sorry time's up

If you can get it in, try this twice a day in the interim before receiving your training materials from Deb just to get a jump start.   Good-luck with your training, and let us know how it's going.

Olympia

Hollows under eyes and sunken cheeks May 27, 2000

Can you tell me what the most effective exercises are for filling in the hollows under the eyes?  I also am interested in finding out some effective exercises for lifting the cheek area as mine has a sunken appearance.  Thank you.

Mary

Upper Lid  May 16, 2000

Hi Deb.

I think you're wonderful for sharing your secrets with us, and for being so patient and encouraging.  I am a personal trainer and teach exercise classes too.  I have found that dividing the exercises into am and pm times that are centered around other activities (ie watching the news) help me stay disciplined about doing them.  I have been doing your exercises for 4 weeks now, and I'm not sure if I see results yet, but I'm sticking with it because it makes sense, and I'm getting addicted.  It makes me feel like I actively participating in slowing down the aging process, and that's a great feeling!  Here's my question.   I had eyelid surgery about 5 years ago, and one lid needs a touch up.  The skin above the crease (from middle
lid to outside corner) has drooped and is almost touching the lashes.  Do you think it's possible to build up that one eyebrow area enough to lift that skin?  If so, can you give me tips? 

Thanks!

Trish

Hi Trish

When I was a child I had as so many do one very weak eye.  You know, the eye that always squints.  As I grew older, no matter how hard I tired, when opening my eyes as wide as possable including raising my brows the skin over my right eye drooped big time.  I could not raise it to the extent of the other eye.

I know for a fact you can build the brow area over that eye and lift the works! Just keep at it and work twice as hard over that eye.  You'll notice in no time the lid lifting. Please keep me posted with  your results.  having another personal trainer on the board is very helpful, glad you're here ;-)

Deb

Under eye area  May 16, 2000

Hi Deb,

I have been doing all the exercises that have been posted for 3 months and the exercises on the video for the last two weeks. Finally ordered it as I knew I was missing out!! What is mainly concerning me is my under eye area. I have a line from the inner eye corners extending to below cheekbone. Not bags or puffiness but an indentation under each eye which makes me look tired and old!! Does the under eye pull help to fill in this area? Should I be doing the nose lift? Wasn't sure if this would help or make matters worse? I also have a problem with sagging neck skin and am happy to say the neck exercises are working as I have noticed that area is tightening up!!!  Thanks for all your help.

Bonnie

Hi Bonnie

Yes, be sure to do LOWER LID LIFT.  I'm not sure about NOSE LIFT it depends on how much lift you are getting compared to how much you have to balance out.  I would back off NOSE LIFT and CHEEK RAISER for  awhile,  just until you start to see the balance you need. Keep me posted ;-)

Deb

Under eye bags May 15, 2000

Dear Deb:

Is there a way to get rid of undereye bags? After years of insomnia, these are no longer puffiness, but
actual fatty bags.

Sincerely,
M

Hi M

If you know for certain the bags under your eyes are actually fat then facialbuilding can do very little to remove them.  If the bags are due to loss of muscle tone needed to flush fluid out of the tissue than facialbuilding will help tremendously.  Thanks for asking.

Deb

Hello Olympia,

RE: the combination of C + E being used during day:

I cut and paste the following info out of the SkinCeuticals/Primacy website (science section). As you will see, their evidence states that vit C + E is most effective taken during day, not night, to help protect against photo aging. In fact, there is a graph (I couldn't paste here) that shows a huge increase in protection from UV damage by adding E to the C during the day. It is supposed to be used under sunscreen. Perhaps, the formula makes E more stable so that heat won't diminish its effectiveness. What do you think about this research in terms of using E during the day rather than at night?

Regarding the mixing of Retin A and Vit E, I personally still feel it's better to use Retin A alone. I'm not sure how long it takes for Retin A to absorb and if it will continue to have a positive effect even after it's absorption. If I were to use Vitamin E at night, I would alternate nights as Deb does. As of now, all I use is Retin A at night with an occasional night off, usually because I've been out partying - not for cosmetic
reasons. But, so what? I still give my skin a rest. Perhaps on those nights I may try to remember to use Vit E.

OKAY, here's the stuff I took from website:

PRIMACY C+E

Clinical evidence shows that applications of vitamin-C and vitamin-E provide the skin with anti-oxidant protection and can help prevent photo-aging in skin. Recent studies now show that using a combination of vitamin-C and vitamin-E provide even greater benefits for the skin than using vitamin-C or vitamin-E
alone.

New research shows:

A combination of vitamins C+E provides better protection from UVA and UVB damage than vitamin C or vitamin E alone. When used with a sunscreen, a combination of vitamins C+E provides almost complete protection from UVA damage  In the body, vitamin-C is necessary for vitamin-E to replenish itself.

