Is a Double Chin Hereditary? Can Exercises Help Prevent It?

Do you have any advice on how I can tone my double chin? I'm only 39 years old and I'm starting to see a double chin and extra skin hanging from under my neck and I want to stop it before it gets too saggy.

My two older sisters, my mom, and my grandma all have trouble in this area and I was wondering if there is anything I can do to slow it down so I won't have the same problem as they do when I'm older. I'm afraid it might be hereditary.

Someone told me that chewing gum can help prevent a double chin. I hate chewing gum. Is there anything I can do now that's preventative?

Thanks,
Elsa

Editor's Note:

Hi Elsa!

I'm glad you asked this because I think about these things too, especially when I look at old family pictures!

And you're right. Genetics can play a part in how our face and neck age. Things like our facial structure, where we carry fat, and how our skin changes over time can run in families.

But that doesn't mean you're destined to have the same double chin as your mom or sisters.

And at 39, I think it's a great time to start paying attention to your face and neck.

Can facial exercises help tone a double chin?

Well, you know I'm a big fan of facial exercises! I've been doing them for years, and I've seen some pretty interesting changes in my own face and neck.

In fact, one reason I became so interested in facial exercising was watching how the women in my family aged. My grandmother had a bit of sagging around her jawline and neck, and I wondered whether I could do anything to help mine age a little differently.

For me, regularly working the facial and neck muscles has made a visible difference in muscle definition and how my lower face looks.

Of course, a double chin can come from several things, including extra fat, skin laxity, and the shape of your jaw and chin. Exercises won't remove fat under the chin, but I do think there's value in keeping those underlying muscles active and working.

If you're curious about my experience, take a look at my neck-firming before-and-after pictures. I share what I noticed from doing facial exercises consistently.

What about chewing gum?

Oh, I've heard that one too!

Chewing gum certainly works your chewing muscles, but I wouldn't count on it to prevent a double chin. Those muscles aren't the same ones you're trying to work when you focus on the neck and lower face.

Personally, I'd rather spend a few minutes doing a facial exercise routine than chew gum all day. And since you already hate chewing gum, I think you'll like that idea better anyway! 😊

Here's another little trick worth knowing about

Sometimes what looks like a double chin isn't all fat or loose skin. A little temporary puffiness under the jaw can make that area look fuller, too.

That's where gentle lymphatic drainage massage may help.

It won't get rid of chin fat or tighten loose skin, but when puffiness is part of the problem, it may temporarily make the area look a little less swollen.

I have a separate guide showing how to do lymphatic drainage massage for a double chin and what kind of results you can realistically expect.

So what would I do if I were you?

Since you're just starting to notice changes, I'd keep it simple.

First, I'd consider a regular facial exercise routine that works the whole face and neck. That's the approach I've followed for years, rather than doing one exercise over and over for a single problem area.

I'd also protect my neck from the sun, keep my skin well moisturized, and pay attention to whether the fullness under my chin seems to change from day to day.

If you'd like to explore other options, my double chin treatment guide explains what can help depending on whether you're dealing with fat, puffiness, or loose skin.

And Elsa, one more thing. If you decide to try facial exercises, take pictures before you start!

I can't tell you how helpful those pictures have been for me over the years. When you look at yourself in the mirror every day, it's easy to miss small changes. Comparing pictures taken months apart can give you a much better idea of what's happening.

My advice is to start with a few simple exercises, be consistent, and see how your face responds. You don't have to do everything at once.

I hope this helps, Elsa! And please come back and let me know what you decide to try. I'd love to hear how it goes.

Best,
Linda