Have you tried smiling even when you weren’t in a good mood? Many psychologists agree that trying to look happier or using your facial muscles to create the shape of a smile might cheer you up a bit. This is the idea behind the facial feedback hypothesis, a theory suggesting that your facial expressions can influence your emotions.
The facial feedback hypothesis explores the link between facial expressions and emotions, which can also have implications for aesthetic treatments, especially botulinum toxin.
Continue reading as we provide a brief rundown on the facial feedback hypothesis, and how non-surgical aesthetic treatments like botulinum toxin in Singapore could subtly affect how a person experiences those emotions and potentially influence their mood.
What Is the Facial Feedback Hypothesis?
The facial feedback hypothesis suggests that our facial movements not only reflect how we feel, but also influence our emotions. If this is true, this means that smiling, even a forced one, can boost our mood. It proposes that the act of smiling sends signals to the brain, triggering a more positive emotional state.
The same also applies to other expressions, like frowning, for instance, which is said to worsen feelings of sadness or worry. The theory proposes that intentionally making a sad expression can trick your brain into feeling more sadness. When you, however, deliberately avoid negative expressions, you may reduce the intensity of those emotions.
What does the research say?
A meta-analysis of more than 100 studies found that available evidence supports the main claim of said theory that facial feedback influences emotional experiences, but there are still disagreements about it.
In 2022, Nicholas Coles, a scientist at Stanford University, led a global experiment known as the Many Smiles Collaboration. This tested the facial feedback hypothesis, involving about 4,000 participants from 19 countries. They were divided into three groups.
- 1st group – used the “pen-in-mouth” method to simulate smiling
- 2nd group – mimicked the facial expressions of smiling actors
- 3rd group – used only their facial muscles to create a smile
Participants then rated their happiness while looking at neutral or cheerful images. Published in Nature Human Behaviour, the study found that while the pen-in-mouth method had little effect, the other two approaches produced a small but consistent boost in happiness.
Why it matters in skincare and aesthetics
So, what does this have to do with our skin?
- Mood and skin health are interconnected – stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions can worsen skin conditions, contributing to breakouts, dullness, and worsening of inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema or acne. It is suggested that by encouraging more positive expressions, like smiling, you may be able to reduce stress hormones. This may help improve your skin’s appearance.
- Facial expressions can contribute to the formation of wrinkles – repetitive expressions, such as smiling, frowning, and squinting can contribute to expression lines. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should stop smiling. Smiling is a positive emotion that can make you look more radiant and youthful overall.
- Botulinum toxin may reduce negative emotions – this neurotoxin works by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles that cause wrinkles. When used for angry 11s or lines between the brows, it can reduce your ability to frown, which can therefore reduce the appearance of negative emotions, including sadness, anger, and worry.
How Cutis Medical Laser Clinics can help
If fine lines and wrinkles make you look sad or angry even when you’re not, non-surgical options are available. Botulinum toxin remains a popular choice, as it effectively softens lines and wrinkles that contribute to negative facial expressions.
At Cutis, we offer botulinum toxin Singapore treatments with:
- Experienced injectors/aesthetic doctors
- Authentic products/genuine botulinum toxin products
- Personalized approach
- Tailored treatments
- Comprehensive services, a range of injectable treatments and other non-surgical anti-aging procedures
The facial feedback hypothesis reminds us that our expressions don’t just show how we feel, they may influence how we feel. So, the next time you’re applying skincare products, take a moment to smile. It might brighten not just your face, but also your day.
You can also schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors for non-surgical treatments that can refresh and energize your look. WhatsApp us at +65 9780 2079 to find out more about botulinum toxin and other anti-aging treatments in Singapore.
To share, click on the Icon.