Regarding sunscreen:

Yes, Ombrelle has parsol. So do several other products. Just look at ingredients. Usually the better pharmacies have the best variety of products. Regarding titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, I sometimes use BioSun. It's most active ingredient is Titanium Dioxide. On the SkinCeutical site, they sell a sunscreen high in either titanium or zinc oxide (can't remember). In any case, I would definitely use parsol or titanium/zinc oxide products. There are plenty of products out there gentle enough to use with Retin A. I wouldn't let the Retin A stop my usage of products I feel work. And my skin has not been irritated by any of the products I mentioned.  Well, that's it for now.

On a whole other note, what do you think about my questions regarding under eye wrinkles and crows feet. I. E., Have exercises minimized, increased or maintained status quo when you smile? Like many people, I have no eye lines when I don't smile - never did. I'm more concerned about these lines remaining or perhaps getting worse. What has been your experience?

Thanks. You're great.

And Deb, thanks for playing phone tag with me. Am I it or you?
Idelle

Hi Idelle

I'm it!

Deb

Re: Post# 606 eye lines + Botox    May 12, 2000

Dear Deb and anyone with eye lines,

It has been my understanding, though I may certainly stand to be corrected, that facial exercises can only correct eye lines when we do not smile. How many of you have lost crows feet eye lines when smiling? If it isn't possible to get rid of these smile lines, would the botex be an option?

And I guess the question still stands, can you exercise an area that has been treated with botex? I.E., will the facial exercises benefit the area below the botex that, as you said,Deb, continues to sag?

Idelle

Boxtox users  May 11,2000

Hi Deb..

What do you suggest for anyone who is getting botox injections in the brow, frown or crows feet areas.
I get botox injections from the corner of eye around the top of the cheekbone about midway into the middle of the eye. When my face is relaxed you cannot see any lines, however,when I smile I get alot of line action in that area. It is my understanding that I have hyper active (strong) muscles in that area and botox quiets down the muscle. It reduces the line action when I smile and will help to keep deep lines from eventually forming. If a person is getting botox injected into an area of the face to deaden the muscle would it not then be counter-productive to go back and attempt to build and strengthen those particular muscles?

Thanks,
Rhonda 

Hi Rhonda

Unlike the skeletal muscles below the neck, facial muscles network (attach to each other and some terminating into the skin)   With this in mind, what's going on with the muscles that are attached to the one that has been deadened...their sagging!

If you feel the reason for the lines are due to certain muscles being overly strong, then strengthen the surrounding muscles to balance it out.

Many on this board have had botox injections, hopefully they'll jump in on this one

Deb.

Re: Post 558 under eye lines   May 1, 2000

Hi Sabrina:

Wow, 6 months, you've come so far, that's fabulous.  You know, when we say to "back off" an exercise - it's only for a short period of time and until the other muscle groups actually play catch up.  By backing off Cheek Raiser for a little while, so as to allow for some slight atrophy of your cheek muscles to get rid
of those new lines created by too much lift in that area - you will not be back at square one. 

Here are the reasons:   1.)  Some muscles develop more quickly than other muscles when your bodybuilding. This principal applies to anywhere in the body - the face is no exeception.  In addition, depending on the muscle group and exercise, we can create greater resistance with certain areas of the face than others with our hands.   Some positions you can just get a better grasp to create the greater resistance - so those muscles are getting worked harder and growing faster.  What this means sometimes is that this can throw off symmetry.  Moreover, in order to regain that symmetry, you need to back off those exercises to those muscles which have developed faster and allow the other muscle groups to do a catch up - so to speak.  2.)   You will never be back to "square one"  - because, not only have you taken a pro-active natural, healthy approach/solution by exercising the face for your facial rehabilitation - by challenging those very facial  muscles, those muscles have now developed an actuall "memory" for exercise they did not have prior to your facial resistance traning.  So what does that mean:  it means the minute you begin working those muscle groups again, you can catch up in one or two weeks, versus 6 months, if you've allowed for more atrophy than you initially intended. 

I hear your frustration, and all those who are experiencing similar things and I completely understand it because I went through it.  It's a univeral experience, and it's something face builders need to be aware of - there are going to be awkward moments, pure and simple.  Heck, even after, 1 year of facebuilding, I'm still learning the in's and out's of my own face and how it reacts to certain stimuli.  I still have a tendency to overbuild some areas, and have to back off occassionally to get the look I want.  But I can assure you, 12 months is the bomb - it's the shining moment when you say to yourself - "thank God I
didn't give up and stuck it out."  I'm going to do this the rest of my life.  

Here's another way to look at it :  It takes years for a bodybuilders muscles to mature. You never hear of any pro worth his or her salt winning the Olympia who hasn't been training for at least 10 - 15 years or more.  The reason is just what I told you before, symmetry, certain muscles developing faster than
others, it's a check and balance kind of a deal.  Muscles and skin need time to get back what they were years ago, or darn close to it.  When they've not been challenged, sleeping if you will,  for a long while because of lack of stimulation, it's going to take even more time, and you're going to have those moments when things just don't look perfect yet.  That's okay if you know that this isn't just happening to you, and that "it's all going to come together in the end".  Anything worth anything at all takes time, else, it's usually not so great.

