Those who have read Chizu Saeki’s The Japanese Skincare Revolution might remember her advice that we should make a conscious effort to chew our food on that side of the mouth that is sagging or drooping more at the corner. My first thought when I read that was – does that mean that chewing more can help to prevent wrinkles?
Chewing to prevent wrinkles?
And I was surprised to find quite a number of online resources suggesting chewing as a form of facial exercise to get rid of wrinkles. In fact, some even suggested that we should chew gum every day from 5 to 20 minutes to reduce our facial wrinkles and look rosy!  This is because chewing can exercise our facial muscles, improve blood circulation plus result in wrinkle reduction and smoother skin. Â
Really?
Chewing can contribute to wrinkles?
I remember being told that chewing gums can help to reduce double chin but I’m quite doubtful about chewing away the wrinkles.  In fact, I read that wrinkles are the inevitable results of muscles repeatedly contracting on our face, with chewing as one of the contributors.  Plastic surgeons are even suggesting that long term facial muscle movement, such as smiling and chewing, can also lead to the appearance of sagging lower cheeks and nasolabial folds. Perhaps…I chew more on my right side and I do notice that there is one line at the chin area near my lips.Â
Chew equally on both sides
Of course it’s definitely not possible to avoid smiling and chewing and unless you’re chomping excessively, I doubt normal chewing create wrinkles too.  However, neither am I in favor of chewing as a form of facial exercise and strongly feel that such activities should be done in moderation.  In fact, I think we should just chew equally on both sides of our mouths as opposed to chewing habitually only on one side.
Does chewing affect wrinkles? What are your chomps on this?
i’m not sure about facial exercise but i know for a fact that chew gum improves dental drainage and can help improve the health of your teeth which can only get worse with age, particularly where tooth decay is concerned… not good end up with great skin but awful teeth too!
Ah…have heard of dental benefits associated with chewing gums. In fact, it’s also said to improve concentration and alertness. And to think that chewing gums used to be banned in S’pore!
Hmm, actually Chizu Saeki’s advice makes sense to me. I usually chew on my right side, and the nasolabial lines there are much less than those on my left. Maybe I should make a conscious effort to chew on both sides, like you suggested.
I’m not sure…it doesn’t apply for me, perhaps in part due to my facial expressions and age.
Interesting. It’d be nice to see an experimental study done for this…although I’m not sure if anyone would want to sign up for a study that might cause them to have wrinkles haha
Haha…that’s true. The incentive would have to be attractive then!
This sounds interesting and it makes sense on practical basis. But I don’t think I’ll chew gum daily to avoid wrinkles since it will create pain in the jaw. I’ll now try to notice if i chew on one side more than the other though and see the wrinkles! 🙂 hehe
You’re going to do that? Woah…keep us posted! 😉
interesting! I actually think chewing is a great way to exercise the facial muscles but if you are anything like me ( i bulk very easily with exercise), I find that chewing makes my jaws more muscular. I am a bit wary of over chewing especially on gum and nuts too cause of this trait of mine. I hope I am not sounding a little nuts dear 🙂
Ah that’s something I came across too…that chewing excessively can cause bigger jaws.
I don’t like the taste of chewing gum or I might try this. I have double chin!
Maybe you can simulate the chewing action?
LOL i can’t imagine myself not talking, or smiling or chewing slowly @@
i also heard of ppl saying must “exercise” the area around the mouth to firm up the area.
hmmm i am afraid of trying out the chewing the bubble gum technique. what if it really does create a line at the mouth area how am I suppose to reduce that line back @@?
I would think those facial exercises are best done guided. Sometimes, we may not use the correct technique and can create adverse effects. So in the case, just chew normally and try to balance up by using both sides if you’re not already doing so.
I don’t know about chewing but I am seriously wondering if chatting perpetually helps.
My husband is 15 years my senior and I swear the man looks younger than me and he chats constantly.
Maybe I should start talking back :).
That’s a good idea.
That’s so interesting and I hope it’s true! I chew daily for at least 20minutes after lunch cos it would look very weird if I were to start brushing my teeth in public hihi. I also heard about face yoga. The exercises look oh so funny, but if they work it’s worth a try!
xoxoxoxoxo
It’s better you try with some expert instructions…personally I’m quite wary of doing too many facial exercises on my own.
I finally noticed which side I chew more…I am most inclined to use my right side…and yet that’s where I find the fine lines when I smile…hmmm, not sure how effective chewing is then to help prevent wrinkleS! 🙂
Yes, I wonder too…the side I chew definitely has more lines. So not sure if it’s due to chewing or smiling?
I chew gum on both sides so my jaw doesn’t hurt 😀
But did you all know that chewing gum on an empty stomach is actually bad for? Chewing gum facilitates abundant gastric juice excretion. Hence, if you often chew gum on an empty stomach – you risk to develop gastritis.
So, keep that in mind!
I really enjoy reading your posts. They are quiet different but informative. Thanks for sharing your views with us.
Jenny Williams last post is: Healthy Habits for Beautiful Skin
Thank you. Glad you’re enjoying the posts.
I also apply these method but it seems is not good to be taken it everyday but twice a week. The one am sure of is white egg and cucumber. White egg and cucumber helps a lot for the removal of facial wrinkles.