Sagging Jowls

Sagging jowls is one of those signs of skin aging, that go unnoticed. It is basically drooping of the skin tissues near the neck and jawline. You cannot get rid of them in a single day since they also do not appear overnight! Doing some facial exercises can reduce the sag gradually. In case you have to clear the sag in a short span of time, a surgery could be an option.

What Causes Sagging Jowls
There are a lot of factors responsible for irregular skin replacing your strong and vernal jawlines. Some of them are listed below.

Aging
It is mostly the advancing age that is responsible for this condition. Muscles generally start losing their elasticity in the mid 30s but if regular exercises are done you can postpone the appearance of sag. It is seen more prominently in the early 50's.

Genetics
If you start getting this problem at an early age; possibly, the cause is genetic. If your elder family members have developed sagging jowls when they were pretty young, it is a hereditary factor. Doing some exercises might help prevent early aging.

Being Overweight
It is also your weight that matters a lot when it comes to saggy skin. More the weight, more are the chances of the skin tissues spreading out. So hit the gym and do some exercises before you start getting a sagging neck and jawline.

Exposure to the Sun
Heavy exposure to the sun can lead to skin damage. Also, the skin tissues might start drooping at a relatively early age. Use a sunblock and wear a scarf or hat whenever you are out in the late afternoons. Protect your skin from the sun's heat; this will help in reducing sagging.

Smoking
There are chances of getting sagging skin on the jowl if you smoke a lot. Smoking can lessen the flow of blood towards the skin. When the flow of vitamin A and other essential nutrients to the facial skin reduces, the process of aging speeds up. Hence avoid smoking to protect your skin from an early sag.

Sagging Jowls Treatment
Surgery is one of the methods of treatment for this problem and includes stiffening loosened muscles, fat and the other connective tissues surrounding the jaws and neckline. There are different ways of performing the surgery. But, unfortunately, undergoing surgery has its own side effects that are mostly experienced few years post surgery. There are certain facial exercises that can give you a lively look if done regularly. Also, certain neck exercises can help in lifting up your facial skin.

Facial Exercises
These can be performed when you are sitting in front of the monitor itself. Some of them are listed here:

• Lift your chin and turn your head towards the right until you feel a stretch, now gradually turn your neck towards the left and stay in that position for about 3-4 minutes. Repeat this at least 5 times a day, starting with 2 in the beginning.
• Turn your head towards the right, look up and move your lips up as if you are eating something. Relax and after a few minutes look down and repeat the same lip movement. Do this more than 15 times a day. It will help keep the skin tight.
• Turn your head towards the right, look up and move your lips such that the lower lip comes over the upper lip. Stay in this position for a few minutes and then relax. Now look down and move your lips in the same way. Do it at least 15 times a day.
• Move your neck; first left-right, then right-left. Repeat this at least 5 times a day.

Other Exercises
It would be best to consult a yoga teacher as these exercises need to be done under proper guidance.

• Take a deep breath and bend down to touch your toes with your hands, without bending the knees. Stay in this position till your head rests on the floor. Now breathe out, stand straight. Do 5 sets of this exercise; starting with 2 and increasing it to 5 gradually.
• Lie on your stomach with elbows at shoulder level, forearms stretched outwards, palms touching the floor, toes pointed and legs together. Now breathe in and lift yourself up, giving your back a curve. Look up and stay in this position for a few seconds. Breathe out and lie down in a relaxed position. Do 5 sets of the exercise.
• Sleep on your stomach with the forehead resting on the floor, hands along your sides and palms facing up. Take a deep breath and as you exhale, lift your body up, away from the floor with palms and toes touching the mat. Do not over stress your back or neck and stay in this position for about 20 seconds. Come back to the starting position and repeat it least 5 times.

Cream for Sagging Jowls
There are a lot of creams that are believed to be good in curing it. But none of the crams can remove all the excess sag from your face. But, you can try using a good sunblock or antioxidant creams. Use of peel offs or scrubs can also help postpone aging. Also, sleep for 7-8 hours everyday and drink a lot of water.

Hairstyles for Sagging Jowls
As said above, it is something that cannot be chucked overnight. Even the exercises take time to work. But till then, no need to worry, as cleverly styling your hair can help you hide sagging skin. Opt for a hairstyle that will keep one's attention towards your forehead instead of the jaw. This will make the sagging jowls less obvious. Going for fringes that can curl up on your forehead is also a good idea. A side-swept, blunt or straight fringe or any other hairstyle with bangs that suits you face structure can hide this problem to some extent. Also, fringes can conceal the rumpled look of your forehead. Choose a short haircut wherein your hair hangs will fall near the chin area. If you have long hair, tie it up in such a way that it enhances hair volume near the forehead area, giving you a younger look, while also hiding the sagging skin.

In my opinion, doing facial exercises can cure this condition. Also, the application of a cream that suits your skin can be of some help in removing the sag. Furthermore, till it is completely cured, opt for a suitable hairstyle that can cover the area and make you look young.