Truly, these "awkward" benchmarks, are simply temporary, albeit frustrating for the moment.  You've just got to muster up all the more patience (there's that word again), think positive and work through them for that pot of gold at your 12 month mark.  

I know you've not created more damage to your skin by executing this program for 6 months.   Tell me, did you take any pictures at various intervals, day 1, 3 months, 6 months?   Has anyone commented positively to you about the changes taking place - the lift?   Always keep in mind, your muscles may be lifting, but it takes the skin more time to get where your muscles are  - especially if it's mature skin.  That doesn't mean the good stuff isn't going to happen - it's a comin!

I really hope you work through it and give it the full year so your skin can show it's real benefits from this program as well.  I wish you the best of luck.

Also, to everyone, just a little note:  Hang in there in waiting for your responses to your posts from Deb.  I know that she's working hard at getting back to you, answering your questions as fast as she possibly can.  Thanks for your patience.   (I use that word an awful lot don't I)  ;-)     

All my best,

Olympia 

Re: Post# 558 and to Becca and Sabrina    May 1, 2000

I thought I would mention that I too have lines under my eyes.  I'm 46 and I've been doing the exercises going on 3 months. But my question to Sabrina is have you done the touch test?  When I do the touch test by using my thumb and index finger rolling the skin together under the eyes, it does feel thicker than what it was before I started the exercises which indicates the it's not getting worse but better but just takes time catching up to the final result that we all want.

Becky

Re: Post#558  and under eye lines   May 1, 2000

Hi Deb, Sabrina and everyone,

I've been flexing for 3 months now and I have also noticed that the lines under my eyes are worse than they were before I started the exercises.  I'm using Retin-A so that has a drying affect on my face too.  I'm 49, and even at my age these exercises have made my face feel firmer and have helped my upper lids.  I guess this is just a slow process and this happens to be one of those stages we must go through before we see the final results?  I too have stopped doing the cheek raiser since reading the post about the under eye lines....I just hope this all comes together a bit...my daughter is getting married in July!!! As many have said...just keep at it and you will reap the benefits of your dedication and patience!!

Becca...:)

Rer: Post #558 under eye lines    May 1, 2000

Dear Deb and all flexers,

Like Lynn, my under eye lines are worse than before I began the exercises. I began about six months ago. As you have mentioned, Deb, the exercises will not get rid of lines and creases caused by smiling, correct? However, my concern is that when I smile the lines I do have (and not just crows feet -but under eye lines as well- are worse than before I began exercising. And even if this is caused by upper cheek lifts scrunching up and making lines more obvious, what good is it the remedy is to lay off cheek
lifts to lose the positive affect uplifted cheeks? If the only way to minimize under eye lines is to lose the cheeks, then I'm back to square one - assuming that's the only reason these exercises would make lines look worse. I really wish there was a way to lift cheeks while minimizing under eye lines. What I don't
want is to look better in one area of my face only to have worse lines under my eyes. Have any flexers out there experienced this and did the problem resolve? And I would like to hear from flexers over 50 as well. When you are 40 and under, the skin is more elastic so even if it is in bad condition to begin with, it
is easier to get positive effects.

Thanks,
Sabrina 

Hi Sabrina

If the area under the eye already had a certain amount of crepe-like skin before you started your training that's telling your skin had already lost some of its elasticity. Once you begin your training you'll find some days the under eye area may look even more crepe-like due to either extra fluid or lack of. The eyes almost never look the same from one day to the next! But what's important to know is that by increasing muscle density (building the muscle) you actually increase elasticity.  

I received this e-mail from Jennifer the other day that touches on this very subject:

Hi, Deb,

I did some research at University of Toronto on aging skin, and I thought I'd mention one article in particular from a

Medline search. 

Unique Identifier
  98000409
Authors
  Sato I.  Ueno R.  Sunohara M.  Sato T.
Institution
  Department of Anatomy, School of Dentistry at Tokyo, Nippon Dental University, Japan.
Title
  Quantitative morphology of dermal elastic fibers system of the humanface during aging.
Source
  Okajimas Folia Anatomica Japonica.  74(2-3):65-73, 1997 Aug.
Local Messages
  Held at Gerstein, U of Toronto

Abstract
Human skin has various distributions and arrangements of elastic fiber(EF). Previous reports did not clearly show the distribution of EF in the face skin because of various contents during aging. In this study, a color image analyzer indicated distribution of elastic, oxytalan, and muscle fibers in human face skin. During aging the muscle fiber size and the content of the EF decreased in the modiolus and inferior labial regions of the human skin, and the ratio of the EF was lower than that of oxytalan fiber measured areas. That is, the dimension of oxytalan fiber may reflect the content of EF, and muscle has a role in the distribution of the EF in human face skin. In the deeper regions, small and large EF bundles were found near the sheath of gland and muscles. Therefore, face movement might be an important aspect to maintaining the EF content of human face skin.

