A double chin, also known as submental fat, is a common condition that occurs when a layer of fat forms below your chin. Though often associated with weight gain, a double chin can also be caused by factors like aging, genetics, and posture. A lot of people think that having a double chin is abnormal or unattractive, but the truth is that it’s perfectly normal. In fact, nearly 70% of adults have some degree of submental fullness, which is the scientific term for a double chin.
What Causes a Double Chin?
There are a few different factors that can contribute to the development of a double chin. These include:
Weight Gain: One of the most common causes of a double chin is weight gain. When you gain weight, fat deposits can form below your chin. This is especially true if you tend to carry weight in your face or neck area.
Aging: As you age, your skin loses elastin and collagen—two proteins that keep your skin firm and elastic. This loss of collagen and elastin can cause your skin to sag, which can lead to the formation of a double chin.
Genetics: If you have parents or grandparents who had double chins, you may be more likely to develop one yourself. This is because genetics can play a role in the amount of fat stored in your face and neck area.
Poor Posture: Believe it or not, poor posture can contribute to the formation of a double chin. When you slouch or sit with your head down, it can cause the skin around your jawline to loosen and sag.
Are Double Chins Hereditary?
The first thing to understand is that there are two types of fat in our bodies: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is the kind of fat that lies just under the skin and gives our skin a plump, youthful appearance. Visceral fat, on the other hand, is the kind of fat that surrounds our organs and protects them from Impact. Double chins are caused by an accumulation of subcutaneous fat in the area around the chin and neck.
Now, you might be wondering why some people are more prone to accumulating this type of fat than others. The answer lies in our genes. You see, we inherit our genetic makeup from our parents, which means that certain traits can be passed down from generation to generation.
In the case of double chins, there are certain genes that make us more likely to store subcutaneous fat in the chin and neck area. So if your parents or grandparents had double chins, chances are you will too.
Traditional Treatments for Double Chins
There are a variety of traditional treatments for double chins, each with its own set of pros and cons. Some of the most popular traditional treatments include:
-Creams and Lotions: Topical treatments, such as creams and lotions, can help to temporarily improve the appearance of a double chin. These products typically contain ingredients that help to tighten the skin, such as caffeine or retinol. However, creams and lotions will not provide long-lasting results and must be used on a daily basis to see any improvement.
-Massage: Massaging the area around your chin can help to break up fatty deposits and improve circulation. This treatment is relatively inexpensive and does not require any special equipment. However, it can be time-consuming and you may not see significant results unless you massage your chin on a regular basis.
-Surgery: There are a variety of surgical procedures that can be used to treat a double chin, such as liposuction or a neck lift. These procedures can provide long-lasting results but are usually very expensive and come with a risk of complications.
Do Facial Exercises Work To Get Rid of Double Chin?
Facial exercises work by toning the muscles in your face and neck. When you tone your muscles, you may temporarily tighten the skin over them and make them appear more toned and less flabby. After doing facial exercises regularly for several weeks or months, you may see long-term results, such as decreased submental fat and improved muscle definition.
There’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that facial exercises can reduce submental fat or improve muscle definition. However, some people report seeing results after doing facial exercises regularly for several weeks or months. It’s possible that the temporary tightening of your skin after doing facial exercises makes your double chin less noticeable.
It’s also possible that continuous facial exercises might lead to long-term results, such as decreased submental fat or improved muscle definition. More research is needed to determine whether facial exercises are effective for reducing the appearance of a double chin.
The Best Exercises for a Double Chin
There are a variety of exercises you can do to get rid of a double chin. These exercises target the muscles in your neck and chin area to help tone and strengthen them. Some of the best exercises for getting rid of a double chin fast include:
1. Jaw release exercise: This exercise helps stretch your jaw muscles and release tension. To do this exercise:
-Open your mouth wide and stick your tongue out as far as you can.
-Try to touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth and hold for 10 seconds.
-Relax your tongue and jaw and repeat ten times.
2. Lip lift: This exercise helps strengthen the muscles around your mouth and eyes. To do this exercise:
-Pucker your lips and try to touch your nose with them.
-Hold for 5 seconds and release.
-Repeat ten times.
3. Neck roll: This exercise helps stretch and tone the muscles in your neck. To do this exercise:
-Sit up straight in a chair with your shoulders relaxed.
-Slowly roll your head forward until you feel a stretch in the back of your neck.
-Hold for 5 seconds and roll your head back to the starting position.
-Repeat ten times.
Final Thoughts
Having a double chin can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, age, weight, and posture. There are a number of treatments that can help to improve the appearance of a double chin, such as creams and lotions, massage, and facial exercises. Surgery is also an option for those who want long-lasting results, but it is usually very expensive and comes with a risk of complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I have a double chin when I’m skinny?
Even a slight bit of submental fat (the fat beneath your jaw) can make you look heavier than you actually are if you're on the slender side. You probably merely inherited the predisposition from a distant ancestor to carry a bit of extra fat under your chin.
How common is a double chin?
It's not uncommon to have a double or triple chin. Usually, it's nothing to worry about and is just a layer of fat under the chin that has developed. When that layer thickens enough, a wrinkle appears, giving the impression of one or more additional chins.
How long does it take for double chin to go away?
Over the course of three to four weeks, there are several treatments that can help you get rid of your double chin, but you must be consistent in order to see results.
What foods cause double chin?
A calorie-dense diet that includes processed foods and bad fats may contribute to weight gain and a double chin. People's tendency to develop a double chin may be influenced by genes. Anyone who has a history of double chins or brittle skin may be more prone to acquire one themselves.
