My name is Carin Andresen, and my journey to becoming a Face Yoga Instructor began long before I ever knew the practise existed.
I grew up in a small village in northern Germany. I was not the typical beauty focused girl. I was more of a tomboy and often rebellious. School was not always easy for me, but one thing I learned early in life was discipline and determination. Those values have stayed with me ever since.
After finishing school I trained at the National School of Aesthetics and became a qualified Beauty Therapist. Around the same time I began modelling, which took me around the world, including Italy and Hong Kong, before eventually bringing me to New Zealand.
Working in the beauty and fashion industries gave me a deep understanding of skincare and appearance. It also exposed me to the harsher side of the industry. Constant makeup and strong products began affecting my skin, which led me to explore more natural approaches to skincare.
With guidance from my father, Professor Andresen, an experienced scientist and product developer, I created my own natural skincare products using cold pressed Neem oil, a powerful natural antioxidant. These products became part of my wider beauty and wellness practice alongside treatments such as facials and other skin therapies.
Later in life I experienced another turning point. As I went through menopause I developed severe skin conditions and hair loss. This was a challenging time that encouraged me to rethink what beauty and wellbeing truly meant.
Outer beauty changes with time. Our health, mindset and inner wellbeing become even more important.
During this time of reflection I discovered Face Yoga.
Face Yoga combines facial exercises, acupressure, massage, breathing techniques and relaxation practices. What drew me to it was not only the visible results but also how it connects the face, body and mind.
Over time I began to notice changes in both how my face looked and how I felt. The puffiness around my eyes improved, I experienced fewer headaches, and my skin felt stronger and more toned. Even more importantly it became a daily ritual of self care and a moment to reconnect with myself.
I later travelled to India to deepen my knowledge of yoga and wellbeing practices and became a Face Yoga instructor at the age of 56.
Today my work focuses on helping others experience the same connection.
Face Yoga is not about chasing perfection or trying to erase age. It is about supporting the muscles of the face, releasing tension, improving circulation and creating space for self care in everyday life.
Many of the women I work with are navigating the same stages of life I have experienced including ageing, menopause, stress and changes in confidence. Through Face Yoga they begin to see that caring for themselves can be simple, natural and deeply empowering.
For me Face Yoga is more than a technique.
It is a way of slowing down, reconnecting with your body and honouring yourself at every stage of life.
And that is something truly worth learning.
