Having a double chin, or even a triple chin, is pretty common. It’s just a layer of excess fat under the skin that causes the skin to fold, giving the appearance of an extra chin. People usually worry about how to reduce double chin because it may seem unsightly. If you’ve noticed extra fat below your chin lately, or want to reduce the appearance of your double chin, read on for more.
What Causes A Double Chin?
Having a double chin may be associated with weight gain, but there can be other causes such as:
• Facial structure
• poor posture
• Ageing skin
• Genetics
Tip: Note that drastic weight loss can also result in a double chin.
Exercises To Reduce Double Chin
There are a number of facial exercises you can perform to tone your face and jawline, thus reducing your double chin.
Ball Exercise
Take a tennis ball or a similar sized ball. Place it under your chin, and hold it against your throat by lowering your face. Press the chin down tightly on the ball. Hold the position for five seconds, ease up, and repeat up to five times. You can perform this set twice daily.
Bottom Jaw Jut Or Straight Jaw Jut
Keep your back and shoulders straight. Tilting your head upwards and without moving your neck, push your lower jaw forward as much as you can. Hold the position for five seconds and then go back to the starting one. Repeat 5-10 times daily.
Neck Stretch
Stand or sit straight. Now, simply tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling. Feel your chin stretch, and hold the position for up to 10 seconds. Relax the jaw and return to starting position. Repeat 10-15 times daily.
Tongue Stretch Or Lion’s Yawn
You can do this exercise standing or sitting, while working or lounging about the house! Just open your mouth really wide, and stick your tongue out as far as you can. Feel the muscles in your jaw and chin stretch, and hold the position for 10 seconds. Repeat up to 10 times for a set.
Pigeon Face
Hold either side of your lower jaw (right below the ears) with the thumb and index finger of one hand. Move your head forwards and backwards, keeping the hand steady. Feel the strain on the jaw and chin muscles. Repeat 10-15 times.
Neck Rotations
Stretch your neck as much as you comfortably can on either side. Do 10 repetitions every day. You can also do neck rotations, stretching and rotating your neck forwards and backwards, and side-to-side to target all the muscles in the neck, jaw, and chin.
X-O Exercise
Engage the muscles of your cheeks and jaws as you repeatedly spell X-O. Do three sets of 12 repetitions each to burn fat in the face and chin.
Pucker Up
Keeping back and shoulders straight, tilt the head up to look at the ceiling. Now pucker your lips as though you are kissing the ceiling. This will stretch the jaw and chin muscles. Return to starting position and repeat 10-15 times.
Home Remedies To Reduce Double Chin
Apart from performing face exercises regularly, try these home remedies to target and lose chin fat.
Olive Oil
Take a teaspoon of olive oil and warm it a bit. Massage onto the jaw and neck gently. Leave on overnight for the vitamin E and other antioxidants to nourish and tighten the skin.
Cocoa Butter
Rub some coca butter onto the chin and throat before bedtime or showering. This will improve skin elasticity.
Green Tea
Switch to or add green tea to your daily diet. This beverage is rich in antioxidants, can flush toxins out of the body, boosts metabolism and promotes weight loss. You can also chill the used teabags and place them on your face to detoxify and tighten the skin.
Wheat Germ Oil
Wheat germ oil massage will help tighten the skin in the chin area and also offer nourishment. Use gentle strokes to massage it in, going upwards from the base of the neck. Do this before sleeping and leave on overnight.
Chew Gum
Chew on some gum to work your jaw and neck muscles. This will tone your face, boost circulation, and tighten the skin. Avoid empty calories by going for sugar-free, non-flavored chewing gum.
Egg White, Milk, Honey
Make a face mask using two egg whites and a tablespoon each of honey, milk, and lemon juice. Add a few drops of peppermint oil or any other essential oil to make it smell pleasant. Whisk all the ingredients together and apply onto the chin and neck. Rinse off using lukewarm water after 30-45 minutes. Doing this daily will help tighten and nourish the skin.
Vitamin E Capsules
Take the content of one or two vitamin E capsules in your palms. Rub together and massage your neck and chin using upward movements. Also boost your intake of vitamin E foods to improve skin elasticity.
Melons
Apply melon juice on your chin and neck using upwards motions. Allow to dry before rinsing off with water.
Tip: With the right diet and some home remedies, you’re sure to see a difference in your jawline.
Medical Treatments
If you’re very bothered about your double chin and wish to change your jawline drastically, you can go for medical treatments.
Mesotherapy
This is a minimally invasive procedure which involves injecting small amounts of fat dissolving compounds into the skin. This is better suited for localized areas.
Lipolysis
Also called liposculpture, this is a popular method of removing fat surgically. A liposuction cannula is inserted into the skin to remove excess fat and ensure a smooth, even appearance.
Tip: Try working on your diet and exercise regimen before considering medical treatments; speak to a doctor for the right advice.
Dietary Tips To Reduce Double Chin
Since a double chin can be due to weight gain or obesity, eating right can make a huge difference in your appearance. Some foods also promote fat burning and weight loss, and boost skin health, so make note of the below.
- What To Consume
Fruits and vegetables, whole grains and whole foods, lean protein, low-fat dairy, healthy fats.
- What To Avoid
Refined grains, refined sugar, excess salt, processed foods, trans fats.
Conclusion
Having a double chin is not an issue, but if the appearance bothers you, you can bring about a positive change in your jawline through some lifestyle changes like eating right and managing your weight. Now that you already know how to reduce double chin with easy facial exercises, start performing them regularly and you’re sure to see a difference over time. For quick results through medical treatments, consult a doctor.
