age-related decline in cognitive ability
and memory.)
It has been demonstrated that DMAE causes some degree of skin tightening, most probably
by boosting acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that sends the message to the muscles
to contract. If the effects of DMAE taken by itself are noticeable, think how much more
dramatic the results will be by adding mild facial exercises to the program. In that case,
you will be contracting muscles voluntarily to achieve a youthful, toned look to the face
and neck.
Facial Sculpting and Lymphatic Drainage
One physical law we'd all prefer to break but unfortunately can't is the law of gravity. At
a certain age everything in our bodies start to go south-and as the fatty cells start their
downward migration the effects on the face and neck are quite noticeable. A Bay Area
practitioner and friend, Colette DeVore, LAc, MS, TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), has
developed a massage technique called facial sculpting, which addresses sagging muscles.
She moves the muscles of the face back to where they were before they sagged over the
years, which results in a dramatically lifted look. To address a sagging muscle, you might
gq with the formula: get it up with facial sculpting, and keep it up with exercise!
In conjunction with facial sculpting, lymphatic drainage reduces fluid in the face. Fluid
accounts for a great deal of sagging tissue over time. To drain fluid from your face,
HO
simply lay two fingers under your cheekbone where the fluid accumulates (Pose 1) and
with the bottom finger push, with a steady gentle motion, down your neck and into the
hollow above your collarbone (Pose 2).
Lymphat1c Drainage, Pose
Lymphatic Drainage, Pose 2
143
""' Sleep
To paraphrase the great Edward Devere (who some people know as Shakespeare, but that's
another story), "Sleep knits up the raveled skin and makes us fair"-uh, well, you get th e
idea. The most important hours for sleep occur between 10 P.M. and 3 A.M .. This is when
melatonin, the great antioxidant, makes its rounds throughout the body, scooping up free
radicals and repairing damage. No sleep, no skin repair, and we all know what that looks like.
""' Water
The controversy rages around water-especially how much to drink. Rather than engage
in that debate I prefer to add my own two cents' worth. Remember hyaluronic acid, that
wonderful substance that gives our skin tissue that childlike, plump look? Because of its
disaccharide components, hyaluronic acid is extremely hydrophilic-it has a great ability
to bind water. When we drink water we want to be able to do the same thing-that is,
bind water to systems so it can truly hydrate our tissues. My suggestion is to add to one
glass of your water (perhaps the first glass of the morning) a bit of aloe vera juice. Aloe
vera is high in mucopolysaccharides that will help you bind water to your system.
Also remember that we get a lot of water from the food we eat, especially fruit. As far
as I'm concerned, a slice of watermelon ought to count as one glass of water-it is 98
percent water, and the 2 percent sugar content helps bind all that water so that you
are actually utilizing it instead of excreting it (along with all the vitamins and minerals
you've been taking such pains to ingest).
142
143
The Birth of a Company