... I found the research very illuminating, with the implication that muscular density would also improve
the number of elastic fibers.

Jennifer

Question for Olympia    Apr 28, 2000

Olympia:

I've been flexing for nearly three months (began in February).  I'm 46, have sagging neck and under eye lines (when I smile).  I've got the video, have been doing the exercises every day.  I'm working on both problems and doing what Deb instructs on the video and what I read on the discussion board and am being patient and I know I have a quite a ways to go. BTW, I believe in all of this and have seen positive changes in my face, but really targeting on my problem areas.  But I'm just curious about you. How old are you, what problems (wrinkles/sagging) did you have before your started Flexeffect, how long did it take you before you started seeing real positive changes in your undereye area.  I read your post that you wrote to Lynn about her undereye area problem and was interested in what you said to her regarding what you went through during your 3 month awkward stage with the undereye wrinkles and the final result. What did you notice when you got to the 6 month mark?, the 8th month mark? Are your undereye wrinkles gone now?   Did it take a whole year?  That's the sort of thing I'm interested in, what you went through, etc.  I know we are all different, but I'm just curious about your stage to stage results. You are an inspiration to me and I enjoy reading your post and I'm sure there's other ladies  out there that feel the same way.  BTW, do you have a picture of yourself that you could post?

Becky

Re: Under eye lines  Post# 558   Apr 28, 2000

Hi Lynn:

Okay, as far as I can tell you, the Lower Lid Lift, which hits the lower lid or Palpebral, is the best one I know for the under eye area.  Because this muscles purpose is to flush out fluid from under the eye, when we work it, it often, but temporarily wrinkles that area - looks kind of dehydrated because we've got it back in shape.  Happens to me every time I work the lower lid. 

But from the sounds of it, you say the wrinkles are more prominent since beginning the program.  Are you doing Crow's Eye?  This exercise hits the outer corners of the eyes to alleviate Crow's Feet.  If your not doing this, start:

Exercise:  Place the ring and middle fingers of each hand at the outer corners of eyes.  (You can even use your palms instead to get the same effect.)   Pull the corner of the eyes toward the hairline and hold there.  At the same time, squeeze eyes shut.  Hold for a count of 6 - 10, do 10 sets.

These two are the most comprehensive I know for the lower eye area.  Tell me something, how long have you been on the program?  Remember the whole "work in progress, or in this case face in
progress" idea.  Many of us are going through or have gone through these sort of awkward developmental stages before we reach our goal or peak.

In addition, consider the following, which can reak havoc on the skin and especially the eye area without us even being aware of it:  are you using anything different on your skin (soap, cleanser, toners, eye creams...), under the eyes?  New Contacts or solutions?  Did you start on anything drying like Retin A or
and Glycolic/AHA product?  Have you started any new medications?  Not getting enough sleep as of late?  Increased stress? New job staring at a computer all day?

If none of the above apply to you, and all is status quo with you, then back off the exercises for a week or two and see if you see a difference in the appearance of the wrinkles.

Sometimes what happens is (and this happened to me 3 months into the program), because you've started to build up the muscle in that area, the lines, which in truth were already there but you
didn't notice them, have come to the surface, and in the interim, look more pronounced, more noticeable and it made me crazy for a little while there.  BUT - and it's a big but - The good news is -it's only temporary - "it's far from the finished product".  I find myself quoting Deb all the time, but it's true.  This is where patience comes in.  It's like looking at an artists canvas with just the initial sketches or brush strokes - you're not there yet, it takes a full year to get to where you want to be.  Be patient.  The massage can't do anything but improve your skin because it stimulates blood flow to the dermal layers of your skin, increases oxygen, etc. - it's the best, so keep it up. 

I guarantee you, you haven't created anymore lines by doing these exercises. 

Let me know how your doing in your progress.  Feel free to E-mail me anytime at flexeffectma@aol.com.

Deb and Jason, what do you think?  Good-luck and don't get discouraged,

All my best,

Olympia

Hi Olympia

sounds good to me...

Hi Lynn

It was also a good idea to have backed off Cheek Raiser... If your cheeks have a good build they might also be the culprit (pushing up on lower lids).  In time it will all come together. As in bodybuilding it's something you just have to work with.

Deb

Upper Lid Exercise   Apr 27, 2000

Deb,

I need to know what exercise benefits the upper lid area (below brow above upper lid). I have loose skin in that area which hangs down over the lid. I have your video. Which eye exercise should I be concentrating on??  Thanks for your help and I think your program is fantastic! 

Bonnie

Hi Bonnie

If you have always had hooded eyes you will continue to have them but not to the extent caused  by just plain loss of tone. Even though you are targeting the under brow area be sure to go full out on the upper lids themselves...Upper Lid Stretch. You'll know when the lash line becomes extra thick and firm you've taken it all the way.    For the area you mentioned concentrate on Frowner and  Brow Smoother.

