Is posing for pictures always a big struggle because you need to make sure you get just the right angle to hide your double chin? We’ve been there. But you need to understand what a double chin is before you can engage in facial exercises to get rid of it.
A double chin, also known as submental fat, is a common condition that occurs when a layer of fat forms below your chin. Some people think a double chin has everything to do with weight gain. But, you don’t have to put on extra pounds for it to appear. Genetics or looser skin resulting from aging may also cause a double chin.
Here’s what you can do to get rid of that double chin:
Even though there’s not much scientific evidence to support this, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence from people who have tried these exercises.
1. Straight jaw jut
- Tilt your head back and look toward the ceiling.
- Push your lower jaw forward to feel a stretch under the chin.
- Hold the jaw jut for a 10 count.
- Relax your jaw and return your head to a neutral position.
2. Ball exercise
- Place a 9- to10-inch ball under your chin.
- Press your chin down against the ball.
- Repeat 25 times daily.
3. Pucker up
- With your head tilted back, look at the ceiling.
- Pucker your lips as if you’re kissing the ceiling to stretch the area beneath your chin.
- Stop puckering and bring your head back to its normal position.
4. Tongue stretch
- Looking straight ahead, stick your tongue out as far as you can.
- Lift your tongue upward and toward your nose.
- Hold for 10 seconds and release.
5. Neck stretch
- Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling.
- Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
- Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and release.
6. Bottom jaw jut
- Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling.
- Turn your head to the right.
- Slide your bottom jaw forward.
- Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and release.
- Repeat the process with your head turned to the left.
If you’re not one for facial exercises, you can try face masks and focusing on your diet.
Face masks
Many face masks are available that can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of a double chin. Glycerin masks and coffee or green tea masks may help support the efforts of exercises. A daily mask of egg whites, honey, and lemon juice also provides a reduction in fat around the chin for some people.
Focus on your diet
A natural diet may help reduce the appearance of a double chin, especially if it is caused by weight gain. Reducing the number of calories consumed each day helps some people. Drinking plenty of water removes more fat from the body. A study posted to the journal Obesity found that people who drank water before meals lost more weight than those who did not. Water and water-rich foods, such as melons and cucumbers may also help remove more toxins from the body.