I am a self-confessed skin-care junkie. This was fine when I worked in information technology as a technical writer and had the resources to support my habit. While I managed
a brave grin into my bathroom mirror each morning, the shelves in the cabinet on the
other side were groaning under the weight of all my antiaging creams, worth their w ight
in gold, or in some cases platinum. Then the tech industry's bubble burst, and, hunched
under the dark cloud of many months of unemployment, I finally had to quit my addiction
to antiaging agents cold turkey. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as those
things often are. The silver lining to the dark cloud was the realization that most of
those overpriced goos I was using were drying out my skin, exacerbating my rosacea,
or giving me rashes. When I went back to school and got my aesthetician's license, I
began to figure out why they weren't living up to all the promises they were making.
Armed with what I like to call"a license to peel," I started working at the Elephant
Pharmacy in Berkeley, California. I came aboard on the day of the store's grand opening,
in fact, and we're still going strong. It's the ideal environment for me. Surrounded by
skilled practitioners of alternative healing methods such as herbology, naturopathy,
homeopathy, and Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, I was able to see how their ancient
techniques could be adapted to and complement the kind of skin care I wanted to deliver.
True and lasting skin care, I came to be aware, is a holistic science, and you create
an even more powerful therapy when you address aging from the inside out as well as
from the outside in. It became obvious to me that nutrition was a big part of skin care,
so I began making diet and digestion a regular part of my consultations. I learned a lot
from my early client sessions. It didn't take long for me to realize that digestive problems
and acne rosacea (as well as acne vulgaris) tended to go hand in hand. I am convinced
that no program that claims to control these disorders can do so without looking at the
dietary component.
Gradually I began to see where my strengths were and what my specialties would become.
I wanted to treat mature skin and acne rosacea, categories that often overlap as rosacea
usually afflicts people from age thirty-five and up. I learned that nutrition was one way
146
to improve skin condition, but was there anything else I could do? Indeed there was.
I began a serious inquiry into the reputed benefits of topically applied products. As
I soon discovered, the downside of product use ranged from an exacerbation of problems
to allergic reactions. I also took issue with the shameless fashion with which some
companies were routinely picking our pockets. For example, one famous company
charges $125 an ounce for an eye cream whose main ingredient is hydrogenated
vegetable oil. If you like the feel of trans fats on your skin, I suggest going straight
for the cheaper Crisco. Please understand that while neither product has my recommendation, I believe you'll not only save money using solid vegetable oil, but you'll
also be safer, as it doesn't contain all the preservatives, fillers, and fragrances found
in the eye cream.
The eye cream story reminds me that a big part of my job is informing the public. I'll
collar anyone who will Listen and tell them that we absorb approximately 60 percent
of what we put on our skins, and that we need to be as vigilant about what we put
on our bodies as what we put in them.
Skin-care products on the department store and pharmacy shelves continue to multiply Like Wal-Marts. In addition to their bunnylike reproductive capacities it seemed
they all had a proclivity for making unsubstantiated claims, such as "cures rosacea,"
"banishes wrinkles," or "rejuvenates." We've heard them all, and you probably all
know from experience, just as I do, that they don't Live up to their claims.
My frustration with the ersatz ingredients and overpriced, corporate-sponsored skin
creams motivated me to create my own Line of skin-care products, which I call MarieVeronique Skin Therapy. I believe my products are the very first and best Lotions and
creams to deliver clinically proven nutritional supplements-including glyconutrients
and antioxidants-transdermally. Good for the skin is good for the body, and the
feedback I began to get from my customers in terms of the results has been nothing
short of phenomenal. If you care to see some of these testimonials or read more
about the products I invite you to go to www.organicskintherapy.com. Bottom Line?
My stuff simply works. Voila!
1147
I know Berkeley folks will understand what I mean when I say my goal has been to do for
the skin-care industry what Alice Waters has done for gourmet cooking. Until she came
along we thought it was normal for food to have artificial colors and flavor enhancers. In
the fifties I grew up on red Jets cereal and blue Popsicles. As kids we thought real food
was supposed to taste super sweet, have a rubbery texture, glow with vibrant Crayola
colors, and last forever in the cupboard. Some of the tastiest morsels even had their own
special geometry-from triangles, swirls, and pillows to horns, horses, and hockey pucks.
Thanks to Alice we are now aware that truly healthy and flavorful food doesn't come out
of boxes endorsed by cartoon characters. We've figured out that organic ingredients,
freshly prepared, make for delicious eating that is also nutritional. Now those of us who
are making nouvelle cuisine products for the skin are seeing how the same culinary
standards that apply to freshly prepared organic ingredients can become topically applied
products that are just as good for you. And because they are intrinsically good for you,
my products do, in fact, work! Surprising as it may seem, this news comes as quite a
revelation in the skin-care world. Merci beaucoup, Alice Waters.
148
Marie-Veronique Products
I make products that are all natural and organic. They contain optimum amounts of
nutritional ingredients (including phyto-based antioxidants and glyconutritionals) and
minimal amounts of preservatives. In fact, my online organic products are just like the
best food you can buy: they are made fresh, in small batches; nourish from the outside
in with bioactive, nutritional ingredients; and have no synthetic preservatives. I believe
outside-in nourishment is especially helpful as we age and our digestive systems are
not as efficient as they once were. I feel enough like a skin-care cop whose duty it is to
protect the public from predatory practices that I am tempted to borrow from the police
department's motto-"Marie-Veronique Skin Therapy: To Nourish and Protect."
Nourishment
Every product in the Marie-Veronique line contains the monosaccharide complex that
provides the missing six carbohydrates. In addition, we know we need to get as many
antioxidants as possible into our systems every day, and plant-based supplements are
vastly superior to their synthetic counterparts in providing effective antioxidant protection.
Marie-Veronique products contain a phyto-based antioxidant complex composed of mixed
tocopherol vitamin E, quercetin, grape-skin extract, green-tea extract, and the Australian
bush plant.
Protection
The primary cause of skin aging is UV exposure. Most sunscreens contain phenobenzones
and/or octyl methoxycinnimate, which may irritate skin. The Marie-Veronique Creme de
Jour is unique in the field of UV protectors in that it contains a full range of sunblocks,
all of which are natural. In addition to having full-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with
zinc oxide, it has natural moisturizing UV blocking agents: emu oil (great for wrinkles
and scar tissue), pearl powder (a whitening agent), shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut
oil, and green tea.
1149
The Titanium Dioxide Controversy