Deb

Under eye lines   Apr 27, 2000

Olympia,

Please give me a comprehensive under-eye routine.  My laugh lines (wrinkles) are getting worse.  I do under-eye lifts everyday, 10 reps to a count of ten. I also do the massage every day as described in the book.  I have slacked up a bit on the cheek raisers. Any suggestions that you have will be greatly
appreciated. Thanks!!  

Lynn

PUFFINESS    Apr 25, 2000

DEB:

JUST TO LET YOU AND OTHERS KNOW AGAIN THAT I HAVE A REALLY BAD PROBLEM WITH PUFFINESS UNDER THE EYES AND THE EXERCISE FOR THE BOTTOM PART OF THE EYES REALLY WORKS.   BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN THE BOTTOM OF MY EYES HAVE BEEN SO PUFFY, THAT I WOULD NOT GO TO WORK UNTIL THEY WENT DOWN.  SO... IF ANYONE DOUBTS DEB'S EXERCISES... JUST E-MAIL ME AT WWW.MEEMAWTX@HOTMAIL.COM AND I WILL VERIFY THIS VERBALLY.

THANKS SUSAN

Above Eyelid porblem   Apr 21, 2000

First of all I would like to say that I got your video two months ago and have been doing the exercises once a day (10 times to the count of 6) without fail and I have seen positive results.  Yesterday for the first time I noticed that the area at and below the brow bone (not the eye lid) appears to be overbuilt so you can't see my eyelid (like you see in a lot of Asian people).  Should I cut back on the upper eye lid exercises for a while?  Or is there a way I can build the eyelid to catch up with the area above the eyelid? I think you're wonderful sharing your beauty secrets with the world!!

Becky

Hi Becky

Back off the eyes for awhile (about two weeks) and first see what takes place.  All of us build a little differently, so you have to experiment a little to see what will work for you.  Keep us up to date!

Deb ;-)

Any Tips?  Apr 19, 2000

Hi Deb,

I have been doing the exercises for about 1 1/2 weeks now.  After the first few days I must admit, I looked better but now I seem to look worse.  My under eyelids are a little puffy and I've been having an involuntary muscle twitch under my left eye for two days now.  I've stopped the exercises completely and
would like some advice.  Am I working the muscles too hard?  I didn't want to stop building my cheeks because that is where I need the most help.  Thank you for your response.  I appreciate any tips you can give me for I don't want to call it quits yet.

Scilla

Hi Scilla

The tissue is showing signs of stress (puffiness) but don't worry... no damage. Back off the eyes for awhile until things go back to normal then start again.   Don't stop building the rest of your face! Keep us up to date.

Deb

Spider vains under eyes   Apr 15, 2000 3

Hi!

One quick question:  I have been training (fairly) regularly and noticed very light, small spider veins on the very upper part of my cheeks, under my eyes, making a purple color.  I stopped doing the lower lid lift and the cheek raiser as I was not sure which was causing this. They seemed to disappear a bit. Anyone else have this happen? What could be causing this and should I continue with the two exercises or stop one or both of them them altogether? Perhaps I am pulling on delicate skin too much with
the palms of my hands?? I am a fair skinned, light freckled red head, but my skin is NOT that sensitive, nor do I bruise very easily. Thanks for your help!  (Great Site!)

Alana

Hi Alana

If the spider veins seem to disappear when you stop... They are not spider veins (permanent).  It sounds like the skin is a bit irritated. Back off both exercises until you're back to normal and then start again. I too at times notice my face looking a little vein blotchy after a workout. But it quickly goes away.

Deb

Eyes  Mar 30, 2000

I have been doing the under eye exercises for approximately 3 weeks and my skin feels like it is thicker and not so puffy.  Is this a possibility?

Susan

Hi Susan

If your under eye area was already in good shape you should notice the firmness right away.  The loss of puffyness is the loss of fluid build-up.  heavy eye bags are sometims fat pads which would still be noticable.  You're one of the lucky ones... started before any big problem.  Keep us posted!

Deb;-)

Synken-eye Results   Mar 28, 2000

Hi Everyone.  

I am absolutely thrilled with the results I've gotten in only 10 days of doing the upper lid stretch!!!  It's
unbelievable how plumping up the upper lid, even a little, can almost eliminate the sunken-eye look.  Thanks Deb!!

Jackie

Hi Jackie

You are sooooooo welcome!

Drooping eyelid    Feb 28, 2000

I've been face flexing for about 5 months now.  I have had surgery on my upper lid muscles for medical reasons, and one of my eyelids is now lower then the other.  I was hoping that I could use the exercises to "lift up" the lid that droops, but I'm not having any success.  It is very depressing. I often wonder if
I even do the exercises correctly.  Any advice?

Darlene

Hi Darlene

Don't give up.   I know of someone  whose eye looked as though she was deliberately lowering the lid (as if the eye was irritated). She was unable to raise the lid as wide as the other eye even when she opened her eyes as wide as she could.  Her eye looks great today. 

This may seem a little drastic  but if this is a lazy lid, you just may want to give it a try. 

