Overview
How many times have you deleted a photo of yourself due to a fold of skin under your chin? While a double chin isn’t dangerous, it can take a major toll on your confidence. You become reluctant to take photos and delete all images that reveal the loose skin under your chin area. You’ve probably looked for different ways to get rid of it, but none of them worked. Read on to learn about why you have a double chin and how to get rid of it successfully.
What is a double chin?
A double chin, medically known as submental fat, is defined as an excess layer of fat below the chin. Excess layer of fat under the chin isn’t a medical condition and it’s not life-threatening. However, it can affect confidence and self-esteem.
One survey found[1] that 47% of respondents reported being bothered by submental fat and 49% said it affects their appearance. Additionally, 45% of respondents felt that other people noticed their loose skin under the chin.
Women are more likely to be bothered by their submental fat than men. Around 55% of females reported their submental fat bothers them whereas 40% of males said the same.
Moreover, 35% of the respondents reported that they shy away from photo opportunities because of low esteem caused by their double chin.
Causes of Double Chin
People develop double chin due to several causes. These include:
- Excess fat: the buildup of fat under the chin due to weight gain or obesity can lead to a double chin. This is the most common cause of submental fat. Weight gain and fat accumulation expand the skin[2], which is why it appears looser.
-
Aging skin: as we age, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness. When that happens, the skin under your chin becomes loose and starts sagging.
- Poor posture: having poor posture with your head in a downward position could weaken the muscles in your neck and contribute to the formation of an extra skin fold under your chin.
- Facial structure: having a recessive chin or weak jawline could make you more susceptible to the development of loose skin under the chin.
- Genetics: your genetic makeup could influence how the body stores fat, including that under your chin. That’s why some people are more susceptible to loose skin under the chin, even if they’re not overweight. Evidence confirms that genetics and lifestyle factors[3] could influence the development of submental fat.
How to recognize double chin?
A double chin looks like a fold or layer of fat beneath your chin. When viewed from the front, it may form a noticeable separation between your neck and chin. From the side, it appears as an additional layer of skin and fat below the jawline. Loose skin on the neck alters the contour of the chin and neck. For that reason, people with excess skin under the chin tend to appear older than they are.
Exercises for double chin
Submental fat affects your confidence, which is why strategies to reduce it can boost your self-esteem[4]. Certain exercises can tighten the skin on your neck and give you a more contoured look. Below are different exercises and tips on how to get rid of double chin.
1. Jaw Stretch
To do the jawline exercises, which is one of the easiest, you need to tilt your head back and look toward the ceiling. Proceed to push the lower jaw forward so you feel a bit of stretch. Hold the position to the count of 10 and release. Do 10 reps.
2. Ball under chin
For this exercise, you’ll need a tennis ball and place it under your chin. Then, hold the ball with your chin pressing it against your neck. Do three sets of 8-10 reps several times a day.
3. Kiss the sky
Tilt your head back and look straight at the ceiling. Then, pucker up your lips as if you’re sending kisses to the sky. You should feel a little stretch beneath the chin. Do three sets of 8-10 reps several times a day.
4. Tongue out
Tongue out is one of the most fun jawline exercises. All you have to do is look straight ahead and stick your tongue out as much as you can. Lift the tongue upward toward your nose and hold the position for 10 seconds, then release. Do three sets with 8-10 reps.
5. Engage the neck
To perform this simple exercise you need to tilt your head back, look at the ceiling, then press the roof of the mouth with your tongue. Stay in that position for up to 10 seconds and release. Do 10 reps.
6. Bottom jaw stretch
The starting position is the same as in the previous exercise; tilt your head back and look at the ceiling. Proceed to turn your head to the right and push the bottom jaw forward. Stay in that position for up to 10 seconds, release, and repeat the same process with your left side. Do 10 reps per side.
Dietary modifications to minimize double chin
For best results, you should combine exercise with dietary modifications. Here’s how to get rid of double chin by making changes in your diet:
- Eat more servings of fruits and vegetables per day: they’re low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fiber may suppress your appetite[5], prevent overeating, and contribute to weight loss. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for healthy skin and reduced appearance of signs of aging. So fruits and vegetables could help prevent the skin of your chin from sagging.
-
Replace refined grains with whole grains: refined grains aren’t as nutritious or rich in fiber as whole grains. Also, whole grains provide sustained energy and promote a feeling of fullness. That way, you can control your weight more effectively.
- Avoid processed foods: they contribute to weight gain and speed up the signs of aging. This is due to excess sodium, added sugar, trans fats, and additives. Opt for fresh, whole foods instead.
-
Eat lean protein, such as poultry and fish: protein can improve the firmness[6] of the skin and contribute to weight management. As a result, they can help you minimize the appearance of loose skin on the neck.
- Eat healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts: healthy fats improve satiety and prevent overeating. Plus, they are necessary for nourished, healthy skin.
- Eat low-fat dairy products: beneficial for weight loss and maintenance. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the appearance of unsightly loose skin under your chin.
- Stay within your daily calorie needs: women generally need around 2000 calories a day[7] while men need 2500. If you’re able to avoid overeating and stick within your healthy range of calorie count, you can prevent weight gain and subsequently avoid the fat buildup under your chin.
Additional tips to minimize double chin
An important aspect of removing loose skin under your chin is your skincare routine. Since excess fat tissue under the chin makes you appear older, it’s important to use products with rejuvenating effects.
Products like Stemnucell wrinkle serum slow down all signs of aging and give you firmer and youthful-looking skin. This will help you tackle your low esteem caused by that loose skin under your chin.
In addition to jawline exercises and a healthy diet, you may also want to consult dermatologists. They may recommend procedures such as lipolysis or liposculpture and mesotherapy, both of which can eliminate fat.
However, it’s always better to stick to the natural methods in terms of how to get rid of double chin. Useful approaches include:
- Maintaining good posture
- Staying hydrated
- Gently massaging the chin and neck
- Using skin-firming face masks
- Drinking green tea
FAQs
Do double chins go away naturally?
A double chin can go away naturally if the main cause is weight gain. Weight loss often involves improved muscle tone which can reduce the size of fatty tissue under your lower jaw. However, it would be impossible for excess fat tissue to go away naturally if the cause is genetics or aging. In these cases, you need to establish exercise routines or modify your diet to eliminate the fatty tissue under the chin.
What causes a double chin on a skinny person?
Skinny people develop excess fatty tissue under the lower jaw due to genetics, aging, posture, and how they carry their weight. Lack of muscle tone in the chin and neck area could result in the appearance of loose skin in this area. Modify your lifestyle and skin routine to address signs of aging and minimize the appearance of fatty tissue under your chin.
How can I tighten my double chin?
You can tighten loose skin under your chin with jawline exercises, keep proper posture, and lose weight or maintain it within a healthy range. It also helps to massage the area and modify your skincare routine with creams and serums created specifically to tighten the skin.
Conclusion
Double chin is a major cause of insecurity for men and women alike. While weight gain is the most common cause of double chin, factors such as genetics can play a role too.
This post explored some tips that should help you learn how to get rid of double chin. Through exercise and dietary modifications, and upgrading your skincare routine, you’ll be able to minimize the appearance of extra fold of skin under your chin. Remember, getting rid of your double chin does not happen overnight. Patience and persistence are key to the best results.