I have recently phased out the use of titanium dioxide in my sunblock since it is not
known at this time whether titanium oxide is truly an inert mineral, especially when it is
dispersed in small particles. Many companies are using micronized versions of titanium
dioxide and zinc oxide, but small particle behavior (at sizes under 50 microns, say) i? unpredictable. Zinc oxide (not micronized) provides full-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and
is anti-inflammatory. When combined with the other natural sunscreen agents mentioned
previously, it makes for a truly comprehensive and effective formulation.
For a detailed list of the products in the Marie-Veronique Skin Therapy line, including
ingredients and directions for use, please consult the Appendix at the back of this book.
To learn more about titanium dioxide please visit http:jjwww.organicskintherapy.comj
titanium_dioxide.html.
150
Reformulating the Equation

A customer of mine by the name of Miranda recently asked me, "Why are you doing all
this?"-meaning developing products, promoting massage techniques, teaching classes,
and now writing this book. I hope my reply did not make her eyes glaze over, but the
subject of beauty is anything but trivial.
A partial answer may lie in the source of our desire to attract. This natural and human
desire is linked to the urge to reproduce, and since youth broadcasts fecundity, we can
see where the youth equals beauty equation comes from. This is our hardwiring dictating
the rules of the game.
But consider this: in an overpopulated world, nonfecundity should have its attraction s,
not to mention its attractors. And by now we've all had decades to develop replacement
allures. Whether it is interesting conversation, mastery of the unicycle, or inventing a
fantastic goat cheesecake, whatever we've taken the trouble to learn, to master, or to
wield is certain to fascinate someone out there somewhere. Growing older is wonderfulwhen we reach a certain age we can finally throw off the shackles of biological hardwiring.
But the real attraction at any age is good health, and so, drawing a deep breath, I said
to Miranda that I would like to change the equation to read health equals beauty rather
than youth equals beauty.
She responded that indeed, we are hardwired to want to be attractive, but there is something else going on-there is an aesthetic need that we fulfill when we look in a mirror
and like what we see. We are visual beasts, we like-no, we need-to look around us
and see beauty, and that same intrinsic need operates when we look at ourselves. I think
s,he's right. And so, for the Mirandas of this, our brave new world in the making, I write
this book, dedicated to helping us all find a way to like what we see.
151
Appendix
My line of Marie -Veronique Skin Therapy products includes the

following lotions and sprays. Directions for use as part of your
Yoga Facelift regimen are also included here.
Australian Bush plum (plant-based Vitamin C), Aloe Barbadensis (aloe)