When doing UPPER LID PULL try it this way for awhile.

Muscle Used:   Levator Palpebrae Superioris                                                                        Function: Raises the upper lid to open position

1) first place a cotton ball over your good eye and tape the eyelid closed. (you don't want to be able to see out of it)

2)   Put your middle fingers on the inside and outside corners of your bad eye holding the lid down for reisistsance.

3)    While holding the sides of the lid down, open the eye looking up at the ceiling. You should feel the lid pulling deep behind the eye. You might even try to read something (keeping your head level, make sure you have to look up to read.)  

Please let me know how this works for you. And don't worry... we can fix it, and will!

Deb ;-)

Swelling, soreness and rashes Feb 26, 2000

Deb,

I have been doing the facial exercises for about three months now and yesterday I noticed significant swelling and rashes underneath my eyelids on the upper part of my cheeks.  I have never had this happen before. Do you think this is due to the facial exercises?  Has anyone else had similar problems? 
Perhaps I should just lay off these areas for a few days or weeks.  Maybe there is some detoxification going on. I've always had dark circles under my eyes.  I thought the swelling and redness may be due a new facial cleanser I was using (even though its completely all natural), but I stopped using it three
days ago and my skin is still red and swollen.  

Also, how long should we be doing the facial massages?  About a minute for each area? Do we need to do the massage exercises 5 to 6 times per week like the facial exercises?

Thanks for your input.

Dave

Hi Dave

Yes, back-off training the area until everything goes back to normal. It's possible that it is a combination of the both (training/chemical) If you have always had dark circles under your eyes, that sometimes means allergies. if you did get a reaction to your new facial cleanser any rubbing in that area would more than likely irritate the skin big time.

The facial massage does not have to be done everyday.   When   you are training, you are already getting a facial massage. But, for the area that concerns you most, once you do the exercise for that area, follow it with the massage for that area then move on to the next exercise.  Every now and then I like to replace my training  with just the massage. There really isn't any set amount of time I give to the massage (each area just to comfort). I do spend more time on some areas of my face than others... forehead / Bridge of Nose / mouth.    Let me know how you do.

Deb

Bags under eyes   Feb 26, 2000

Dear Deb:

Just thought I'd drop you a note to say thank-you for this great program.   Last August, I was browsing through the Net looking for information about cosmetic surgery only to find it being too expensive, painful and risky.  Thinking facial exercises would be a better option, I fortunately came across your website and soon ordered your program.  What a difference it made.  I'm 40 years old, wrinkles are not a serious problem for me (at least not yet) but facial sagging was more of a concern.  Within two months time I noticed an obvious "lift" to my entire face and so did others. With my busy schedule, I was performing facial exercises for 30 minutes every other day for several months. Then the holidays came and I was unable to do the exercises. It wasn't until lately that I've noticed that sagging appearance to my face again. 

So now, I'm back on track with the facial exercises.  My questions are: 1) does the facial massage also help tone facial muscles? 2) I've noticed I'm developing bags under my eyes.  Do you have any advanced exercises to help minimize this problem other than what's already in your program?
Keep up the good work!

Donna

Hey Donna!

Good to hear from you again.  In answer to your first question scroll down to  POST #408 and read the response. As far as I'm concerned facial massage (and what I teach is industrial strength!) is every-bit as important for skin tone as facialbuilding. Let me know if you have the book or just the video? Retin-A also does a great job on crepe-like skin (if you are going to give it a try for the first time, read-up on it. It takes some getting use to)

Also remember muscle has memory... Thank God! (you won't be starting from scratch). You'll be right back where you left off almost overnight.  Glad you're back!  Keep us posted.

Deb ;-)

Eyes  Feb 25, 2000

I want to know if this is a valid exercise for the eyes, it worked so well on the lip exercise (upper) you had. I thought I'd try the same on my eyes too. Please check if the mechanics is similar to your technique. This is to smooth out the lines and build muscle around the eyes I hope. 

1. put the middle finger on the upper lid, the inside of the eyes close to the nose.
2. put the four finger on the lower lid, the inside of the eyes close to the nose.
3. At the same time, squeeze close your eyes and snarl. Pull the both fingers out to the outer corner of eyes.

10 repetitions on count of 6 or 10.
I tried it on my right eye for 3 days, it seemed to show a slight improvement, but I am afraid to go on if the mechanic is not right. Please reply.

Teri

Hi Teri

I'm not familiar with this but If  you found improvement I would say keep going! Let us know how it goes.

Deb ;-)

It Works!    Feb 23, 2000 7

Hi Everyone!

I have been doing FlexEffect almost every day since Thanksgiving. I decided to give it three months and report the results to a woman's forum that I belong to. Today I posted the results - IT WORKS!

