It is the 2nd of September, and today I am sharing something very real and personal with you. I recently discovered that by drinking water through a straw every day, I have actually been deepening the vertical lines around my mouth. At first, I was devastated. But then I realised: this is the perfect opportunity to explore how we can heal our faces naturally—and to show you my progress as I commit to simple, daily exercises.
By the end of this month, I will post an update with any improvements, and I hope my journey can inspire you if you are also noticing changes around your mouth.
Why Do Lines Form Around the Mouth?
The vertical lines above the lips, often called “smoker’s lines” (even if you have never smoked), are caused by a combination of:
Muscle movement – The orbicularis oris muscle, which circles the mouth, contracts whenever we purse our lips: drinking from a straw, whistling, sipping from a bottle, or even speaking certain sounds. Repetition strengthens the muscle but also creates folds in the skin above it. Loss of collagen and elastin – As we age, skin becomes thinner and less able to bounce back, so lines set more quickly. Lifestyle factors – Sun exposure, dehydration, stress, and habits like smoking or straw drinking can all speed up the process.
The good news is that, just as repetitive movements create lines, conscious exercises can soften and re-train the muscles, improving circulation and restoring volume to the area.
Five Face Yoga Exercises to Reduce Lip Lines
Here are five exercises I’ll be practising daily this month:
1. The Smile Smoother
Smile as widely as you can, keeping lips closed. Now pucker your lips forward into an exaggerated pout. Repeat 10–15 times. 👉 This strengthens and relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle, improving tone.
2. The O Exercise
Make an “O” shape with your lips, as if you are about to whistle. Place your index fingers gently on the corners of your mouth to add light resistance. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times. 👉 Helps lift and firm the area around the mouth.
3. Upper Lip Press
Place one finger just above your upper lip. Push your upper lip against your finger for resistance. Hold for 5 seconds, relax, repeat 10 times. 👉 Builds strength in the upper lip muscles, reducing the vertical creases.
4. Cheek Puff
Inhale and puff air into your cheeks. Move the air from one side to the other slowly, holding it under your upper lip as well. Continue for 30 seconds. 👉 Improves circulation and smooths the skin around the mouth.
5. The Kiss to the Sky
Tilt your head back and look upward. Pucker your lips as though you’re blowing a kiss to the ceiling. Hold for 5 seconds, relax, repeat 10 times. 👉 Lifts and tightens the muscles, combating sagging around the mouth.
My Plan
Daily practice: I will do these exercises twice a day, morning and evening. Hydration & nourishment: I’ll drink water directly from a glass and use a hydrating lip balm and facial oil to keep the skin supple. Progress tracking: I’ve taken these photos on the 2nd of September, and at the end of the month, I’ll post new photos to see what difference these practices have made.
Why I’m Sharing This
This Healing Feeling is about finding ways to nurture ourselves through small, consistent choices. I know many of us worry about lines, wrinkles, and changes in our appearance—but I see this as an opportunity to love my face, train my muscles, and show that natural healing is possible.
If you want to join me, set today as your own Day One. Take a photo, start your practice, and by the end of the month, let us compare notes on what changes we see.
Here’s to softer smiles and more self-love. 🌿💛