extract. gum ghatti, xantham gum, gum tragacanth, acai powder, camu
camu powder, Rosa rubiginosa (rosehip seed) essential oil, daucus
carota sativa (carrot seed) essential oil, Helichryssum (everlasting)
essential oil
Creme de Jour 25+: contains double concentrations of sunblock agents
zinc oxide
Creme de Nuit: For dry, mature skins. Herbal and white-tea infused
spring water (aqua), calendula-infused Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba)
Oil, Persea Gratissima (avocado) oil, Oryza Sativa (rice) bran oil,
Triticum Vulgate (wheat germ) oil, Prunus Armeniaca (apricot) kernel
oil, Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Cocus Nucifera (coconut) oil,
Borago officinalis (borage) oil, Oenothera Biennis (evening primrose)
oil, Rubus idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil, vaccinium oxycoccos (cranberry) seed oil, Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) oil, Theoboma
cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Rosa Damascena (rose) hydrosol, Fucus
Vesiculosis (seaweed) extract, vegetable emulsifying wax, lecithin,
Panax ginseng, allantoin, gingko biloba, alpha-lipoic acid, DMAE,
tocopherol (Vitamin E), potassium sorbate, quercetin, Camellia synensis
(green tea) extract , resveratrol (grape skin) extract, Australian Bush
plum (plant-based Vitamin C), Aloe Barbadensis (aloe) extract, gum
ghatti, xantham gum, gum tragacanth, acai powder, camu camu powder,
Rosa rubiginosa (rosehip seed) essential oil, daucus carota sativa
(carrot seed) essential oil, cistus (rockrose) essential oil, Helichryssum
(everlasting) essential oil
Directions: Pump small amount into palm of hand, rub hands together,
then apply gently to face with patting motions. Do not use around
eyes. Use nightly after cleansing.
Creme de Jour 15: for all skin types, including but not limited to:
sensitive, allergenic , rosacea-prone. Herbal and white-tea infused spring
water (aqua), calendula-infused Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) oil,
Persea Gratissima (avocado) oil, emu oil, Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam
seed) 'oil, Triticum Vulgate (wheat germ) oil, Cocus Nucifera (cocunut)
oil, Rubus idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil, vaccinium oxycoccos (cranberry) seed oil, Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) oil, Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Theoboma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, zinc
oxide, pearl powder, Rosa Damascena (rose) hydrosol, Fucus Vesiculosis
(seaweed) extract, allantoin, Panax ginseng, vegetable emulsifying
wax NF, lecithin, tocopherol (Vitamin E), potassium sorbate, quercetin,
Camellia synensis (green tea) extract , resveratrol (grape skin) extract,
152
Directions: Pump small amount into palm of hand , rub hands together,
then apply gently to face with patting motions. Smooth on a second
layer and rub into face, concentrating on exposed areas in cases where
extra protection is needed. May be used around eyes. Use daily after
cleansing.
Serumdipity: for dry skin. Great for wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks.
Calendula-infused Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) oil, emu oil, Baraga
officinalis (borage) oil, Oenothera Biennis (evening primrose) oil, Rubus
idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil, vaccinium oxycoccos (cranberry) seed
oil, Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) oil, Tamanu oil, squalane,
Rosa Cunina (rosehip) oil, tocopherol (Vitamin E) , daucus carota sativa
(carrot seed) essential oil, Helichryssum (everlasting) essential oil, rose
essential oil, frankincense essential oil
Serumdipity: for oily, break-out prone skin . Calendula-infused Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) Oil, emu oil, Baraga officinalis (borage) oil,
Oenothera Biennis (evening primrose) oil, Rubus idaeus (red raspberry)
seed oil, vaccinium oxycoccos (cranberry) seed oil, Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) oil, Tamanu oil, squalane, Rosa Cunina (rosehip)
oil, tocopherol (Vitamin E), daucus carota sativa (carrot seed) essential
oil, Helichryssum (everlasting) essential oil, palmarosa essential oil,
lavender essential oil, German chamomile essenti al oil
Directions: massage into face and neck. For oily skin or skin prone to
break outs use instead of a nightly cream-based moisturizer. Dry skin:
at night, apply to face and neck , concentrating on dry patches. Follow
with Creme de Nuit or other moisturizer. Special u ses: may be used to
soften scars and stretch marks and to soothe eczema.
Celtic Rain Hydrating Mist: for all skin type s. Camellia synensis (green
tea) infusion, Aloe Barbadensis (aloe) gel, arabinogalactan , Oryza
sativa (rice) starch, gum ghatti, glucosamine Hcl, gum traga ca nth,
Daucus Carota sativa (carrot seed) essential oil
Directions: After cleansing, mist on face to hydrate and nouri sh . Us e
whenever extra hydration is needed.
Affirmatif Facial Firm i ng Spray : for all skin types . Camellia synensis
(green tea) infusion, Aloe Barbadensis (aloe) gel. arabinogalactan,
Oryza sativa (rice) starch, gum ghatti, glucosamine Hcl, gum t ragacanth,
DMAE, pearl powder, Panax ginseng , Daucu s Carota sativa (carrot seed)
essential oil, cistus (rockrose) essential oil, Green myrtle essen tial oil,
rose essential oil
La Vie en Rose Mask: for oily and problem skin. Colloidal oatmeal,
adzuki bean powder, rice bran powder, marshmallow root powder, rose
petal powder, rose clay, Norwegian kelp powder, dulse pow d er, greenblue algae, turmeric
astragalus, aloe vera, green tea, bioflavonoids, essential fatty acids

