20 facts about smiling
May 28, 2025
Smiling is more than just a universal sign of happiness—it's a powerful tool for improving your mood, health, and relationships. Whether it's a spontaneous grin or a friendly gesture, smiles can change how we feel and how others perceive us. In this article, you'll uncover 20 amazing facts about smiling that will make you appreciate this simple, yet transformative, facial expression even more.
1. Smiling Is Contagious
Just like yawning, smiling can spread from person to person. When you see someone smile, your brain often mirrors the expression, encouraging you to smile back.
2. It Takes Fewer Muscles to Smile Than to Frown
Contrary to popular belief, it takes about 10 muscles to smile and around 12 to frown. So, smiling is not just more pleasant—it’s also more energy-efficient.
3. Smiling Boosts Your Mood
Even a forced smile can trigger the release of mood-boosting chemicals like dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, making you feel happier.
4. Smiling Reduces Stress
Research shows that smiling can lower your heart rate and reduce stress levels, even during difficult situations.
5. Smiling Strengthens the Immune System
By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, smiling helps the immune system function more effectively, keeping you healthier.
6. Smiles Make You More Approachable
People are naturally drawn to smiling faces. A genuine smile conveys warmth, friendliness, and trustworthiness.
7. Babies Can Smile from Birth
While social smiles develop around six weeks, reflex smiles occur even in newborns—some as early as in the womb!
8. There Are 19 Types of Smiles
According to researchers at UC San Francisco, humans use 19 different types of smiles, ranging from polite grins to joyful beams.
9. Smiling Can Make You Look Younger
Smiling lifts your face and gives it a more youthful appearance—no surgery required.
10. Smiling Is a Universal Language
No matter where you are in the world, a smile is understood as a sign of happiness and goodwill.
11. Smiling Improves Relationships
Couples who smile more often during conversations tend to have stronger emotional bonds and higher relationship satisfaction.
12. Laughter Often Begins with a Smile
Laughter, known to have numerous health benefits, almost always starts with a smile—it's the gateway to joy.
13. Smiling Enhances Productivity
Positive emotions, including those triggered by smiling, are linked to increased creativity, focus, and productivity at work.
14. Smiles Can Be Heard
Believe it or not, people can “hear” a smile over the phone. Your tone of voice becomes more positive and inviting when you smile.
15. Smiling During a Job Interview Matters
Candidates who smile appear more confident and likable—two key traits employers look for during interviews.
16. Smiling Increases Lifespan
A 2010 study found that people who smile more often live longer, possibly due to reduced stress and stronger social ties.
17. Women Smile More Than Men
Studies show that women tend to smile more frequently than men, possibly due to cultural and social factors.
18. Smiles Can Be Fake—But Still Effective
Even if a smile isn’t genuine, it can still positively influence your brain and those around you.
19. Smiling Boosts Your Brain Power
Positive emotions from smiling enhance memory, problem-solving, and learning abilities.
20. Smiling Builds Resilience
Those who smile through challenges often bounce back faster and cope better with adversity.
Conclusion
From boosting your mood to improving your health and relationships, these 20 facts about smiling show that it’s more than just a facial expression—it’s a superpower. Whether you’re looking to feel better, connect with others, or just brighten someone’s day, a smile goes a long way. So next time life gets tough, remember: smiling can make a big difference.