The skin directly beneath the chin is an area many people notice, as its appearance can shift due to various influences. This article explores common descriptions for this skin, the underlying reasons for its changing appearance, and general approaches to address these visible shifts.
Common Names for Submental Skin
While no single formal medical term is commonly used for the skin under the chin, several descriptive phrases are widely understood. The most common is “double chin,” which refers to the presence of excess fat and sometimes loose skin that creates an additional fold or fullness beneath the jawline.
Another descriptive phrase, particularly when the skin shows more laxity, is “turkey neck.” This colloquialism refers to the loose, sagging skin that can resemble the wattle of a turkey. The term “wattle” can also describe this characteristic. Anatomically, the area directly beneath the chin and extending down the neck is known as the submental region.
Factors Contributing to Its Appearance
The appearance of the skin under the chin can be influenced by several interconnected factors. One significant contributor is the natural aging process, which leads to a gradual reduction in the skin’s structural proteins, collagen and elastin, which maintain firmness and elasticity. This decrease results in the skin becoming thinner and less resilient, making it more prone to sagging.
In addition to skin changes, the platysma muscle, a broad, sheet-like muscle located just beneath the skin of the neck and chin, also contributes to visible changes. As people age, this muscle can weaken or separate, leading to the formation of vertical bands or a looser appearance in the neck and submental area.
An individual’s genetic makeup also plays a role in how fat is distributed throughout the body, including the submental region. Some people are predisposed to accumulate fat cells specifically under the chin, even if they maintain a healthy weight.
Weight fluctuations can also affect the appearance of the skin under the chin. Gaining weight often leads to the accumulation of fat in the submental area, which can increase its fullness. Conversely, significant weight loss can sometimes leave behind excess, loose skin. Prolonged poor posture, such as frequently looking down at electronic devices (sometimes called “tech neck”), can contribute to the weakening of neck muscles and the development of horizontal neck lines, impacting the submental area over time.
Approaches to Managing Its Appearance
Various approaches can manage the appearance of the skin under the chin, ranging from lifestyle adjustments to professional interventions. When excess fat is a contributing factor, maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity can help reduce submental fat deposits. Improving posture by keeping the head aligned with the spine and avoiding prolonged downward gazes can also support the muscles and skin in the neck and chin area.
Some people explore facial exercises or massages, though scientific evidence supporting their ability to significantly alter the appearance of submental skin or fat is limited. These practices are generally considered supplementary rather than primary solutions.
Topical skincare products can offer supportive benefits, particularly those formulated with ingredients aimed at improving skin elasticity. Ingredients such as retinoids and peptides may help improve the skin’s texture and firmness over time. These products work on the superficial layers of the skin, offering subtle improvements rather than dramatic changes to significant laxity or fat deposits.
For more noticeable changes, several professional options exist, generally involving medical procedures. These can include minimally invasive treatments like injectables designed to reduce fat cells or tighten skin, or more involved procedures such as submental liposuction. Surgical options, like a neck lift, can address significant skin laxity and muscle banding. These professional interventions are typically reserved for individuals seeking more pronounced or lasting results.