omega-3, 6, 7, liposomes, uva ursi, pearl powder, licorice root essential
oils: helichryssum
Directions: Use in t he morning and the evening after cleansing. Fill the
dropper with lotion and squeeze into the palm of your hand. Spread
the lotion in a thin layer over the entire face and neck. One half oun ce
should last abou t fou r weeks . You may use it under the eyes. let dry for
about five minutes, then apply Creme de N uit or Creme de Jour as.usual .
To increase its efficacy, drink a g lass of water with each application.
The lotion has hydrop h illic properties that will help you bind the w ater
molecule at the dermal level. Keep refrigerated.
Directions: Mix 1tsp of powder with yoghurt. water, or cream to make a

thin paste. Apply to skin, leave on for 20-30 minutes . Rinse thoroughly.
Use 1-2 tim es a week.
Oil-Free Oatmeal Honey Cleanser: for sensitive, dry ski n. Camellia
synensis (green tea) infusion, Citrus Aurontium Dulcis (neroli) hydrosol.
Aloe Barbadensis (aloe) gel, colloidal oatmeal, row honey, carogeenan
(in's h moss). xant ham gum, Palmana Palmata (dulse), Oryza sativa
(rice) starch, Ascophyllum nodosum (kelp), marshmallow root powder,
blue-green algae, Lavandula argustifloria (lavender) essential oil, Pelargonium groreolens (geranium) essential oil
( For more information about Renaissance please go to:

www.organicskintherapy.comjrenaissance.html)
Oatmeal Honey Scrub: for normal to oily skin . Camellia synensis (green
tea) infusion, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (neroli) hydrosol, Aloe Barbadensis
(aloe) gel , colloidal oatmeal. raw honey, carageenan (irish moss),
xantham gum, Palmaria Palmata (dulse), Oryz a sativa (rice) starch,
Ascophyllum nodosum (kelp), marshmallow root powder, blue-green
algae, jojoba wax beads, Lavandula argustifloria (lavender) essential oil,
Pelargonium groreolens (geranium) essential oil. Peppermint essential oil
Renaissance: for skin renewal. A lotion designed to replenish, nourish,
and rejuvenate , it is excellent for skin renewal and add ressing ski n
problems such as rosacea and wri nkles . glyconutrients: arabinogalactan,
glucosamine HCl, gum tragacanth glucuronic acid. other: glycosamino glycans, lactic acid, anti-inflammatories , antioxidants, IGF-1 (Insulin-like
growth factor-1) , astragalus, aloe vera, green tea, bioflavonoids, essential fatty acids omega-3, 6, 7, liposomes. essential oils: helichryssum
Renaissance Ultra: for lightening skin. Recommended for hyperpigmentation . glyconutrients : arabinogalactan, glucosamine H Cl, gum
tragacanth glucuronic acid. other: glycosaminoglycans, lactic acid,
anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, IGF-1 (Insulin like growth factor -1),
153
Suggested Daily Skin Care Regimen
Night
Wash with cleanser or scrub
Wash with cleanser or scrub
Mist with Celtic Rain
Mist with Celtic Rain
Apply Creme de Jour
Massage with Serumdipity if skin is very dry
Pat eye candy under eyes
Apply Creme de Nuit
optional: apply Renaissance, let dry about five

