A double chin is usually not dangerous to your health. It's sometimes not even an indicator of weight or health issues. But it can affect your self-confidence and create a negative body image.

There are many causes of a double chin, including diet, age, and genetics. And they're more common than people think. More than 68% of Americans struggle with the dreaded "turkey neck."

If you're wondering how to get rid of a double chin, keep reading to learn all about the causes and treatments!

Do I Have a Double Chin?

A double chin is usually easy to see at first glance. Since it's so close to the face, it's something people notice right away. But sometimes, a small double chin can be hard to spot.

To check if you have an extra chin, grab a mirror and find some good light. First, look at your side profile. Check the angle between your jawbone and your neck. If it points upwards or lies flat, you're all good!

But if you see a downward slope towards your body, you might have a double chin. The easiest way to tell is to study some recent pictures of yourself. Look for a pocket of extra fat between your jaw and your neck.

What Are the Causes of a Double Chin?

A double chin, or submental fat, can occur for many different reasons. Your genetics may play a role, or it might even be a sign of several health issues.

Weight Gain

Excess weight is a very common issue. Obesity is a clinical health problem that affects more than 40% of American adults. But everyone gains weight differently depending on their genetics and body composition.

When you gain weight in your hips or thighs, it might be hard to notice right away. Unfortunately, weight gain around the face will catch your eye instantly and is one of the main double chin causes.

It's almost impossible to hide, and it's often resistant to diet and exercise. You can't cover it with a baggy sweater or loose pants. Sadly, spot treating a double chin through exercise is usually impossible as well.

Aging Skin

As we get older, our skin loses elasticity. This loss is due to a decrease in collagen, an essential protein in the body. We reach our peak collagen performance in our mid-twenties, and it begins to decrease from there.

Aging skin means more wrinkles and more sagging. The skin under your chin is not immune to a decrease in collagen. Even people with a low to moderate bodyweight might find themselves with a double chin.

The sagging skin around your face and neck produces the effect of a double chin. So although it's not the traditional fatty deposit that creates this look, it can be very pronounced.

Face Structure

Everyone has a different body type, and we're also lucky to have unique face shapes! But your face shape can predict your chances of developing a double chin.

People with weaker or receding chins have a higher possibility of extra submental fat. Receding chins have a lower jaw bone that is less developed.

This face structure can produce the effect of a double chin. It'll also be easier to spot when they've gained some extra weight around their face.

Genetics

Take a look at your immediate family members. Do they suffer from the dreaded turkey neck? If you see many double chins at family reunions, your genetics may be to blame.

Scientists haven't isolated the specific way our DNA affects our facial fat. But genetics is a commonly accepted reason for this fat gain. The good news is, even if the double chin runs in your family, there are ways to beat it!

Hormone Imbalance

Your hormones maintain a delicate balance to keep your body functioning without issues. When that balance is thrown off, you might experience some hormonal symptoms.

A double chin might occur due to thyroid and kidney problems. Studies have found that cortisol and glucose levels can affect those tiny fat deposits under your jaw.

If you're at a healthy weight, young age, and don't have genetic risk factors, hormones might be to blame. The best thing to do is, visit your doctor to check your hormone levels!

What Are Some Double Chin Treatment Options?

Sick of seeing that extra bit of fat every day? Let's look at some helpful tips for getting rid of a double chin.

Diet and Exercise

If you're carrying a little extra weight, the first line of double chin prevention includes diet and exercise. Losing weight all over will lead to a reduction of facial fat as well.

Double chins are notoriously difficult to lose, but you might see success with a diet. Aim to follow an anti-inflammatory or "Mediterranean diet." Doctors agree that this eating method is the best for maintaining a healthy weight.

Exercise is essential. Cardio, strength training, and aerobics are great for losing fat all over. But you can also try some special chin exercises to target the area. They work by strengthening the muscles and improving elasticity.

Beauty Products

Using products like lifting masks, collagen masks, and v-straps can help you see results. These beauty products are simple to use at home as often as you like. A cheaper, simpler alternative to surgical solutions for getting rid of a double chin.

The popular v-line shape masks are worn around the chin and aim to lift and firm. Another option is V-straps. They're used to compress the fat around the jaw in the hopes of creating that enviable v-shape, a smooth jawline with a softly pointed chin.

Medical Procedures

Procedures like cool sculpting and injections can improve the look of a double chin. They work by damaging the fat cells and allowing the body to absorb them. They're non-invasive and can be repeated to achieve the perfect look.

If your double chin is stubborn, you also have the option of plastic surgery. Although effective, it can be time-consuming, invasive, and expensive.

Say Bye-Bye to Your Double Chin!

A double chin can be annoying and unattractive. It might lead to negative self-talk and body image issues. But if you notice some extra fat or skin under your chin, it's okay.

The causes of a double chin can vary from weight gain to genetics. Treatment options should include diet, exercise, and beauty products. For very stubborn double chins, medical procedures are available.

Are you searching for a safe, inexpensive way to say goodbye to your double chin? Check out our range of products targeted to do just that!