No matter how much time and effort we put into making sure our face looks flawless, our necks and chin can tell a different story. It’s easy to forget about these areas, but it’s important that we pay attention to them as they are actually more prone to sagging.
The skin on our necks and chin is thin and delicate making it more vulnerable to sun damage and the formation of lines and wrinkles. This formation of horizontal lines on our necks is further accelerated by the amount of time we spend looking down at our phones (we’ll talk more about this below)!
If you have been noticing some changes around these areas, read on to find out what causes them and how to combat them.
What is saggy skin?
Saggy skin, to put it simply, is loose skin that has lost its elasticity and strength. It has no definition due to the weakening or lack of muscle underneath it. Typically, this would occur around the jawline, chin, neck, upper arms, stomach and thighs.
What causes saggy skin, especially around the neck and chin area?
Before we dive into the common causes of saggy neck and chin, it’s important to take note of two components in your skin – collagen and elastin. Collagen, which is produced by fibroblasts is made up of tightly-constructed fibers, it keeps the skin taut and firm. Elastin, as the name suggests, gives the skin elasticity and allows it to “bounce back” into place when and after it is stretched. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what causes this:
- Aging
- Posture / Electronic Device Usage
- Sun Damage
Aging causes the production of both collagen and elastin slows down, and this causes the skin to lose its elasticity. On top of the natural aging process, there are other factors that can exacerbate saggy skin such as exposure to the sun, pollution, smoking, poor nutrition and excess consumption of alcohol.Do you find yourself using electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers for at least a few hours everyday? You might be developing something called “tech neck”. This refers to horizontal lines forming across the neck caused by the position of our faces as we look down at technology.Keeping a good posture will go a long way in keeping this at bay as you use your devices!Did you know sun exposure can cause gradual damage to the skin around your chin and neck if you’re not careful? While aging causes collagen and elastin production to slow down, the sun’s radiation can cause collagen and elastin to break down at a higher rate than normal aging, which in turn, causes your neck and chin to sag faster than it normally would. So remember to apply sunscreen before you head out, even if you think you’ll be in the shade.
How to get rid of saggy neck and chin?
Whether you’ve just lost weight or beginning to notice signs of aging on your neck and chin , here’s how you can get rid of a saggy neck and chin:
- Use creams and lotions
- Perform neck and chin exercises
- Consider non-surgical skin treatments such as Ultherapy
Your skincare routine shouldn’t just end after you’re done with your face. Take care of your neck and opt for products that are specially formulated for the neck as they are often thicker in consistency with ingredients that can help lift and tighten the skin. On top of this, always remember to apply sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 on your face and neck every few hours throughout the day.Next, try some basic neck and chin exercises that you can do in your spare time, which may help with the submental fat and strengthening of muscles in your neck and chin area, and help keep the sagginess at bay. You can start with this: lift your chin towards the ceiling and move your jaw forward until you feel the muscles under your chin tighten. Hold for a few seconds and repeat this move 10 times. To help tone the chin, consider doing this: tilt your head back and look towards the ceiling. While doing this, press your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Hold this movement for 5 to 10 seconds and release. Repeat this 10 times.Another effective way of countering saggy skin is through a non-surgical treatment that can lift, tighten the skin – like Ultherapy. Perfect for those who are looking to tighten their skin without surgery, Ultherapy uses precise ultrasound energy to target the deep structural layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, without disrupting the skin’s surface. This means zero incisions and zero to minimal downtime! It typically takes 60 to 90 minutes to perform, making it extremely convenient for you to squeeze in a session to lift and tighten your skin with results showing in just a few weeks! The struggle to fend off having a saggy neck and chin is now over with Ultherapy. Find our nearest aesthetic clinic and let our partner aesthetic professionals guide us on this journey to reducing saggy neck and chin today!