I'm 42 years old, and although I look younger, my face has sorta looked like it was "sliding down" for the last few years. Gave it a bit of a gaunt look, and there were hollows under my eyes. Also hated the way that line looks from nose to mouth corner. Anyhow, after three months of FlexEffect, there is a major difference! Don't have that "sliding down" look anymore, under-eye hollows are filled in and honestly no need for concealer anymore!! Cheeks are fuller, and that line from nose to mouth looks much, much better! I now look better than I did five years ago. Before I started, I probably looked like a slightly tired 35 year old, now I look like a very healthy 30-year old!

Even more amazing is the fact that I also lost 10 pounds during these three months (flu and stress - divorcing and my mom is sick). Went from 130 pounds to 120 but still my face is fuller!!

So to any doubters out there, here is my testimonial :-)

Sadie

Hi Sadie

Thank you for the up-date.  Hope you and your mom are feeling better. Can you t hink of a better time to look GREAT than just after a divorce!

Beginners hurdles Feb 18, 2000

Hi flexers.

I am into my fourth day of flexing (hooray) and I am feeling so uncoordinated! I really cannot do the exercises without looking at myself in the mirror to get my bearings. Also my face feels "bruised" I guess that is just tenderness from the new exercise regime. Do any of you recall those first days of flexing? At what point could you really effectively do the exercises without looking in the mirror? (I hope I am not the only one that does this!) I am having a particularly hard time isolating the lower lid, seems like when I try to bring it up my upper lid just cooperates first!  Hoping the coordination will come soon.

Thanks
Megan

Board Room Help!   Feb 7, 2000

I have been using retinol cream around my eyes for about a week (night and day)  The skin around my eyes is red very sore to the touch (let alone when I put any cream on it... YIKES ) It also looks worse for wrinkles then when I started out a week ago.. Is this the process or have I done something wrong... HELP !!!

Jane

Hi Jane

Stop the use and apply Vit.E from a capsule or Cortisone 10 until the skin returns to normal.    When you are ready to start again ONLY APPLY AT NIGHT.  As soon as   the skin begins to get a little red, back off again and apply Vit. E etc. LET IT CLEAR - START AGAIN. It's going to take time for your skin to adjust, so expect this routine to go on for awhile.  Don't worry, you didn't  cause any damage...your skin will clear up and  you'll be as pretty as ever! 

Deb

Dark Line    Jan 28, 2000

Hi Facialbuilders

I've been doing the exercises (almost all 40) for about 5-6 weeks now. I have developed a dark line under my right lower lid. It doesn't go away when I pull the skin down tight. It almost looks like an outline of the lower lid muscle (very pronounced). Has anyone had this problem? I stopped doing Lower Lid for a couple days -&- it faded, but I started again, and it's back! Any ideas or suggestions would be great!

P.S.    VERY informative site! You guys all seem to have a lot of answers to other problems, hope mine is familiar to someone.

Thanks!
Kim

Eyelid massage / Forehead Lines Jan 26, 2000

Dear Deb,

I am waiting for your book,video and personal trainer which I ordered few days back. Now please answer the following:   (1) Is it necessary to do facial massage immediately following facial exercise or could be done at a different day of the same day? (2) How you do massage for lower eyelid, pinching the skin between fingers at the middle of the lower eyelid skin or at the corner of the eyelid to make it convenient to move the skin from one corner to other corner of the eye? (3) What are facial exercises for forehead horizontal lines?

Dr.Donki

Hi Dr. Donki

No, it's not necessary to do the facial massage immediately following your training.  If there is an area that concerns you more than another you can incorporate the massage that targets that area right after the  exercise and do   a complete massage later when you have the time.  Sometimes I do just the massage and skip the training for a change of pace.

LOWER LID MASSAGE:

While using your thumb and index finger, pinch the skin directly below the lower eyelid and roll the skin in a side to side motion working from corner to corner.

Using the center finger of each hand, pat firmly across the lower lid area from corner to corner in a rapid succession.

BROW SMOOTHER

TIME'S UP

Lower Eyelids and Cheek Lifts   Jan 25, 2000

I've been doing the lower eyelids an cheek lifts, and I found that my tissue is more pronounce on the outside of the lower eye lid. The inside part close to the nose is somehow dented. How do you make it balanced? I would like to make it look smooth but not defined. Also, would puckering your lips and sucking in the cheeks as an exercise help the cheek not to sag?

Teri

Hi Teri

Give  yourself a little time the lower lids should balance. You have to build your face for awhile to find out exactly how your face will respond to each exercise and then go from there.   Actually you have almost described one of  exercises CHEEK PRESS (found in the book).  Sucking your cheeks to your teeth will definitely help to prevent cheek sagging. Keep us posted!

Deb

Hooded Eyelids    Jan 19, 2000

Deb and anyone else who can help:

Is upper lid stretch really going to do any good for slightly hooded upper eyelids? Any exercises/suggestions aside from the exercises that are in the book and video to lift this area and
tighten up excess skin? Or is the scalpel the only answer?

(As an aside, I've been flexing for almost two months now and I *think* I'm seeing a difference especially my cheeks and around my mouth, but I won't say for sure until the entire three months
are up! I'll give a full report February 25th!)

