Reduce or prevent sagging chins and jaw lines by performing facial and neck exercises daily. Lack of exercise in the face causes skin to grow slack and results in loss of muscle tone. This often leads to sagging jowls, an unsightly turkey neck, and adds years to your appearance. A few simple facial exercises performed regularly help keep the lower face and jaw muscles toned and firm. Neck exercises prevent that dreaded wobble beneath the chin and provide a great method for relaxation and stress relief.
Open Wide
Exercise the muscles of the jaw by placing the fingers of one hand on top of the front of your lower teeth, suggests Steven Pohlhaus, DDS. While pressing downward, try to open your mouth wide. You’ll feel the pull along the sides of the jaw and around the jaw joint just in front of your ears. Do this exercise five to 10 times to start. You can do this exercise several times a day if you wish.
Neck Stretch
Stand or sit comfortably, shoulders back and spine straight. Lean the head to the right, as if you’re trying to touch your right ear to your right shoulder. You won’t be able to, but gently stretch as far as you can, feeling the pull along the left side of your neck. Hold the position for several seconds and then repeat on the other side, suggests Dentist Steven Pohlhaus. Try to do this exercise 10 times on each side.
Jaw Toner
Reduce the sight of excess skin under the jaw by working the chin and neck muscles. Sit comfortably and then lean the head back until you’re looking at the ceiling, suggests Faceworks UK. Then, push the lower jaw forward. You should feel the stretch all along the underside of the jaw. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Relax and then repeat the exercise, keeping the lower jaw thrust forward. You can try for up to 20 repetitions.
Double Chin
Work the chin and neck muscles to reduce double chin and help firm the entire jaw line, says Face Fitness Center. Tilt the head as far backward as comfortable. Place a hand on the front of the neck to feel the muscles working. Open the mouth slowly, then close slowly, feeling the pull all along the underside of the chin. You can repeat the exercise 10 times several times a day.
About this Author
Denise Wang is an experienced freelance writer and editor. She has written professionally for six years, and is a published fiction author. She regularly provides content for health-related and elder-care care websites. She is currently completing coursework for a degree in Health Information Management from Penn Foster College.
