Welcome back, Charlie! So excited to dive into the connection between posture and skin with you. Let’s get started – can posture really affect the way our face looks?
"We have over 40 muscles in the face and they’re constantly at work; whether it’s the way you chew, the side you sleep on, the expressions you make, or even how you speak.
Over time, these habits shape your face, just like repetitive movements shape the body.
When posture is off, especially with the head tilting forward in that ‘tech neck’ position, it creates strain on the muscles supporting the face and neck. The muscles around the lower face, jaw, and sides of the neck are all interconnected, so any imbalance causes tension and restriction elsewhere. This can show up as facial sagging, deeper lines around the mouth, or a loss of definition in the lower face.
Over time, poor posture can accelerate these signs of aging, creating a heavier, less lifted appearance (something most people are trying to avoid!)."
How does tension in the neck and shoulders show up in your skin?
"Tension in the neck and shoulders directly affects circulation and lymphatic drainage (the system responsible for clearing toxins and excess fluid). When these muscles are tight, lymph flow slows down, leading to puffiness, fluid retention, and that overall ‘full’ look in the face.
Poor circulation also means less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach the skin, which can manifest as 'dullness', premature aging, and fine lines.
I often see this in clients who sit at desks all day, mothers who are breastfeeding or carrying toddlers on hips, or in people who carry stress in their shoulders in general.
For those prone to congestion, poor lymphatic flow can also contribute to more breakouts and inflamed skin, as the body struggles to clear waste effectively.
Keeping the muscles in the neck and shoulders relaxed and mobile is so important for maintaining that sculpted, firm, healthy-looking complexion."
Can better posture actually make you look younger?
"Good posture helps maintain the natural lift and structure of the face. When the head is properly aligned over the spine, the muscles of the face and neck don’t have to overcompensate, preventing unnecessary strain that leads to sagging.
Proper posture also keeps circulation and lymphatic drainage flowing optimally, allowing the face to naturally de-puff and detoxify. This results in brighter, healthier skin with improved elasticity.
Over time, maintaining better alignment means less pulling and tension in areas like the jaw, cheeks, and forehead, which helps soften expression lines and prevent deep creases from forming too early."
Please share your top posture tips for better skin!
"I believe a strong core and proper body alignment are the ultimate hacks for aging well as far as facial structure goes, and in my opinion, there’s no better way to achieve that than Pilates and a little strength training to boost collagen production.
When your posture is aligned, everything functions more efficiently, from muscle tone to circulation and even the way your face holds tension.
The biggest culprit for poor posture (and one of the easiest fixes) is screen positioning; keeping your phone or laptop at eye level prevents that constant downward pull on your neck, which can contribute to sagging in the lower face and deepening lines over time.
Checking in with your shoulders throughout the day to make sure they’re relaxed rather than creeping up towards your ears can also help stop tension from building.
Even simple neck stretches; rolling the shoulders back, stretching the sides of the neck, and gently opening up the chest can make a big difference in relieving jaw tightness and improving circulation.
And of course, releasing tension through facial massage is key. Working along the jawline, stretching out the masseter muscle, draining under the chin, and down the sides of the neck encourages lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness and sculpting the face.
When our muscles are relaxed and circulation is flowing, the skin naturally looks firmer, brighter, and more lifted."
To learn more from the amazing Charlie, you can find her at Charlie Perry Skin. And don't miss her top skincare hacks, tips and tricks over on Instagram.
To join the Improve Your Posture Pilates Challenge, head to the Pilates By Bel online studio here and enjoy 3 weeks of core strengthening, aligning your spine, opening your chest and stretching your hips.
Don't forget, you can trial 7 days FREE of the online studio first!
