Discover 8 Exercises For The Double Chin

The so-called “double chin” is a very common problem. There are habits and exercises that can help us reduce it.

A double chin is an unsightly skin formation caused by the accumulation of a layer of subcutaneous fat under the chin. Although the skin loses its elasticity over the years, this does not mean that it is an inevitable phenomenon. But, do you know why the double chin comes out and how to do exercises to reduce it?

Causes of double chin

The sagging skin that hangs in the area just below the chin is known as a double chin. The EGR Institute of Medicine (Madrid) explains that it arises from the  accumulation of fatty tissues in the lower part of the chin, or sagging and loss of elasticity of the cervical region. This phenomenon is caused by different external and genetic factors, although it is more common in elderly and overweight people.

Aging

A person’s age is the factor most associated with the appearance of a double chin. This is because older people tend to develop it because their skin has less collagen and is less plump. The weaker tissues tend to clump under the chin and cause the phenomenon. Despite this, if you take care of yourself with facial gymnastics, cosmetics and a good diet, age does not have to be influential.

Sun exposure

Abundant exposure to the sun can cause skin tissues to dry out and lose collagen and its elastic properties, as stated in this study by the 30 de Noviembre University Teaching Polyclinic (Cuba). This aging makes the skin more likely to hang over the areas of the jaw where there is more tissue.

Obesity

Obesity is another cause of double chin formation. Excess weight makes it easier for fat to accumulate under the jaw. The skin stretches and generates the double chin. It is true that the appearance of double chin is associated with people who suffer from obesity, but it is not the only factor. Age, bad habits and sedentary lifestyle are very binding. Of course, as we have already advanced, the lack of exercises makes the area lose its tone. We are talking about facial yoga!

Abrupt weight loss

Continuing with weight as a binding factor, abrupt losses eventually develop what is known as a “sagging double chin”. Fat and adipose tissues recede with diet and exercise at high speed, but not at the same rate as skin. This creates excess tissue under the jaw.

Genetic conditions

There is a certain predisposition to developing a double chin based on genetic inheritance. This responds to physiological and biological factors. For example, people with short necks and small jaws develop double chins more easily .

How to prevent double chin

To prevent double chin, you have to take care of the skin from the damage that time, the sun and the factors that we have mentioned can cause. Next we are going to see some healthy habits that can help us avoid the development of a double chin.

• Do not expose yourself to the sun for a long time during the most intense periods of light.
• Use sunscreen on all skin, especially the neck area.
• Drink water to keep your skin hydrated and eat properly.

Fluid retention influences the appearance of a double chin. Avoid alcohol (it promotes the accumulation of fat, according to this study from the University of Antioquia), excess salt and increases the consumption of fruits and vegetables, among other tips.

• Increase exercise to burn fat and firm muscles and skin.
• Perform massages in the area (it is best that you go to a physiotherapist).
• Use creams to keep the skin of the neck well hydrated.

Exercises to eliminate double chin

It is true that surgery can be an option if you have a lot of complexes, want a quick solution or if your doctor advises you. However, there are other methods that can help you.

You can do an exercise routine to help you eliminate a double chin. It is best that you go to a specialist (for example, your physiotherapist) to advise you on the exercises that best suit your specific case.

Today we show you some exercises that, if done regularly and correctly, can help you firm your skin.

1. The kiss

Yes, yes, you can give real kisses or do this exercise. In a chair, with your feet flat on the floor, stretch your neck as far as possible keeping your head forward. Then his mouth is brought to the front as if throwing a kiss. You should do at least three sets of 10 repetitions.

2. Kiss to heaven

This exercise is similar to the previous one, but the head should be raised as high as possible. You have to stretch your neck and bring your lips together as if blowing kisses with your head bowed. As with the previous one, it is recommended to perform three sets of 10 repetitions every day.

3. Neck massage

The following exercise must be done at least three times every day. It consists of raising the head by stretching the neck and opening the mouth a little. Then you have to place your hand around the neck pressing gently. Finally, the hand is passed over the neck, stretching the skin downwards.

4. Head turn

To begin with this exercise, first the neck is stretched backwards (as far as possible without forcing) and this position is held for five seconds. Then you have to do the same by stretching your head down, to the left and to the right, five seconds per direction. Try not to move your shoulders and keep them relaxed. It is recommended to perform the exercise daily.

5. Chin lift

Again the head is raised as high as possible. With your mouth closed, you have to stretch your neck by tilting your head back a little. In this way you should try to raise the chin and go forward. Try to do 10 repetitions of this exercise three times a day.

6. Inverted smile

The muscles of the neck should be exercised by making an inverted smile. The correct way to do this is by creating tension on the sides of the neck. You have to hold the posture for a few seconds and then relax. It should be done with a maximum of 10 repetitions three times a day throughout the week.

7. The tennis ball

To perform this exercise, you must first place a tennis ball on your neck, holding it with your chin. Then you have to press your chin firmly against the ball for about two seconds and release it slightly without dropping it. You have to repeat the exercise 10 times.

The exercises can be combined and programmed to create a personal routine tailored to your needs (for this we advise you to consult a specialist). It is advisable not to strain the muscles and to stop when you feel fatigue. Similarly, it is important to be consistent in performing the exercises.

In addition, these should always be combined with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits (stop or reduce the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, for example). If we do not change our routine, it will be difficult for these exercises alone to reduce our double chin.

Other habits to reduce double chin

There are other factors that should be considered to reduce a double chin when it appears, depending on the reason for its appearance. Among them are the way we walk, some sleeping habits and even the amount of water we drink.

Maintain an upright posture

Keeping the head in a tilted posture for a long time can cause the skin on the neck to stretch. Try to keep it in a neutral position , neither forward nor backward .

In this way, while working in front of the computer, you should always adopt a posture with your neck straight and your eyes at the level of the screen.

Sleeping with a thin pillow

It is popularly believed that resting on an oversized pillow causes the neck to lean a lot forward, so it is best to use a pillow that allows a flatter posture.

Fruit remedies

Melon was traditionally believed to have properties that tone the skin, perhaps due to the amount of water it contains that helps us hydrate. It is also recommended for people with wrinkles on the neck, arms and legs, as well as those with a double chin, to make the skin smoother, to pass through it a gauze soaked in melon juice.

However, at the moment there are no studies that confirm or deny this claim.

There are other ways to eliminate the double chin with non-invasive methods such as radiofrequency treatment, metabolic or typolytic laser or electroporation. It is best to consult our doctor to advise us on the most appropriate treatment based on our case.

When the double chin is formed by a slight or moderate excess of tissue in general it is usually possible to eliminate it successfully without going to specialized clinics. However, it is always advisable to see a doctor for recommendations and not self-diagnose.