Sadie

Hi Sadie

If you were born with hooded lids (genetic) you'll always have them to some degree.  But it might help to double up on BROW SMOOTHER. 

Deb

Re: Veins around eyes Post#333   Jan 18, 2000

I don't have any prominent veins around the lower lid; however, I have a vein that pops out on my temple when I'm doing my eye, jaw, and temporal exercises. It goes away shortly after I finish.  I do have a vein on my far left forehead by my hairline that's always been there (since I lost all my weight a year and a half ago).  Hey Deb, wondering if the exercises will help smooth out that vein? I don't think they will since I've been doing the exercises for about 11 months and there's been no change. I am really pleased about the laugh lines I have. I still can't completely call them gone, but let me tell ya, they just about are. In fact sometimes, esp. in the a.m. it's a challenge to see 'em. I'm tempted to call them resolved but then I notice during the day, they're back again. Deb, will this finally resolve to where they finally don't show back up? Also, I've modified the exercise cheek press and moved the palms of my hands over between my nose, corner of mouth, and under my cheek bone. I've done this for about the last month and have noticed that this region is beginning to build nicely. Was sore as hell the first couple days after I started it, so I know I'm working a part of the muscle that apparently had been neglected.

Jason  jaskins@advant.com

Hi Jason

Great Tip, Thanks!

Deb;-)

Sunken eyes  Jan 16, 2000

May I know the specific facial exercises for sunken eyes and to improve nasolabial folds/grooves?

Thanks.-Raj

Hi Raj

The exercise found on post #334 will help with sunken eyes. Here is one for the folds.

TOP FURROW - ADV.

TIME'S UP

Thanks for asking

Deb

Dark circles under eyes    Jan 15, 2000

Hello,

Any exercise to improve dark circles under the eyes and any special application under eyes to improve dark circles?

- Nath

Hi Nath

There are so many reasons for having dark circles but one thing is for sure as we age it seems to get worse.  Here is an exercise that should be of help

LOWER LID LIFT

TIME'S UP

Thanks for asking ;-)

Deb

Veins around eyes    Jan 15, 2000

Hey Deb:

I wanted to run something by you. While doing the eye exercises, the superficial veins around my eyes are more pronounced - you know - vascular - thicker.  During the execution of the exercises, they really pop out, by the time  I've completed all of the facial exercises, they've pretty much calmed down although you can still see some of them, specifically the corner and middle of my lower palpebrae (can't spell). 

Is this common?  Have you experienced this yourself?  I know it's common in bodybuilding, I have this type of vascularity in both my biceps and forearms for example.  

Could it be I'm exerting way too much resistance or pressure in that area during the execution of the exercises?  Could this pose any kind of problems medically due to the thickening of the veins in that area or moreover,  exerting too much pressure/resistance around the eye area?

I haven't overbuilt the muscles, but they have definitely increased in size and the results are more than impressive since beginning the program last March of 1999.  I wouldn't give this program up for nothin'.

It is a puzzlement.  If anyone has the answers to these questions, you would Miss Deb. 

Hey Jason, have you experience this at all,  since you really hold for long counts of 10 - 20 seconds and it sounds as if you exert a great deal of resistance to all your facial muscle areas? I may be wrong in assuming that. 

I do notice the striations in my cheek and neck muscles now when executing that grouping of facial muscles, but it's only during the execution of the exercises. It's actually pretty cool to see it.

Me and my little freaky annoyances. 

Anyway, thanks a bunch! :)

All my best,

Olympia

Hi Olympia

Yes, when I work my lower lids I experience the exact same thing.   But after the workout it smoothes out. I've never had a problem with it nor have I heard of anyone else having a problem (medically)  One thing's for sure, once you have noticed this, your skin tone and coloring will have obviously improved!

Deb ;-)

Re: 45-60 minutes Post # 329    Jan 14, 2000

Hi Joy,

I do 10 reps of each exercise; however, I hold to a count of ten, at minimum. On other areas I will hold to a count of twenty. While I have found that 10 reps to a count of 6 is good for creating lift, a more intensive workout seems to produce better results insofar as mass is concerned. I have definitely seen that mass increase in my brow, cheek, and jaw area. At different times, I've had to back off and go back to a more moderate regime. Additionally, since I lift, i.e., workout in a gym and my weight fluctuates depending on how I diet and want my body to look, I perform Deb's facial exercises to combat a gaunt look that creeps in when I reduce my overall body fat. As of now, I've backed off from doing my lower lid pull since I feel now that that muscle has grown to a point where my lower lid was a little too prominent. I had recently gotten several rather negative comments stating that my eyes looked puffy. The lid was not puffy due to fluid but really due to the size of the muscle. After a couple weeks of not doing the exercise the lower lid size returned to a more pleasing look. I also worked on my upper cheeks to combat that. I really have to watch my brow because it has a tendency to look rather like a neandrathal ridge if I work it too hard.  After doing these exercises for 11 months, I can tell you they do work. I'm hooked for life!

Jason