It’s no secret women and men age differently. While men start seeing wrinkles on the forehead and in between the eyebrows, women notice “weakest” areas in the lower and central part of the face; the mouth, cheeks and on the neck. That’s why most of us want to reduce wrinkles around the mouth and other prominent lines surrounding that area.

As we women age, our cheeks start to lose volume and sag. The corners of the mouth drop, creating nasolabial folds, and the so-called “bags” on the sides of the chin. Also, our lips start losing their shape and volume too, and first wrinkles above the upper lip begin to show up. This is the reason our skin becomes duller and centers on the neck area, creating the appearance of “turkey neck.”

But why is this happening? 

If we look at the process from an anatomical point of view, we can see a strong connection between more than 50 facial muscles. Most of our facial muscles are attached to the orbicularis oris (muscle around the mouth) and occuli muscles (muscles around the eyes). 

The muscle around the mouth lays in the lower, central part of the face and acts as a “base” for the other muscles in the cheek and chin area. With aging and gravitation process, the muscles above the lips slowly start to lose their position and shape. This is why they shrink in volume and start sagging down. Then they press right on the muscle surrounding the mouth which (if not appropriately trained) loses its volume and “falls” inwards creating wrinkles and sagging skin around the mouth.

We can also look at this problem from a holistic point of view – the teachings of Chinese medicine where everything is connected. The 5 elements found in nature are linked to our internal organs, senses, character, and appearance. That’s why we can use our face to observe what’s happening inside our body.

Your spleen is out of balance if you see:

• Sagging skin and muscles on the face (especially around the mouth)
• The hollowness in the lower part of the cheeks 
• Droopy corners of the mouth and wrinkles above the upper lip 
• Sagging upper eyelids
• The appearance of a “drained out” face 
• Lacking glow 
• Puffiness on your face

An astonishing example of how you can reduce wrinkles and balance your spleen energy with our Glowinface face workout. The time difference between the two pictures in only 6 months.

Also, look for other indicators on your body:

• Do you gain weight quickly and have a hard time losing it?
• Does your fat gather, especially around the belly?
• Do you lack muscle tone?
• Do you bruise easily? 
• Do you crave sugar?

When the spleen energy is not balanced, our life will be filled with worries. If you are worrying all the time, your body will try to let you know it’s time to take a breather and start taking care of yourself (and your spleen.)

How can we read what our spleen is trying to tell us?

The spleen belongs under the Earth element and connects to the stomach. The time of the year when the spleen is active the most is in late summer; however, the spleen always activates at the end cycle of every other element as it represents the center and supports all the other organs. (You can read more about Chinese medicine and 5 element theory here).

The spleen is a nurturer and will (as most of us women) always try to take care of other organs (or people) first – even though this could mean depleting its energy and health. If you want to reduce wrinkles and improve your overall appearance you need to slow down.

This makes a huge difference when it comes to the aging process of both genders; because us women are the “nurturers” and the givers, we tend to take care of everyone else first, and unfortunately, often forget about ourselves. It takes a significant toll on our spleen and affects our well-being, health, and facial appearance. 

If you want to reduce wrinkles and improve your mental health, the solution is pretty simple.  START TAKING THE TIME FOR YOURSELF.