minutes, apply Creme de Jour
optional: apply Renaissance after Serumdipty, let

dry five minutes, apply Creme de Nuit
Mature skins, hyperpigmented skins or skins with a tendency to rosacea: Add Renaissance or Renaissance
Ultra . Use as directed.
15-l
Further Resources
Here are just a few titles of books that I have found to be useful and inform ative.
Natural Facelift by Juliette Kandoo, HarperCollins, 1998. This treatise by a former ballerina contains excellent exercise routines for every muscle of the face and is a good guide to overall facial
to ning.
Reverse the Aging Process of Your Face: A Simple Technique That Works by Rachel Perry, Avery
Publishing, 1995. Ms. Perry presents a process called epidermabrasion (an exfoliation method that
ca n be don e at home) and discusses the wh at and how of skin care.
The Wrinkle Cure by Nicholas Perricone, M .D . Time Warner, 2001. This is the book that started the
alternative skin care revolution.
Ko bi do: Japanese Facial Massage by Shogo Mochizuki , Kotobuki Publications , 1999. Exploring
fa cial massage from the Eastern perspective, thi s very thorough book goes deep into the musculature of the face and describes how to utilize many techniques and modalities not used by Western
m assa ge thera pi sts.
Don't Go Near the Cosmetics Counter Without Me by Paula Begoun, Beginning Press, latest revised
edition 2003. This classic in the beauty business examines the offerings of virtually every major
(and some minor) commercial line of cosmetics and skin care products .
The Yoga Way to Figure and Facial Beauty by Richard Hittleman , Hawthorn Books , Inc, 1968.
A great introduction to yoga exercises that anyone (almost) can do.
155
West Coast Practitioners
Marie-Veronique Nadeau, BA
Licensed aesthetician, antiaging and rosacea consultant
phone: 510-486-9792
toll-free: 1-888-339-9633
Email: [email protected]
www.organicskintherapy.com
Dr. Shandor Weiss, ND, Lac

Skin Care Specialty: Dr. Weiss uses a wide variety of therapies including '
antiaging and natural bio-identical hormone therapy, diet and nutrition ,
botanical and neutraceutical medicines, homeopathy and flower essences,
LED Pulsed Light Therapy, acupuncture and Color Light Acupuncture ,
allergy and environmental medicine, detoxification, immune therapies,
brain balancing, and the best natural and organic skin care products .
Arura Clinic
233 Fourth Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Colette DeVore, LAc, MA Chinese Medicine

Skin Care Specialty: Facial Sculpting (see Chapter Nine)
phone: 541-488-1198
www.aruraclinic.com
Devore Acupuncture , Colette Devore

C/0 Health Medicine Institute
3799 Mt. Diablo Boulevard
Lafayette, CA 94549
phone: 510-741-7902
email: [email protected]
www.devoreacupuncture.com
Elke Savala, Certified Ayurvedic Therapist , holistic therapist

Skin Care Specialty: Antiaging and skin rejuvenation from the inside
phone: 510-525-2956
www.Ayurveda- Therapy.com
157
East Coast Practitioners
Walter Zernis MT, Ski n Care Speciality : Massage Therapist Walter Zernis
has been practicing for over twenty five years and is a nationally certified massage therapist and bodyworker. He has also done extensive work
with athletes at NYC tri-athlete and marathon races. He is currently one
of the only practitioners on the East Coast to offer a unique and effective
Facial Sculpting technique that manually aligns the muscles of the face
to reduce lines and puffiness around the eyes, and lift cheekbones and
mouth corners.
39 Clayton Place
Ridgefield, CT 06877
phone: 203-894-1231
www.Quest4health .net
156
About the Author
Marie-Veronique Nadeau, 58, is a skin-care products formulator and writer. She

