Have you ever tuned into a beauty pageant and thought, “Wow! That model has such stunning beauty! Her jawline is absolutely perfect!”? The secret behind their exquisite looks is likely due to a beauty regimen that you may not have tried yet.
If you’re curious about what that “secret” might entail, you’re in the right spot.
In this article, we'll delve into everything you need to know about sagging jawlines. We'll introduce you to the term “jowls,” explain what it means, discuss the underlying causes of jowls, and explore treatment options available to eliminate them.
So, let’s dive in together!
You've probably pondered the terminology used for a sagging jawline, and we can sum it up in one word: Jowls.
So,
What Are Jowls?
Jowls refer to the fleshy or droopy area located at the lower part of the cheeks. To put it simply, jowls are the extra skin that develops around your jaw, cheeks, or chin as a result of aging.
Some individuals may have minimal under-cheek flesh due to their thin build, while others may exhibit noticeable jowls. Just like the different sides of a die, various factors can influence the development of jowls.
Several elements contribute to the formation of jowls. For example, if you possess thicker skin, more collagen, or body fat, jowls may be less pronounced. In contrast, factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental conditions can significantly influence the prominence of jowls. However, if you find yourself with a jowly appearance, there's no need to be too hard on yourself, as the formation of jowls is multifaceted. In this article, you'll learn how to reduce their visibility, but first, let’s discuss the causes of jowls.
Causes of Jowls
As previously mentioned, various factors contribute to the development of jowls, which include genetics, collagen depletion, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices. Let’s explore how each factor plays a role.
Genetics
A fundamental lesson from our high school biology class teaches us that genetics significantly influence our physical characteristics. From hair color to eye color and skin tone, genetics shape our appearance. This means your genetic makeup can determine whether you're prone to developing jowls and how pronounced they may become over time. In simple terms, if your parents have jowls, there’s a good chance you may have them too as these traits can be inherited.
Collagen and Elastin Loss
Collagen is the essential protein that supports the overall structure of your skin, providing strength and rigidity. It helps combat skin sagging, slows down the formation of wrinkles, and reduces skin roughness. On the other hand, elastin is a protein that contributes to the skin’s elasticity and flexibility.
Regrettably, a decrease in the quality of collagen and elastin is observed as we age. This decline leads to sagging skin around the cheeks, chin, and jawline, resulting in a noticeable droop on both sides of your mouth and chin.
Environmental Factors
Your environment can also play a critical role in the development of jowls. For instance, if you live in a stress-laden environment that contributes to weight loss, the skin around your jaw may sag, leading to the formation of jowls.
Lifestyle Choices
Your lifestyle habits can significantly impact jowl development. Free radicals from cigarettes and harmful UV rays from the sun are notorious for accelerating collagen loss. If you frequently expose your skin to sunlight, you're more likely to develop jowls due to the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB), which can break down collagen and elastin.
Additionally, smoking seriously damages collagen and elastin levels in your body, drastically reducing their quality and quantity. This leads to sagging skin—definitely not desirable!
Moreover, a common phenomenon known as “tech neck” may also contribute. The posture you adopt while using gadgets can impact jowl development. Frequently bending your head down to look at your devices may lead to reduced elastin in your neck, resulting in sagging skin in that area.
Lastly, one often-overlooked cause of jowls is your facial expressions. For example, excessive frowning can negatively affect the skin around your chin or jawline. So, putting on a smile might just do some good!
Now that you’re aware of the causes of jowls, it’s time to transition to the section you’ve been eagerly awaiting—how to eliminate jowls. Just as there are causes for jowls, there are also preventive measures you can take. Here, we highlight five potential strategies, with a specific focus on face yoga for jowls, which is the core topic of this article.
How to Eliminate Jowls
Stay Hydrated
The adage “water is life” holds true in this context. Staying properly hydrated is crucial as water rejuvenates skin cells by providing essential moisture. You certainly don’t want your skin to feel parched and flaky, so remember to drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy.
Quit Smoking
As mentioned earlier, smoking is one of the quickest ways to damage your skin. The nicotine and other harmful chemicals found in cigarettes destroy skin collagen, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. It’s advisable to quit smoking altogether. If you find it challenging to stop due to addiction, take it one step at a time; gradual progress will eventually lead to success.