is CEO and head of product development for Marie-Veronique Skin Therapy, an
organic and therapeutic skin-care line. (Organic means the products are good for
you, therapeutic means they actually produce results.)
She became interested in alternative skin care after trying conventional treatments for her rosacea for many years without seeing improvement. Her success
with treating rosacea clients led her to think about alternative treatments for
skin issues we all inevitably face, at least eventually-namely, wrinkles, sagging,
and other signs of aging . Her solutions adhere to the same principles that form
the core of her company's philosophy: first, do no harm, and second, do some
good. In particular, be good to yourself, and be good to your skin. The Yoga
Facelift is a vital cornerstone of the dermal do-gooder's credo . Bodily exercise
is to liposuction as facial exercise is to Botox and plastic surgery-it doesn't
take a rocket scientist to figure out which is better for you in the long run.
The reward for her work is in seeing an M-V face radiating health and beauty,
something any one of us can achieve, at any age.
Marie-Veronique has a B.A. in mathematics with a minor in chemistry. Product
development (a.k.a. tinkering) is her first love. She also likes reading, writing,
cats, emus, and goats-in various descending orders depending on her mood,
or theirs . Her daughter Jay L . Nadeau, an honest-to-goodness rocket
scientist, assists with laboratory testing and protocol design. She has agreed
to collaborate on the second book, which will go into skin-care realms no
hum n has visited before.
157
Acknowledgments
This book would not have been possible without the unfailing support of my life
partner, Wayne L. Silka, as well as so many other friends who comprise a list too
long to mention.
To the folks at Red Wheel/Weiser and especially to Elise Collins, who showed me
the way, to Brenda Knight. who believed in me, to Maija Tollefson for the gorgeous
layout, to Jan Johnson for her expertise, to Caroline Pincus, a fantastic editor,
and to Bonnie Hamilton for her knowledge and enthusiasm-my everlasting love
and gratitude.
A heartfelt thanks to the models who gave so generously of their time and their
FABULOUS faces: Oshala-Dianne Marcus, Amy Nadeau, Angeline Rodriguez-Abeyta,
Tanya Henderson, Beth Bachtold , and Claire Cooley.
And a special thanks to Sabrina Marie, my new granddaughter, who chose to pop
into the world at about the same time as this book, and who is so good at an
exercise we all once excelled at, namely, screaming her head off.
To Our Readers
Conari Press, an imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser, publishes books on topics ranging

from spirituality, personal growth, and relationships to women's issues, parenting,
and social issues. Our mission is to publish quality books that will make a difference in people's lives-how we feel about ourselves and how we relate to one
another. We value integrity, compassion, and receptivity, both in the books we
publish and in the way we do business.
Our readers are our most important resource, and we value your input, suggestions, and ideas about what you would like to see published. Please feel free to
conta ct us, to request our latest book catalog, or to be added to our mailing list.
Conari Press
An i mpri n t of R ed Wh eel/Weise r, LLC
500 Thi rd Street, Suite 230
San Fra n cisco, CA 94107
www.red wheelweiser.com
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rheYoga

Put Your Best Face Forward

911 1ll,lli II!I!I!IJ111JIIilfiiii1Mili I

As Coco Chane! famously said, "Nature gives

The Yoga Facelift is like a trip to the spa.

inner and outer beauty with rejuvenation

Mane-Veronique Nadeau. author of The Yoga

Facelift, is a chemist and a licensed aesthetician

Put your best face forward,

First published in 2007 by Conari Press, an imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser,

With offices at:

Cover and book design by Yoshie Matsumoto

Printed in Hong Kong

Chapter One: How the Yoga Facelift Works

Chapter Two: Getting Started

Group One: Warm ups and Stretches

Stand and Breathe

Head and Face-Upside Down

Upper Lip Line Eraser

Chapter Five: Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Step One : Focus

Chapter Ten: Marie-Veronique Skin Therapy

About the Author

Microcurrent vs. Exercise

The Physical Aspect

The Spiritual Aspect

Changing What We See

How Long Does It Take?

Who Can Do the Yoga Facelift?

A Note to Botox Patients

How to Use This Book

...,. The Quick Lift

these exercises to make su re you are not making Lines elsewhere in

3. Visualize. Picture the expression you want to convey (happy,

Muscles of the Face and Neck

Epicranius or occipita frontalis covers the top of the

Occipitalis-the back part of the epicranius

Frontalis-the front part of the epicranius

The aponeurosis-a tendon that holds together

Obicularis oculi-surrounds the eye socket

Corrugator-the Botox scowl muscle

Procerus-lies across the bridge of the nose

Quadratus labii superioris-three parts; raises

Quadratus labii inferioris-controls the lower lip

10. Buccinator-compresses the cheeks

Warm Ups and Stretches

Stand and Breathe (1)

Stand and Breathe, Pose 1

Bend and Breathe (1)

Bend and Breathe, Pose 1

Bend and Breathe, Pose 2

Spine Stretcher/Energizer (1)

Spine Stretcher/Energ i zer. Pose 1

Spine Stretche r/Energizer, Pose 2

The Turtle (2)

The Tu r tle, Pose 1

The Turtle, Pose 2

Arms and Shoulders (3)

Arms and Shoulders, Pose 1