Jowls refer to sagging skin along the jawline, often caused by aging, loss of collagen, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors. As we age, our skin loses firmness and elasticity, leading to drooping and the appearance of jowls. Many people search for how to get rid of jowls, hoping to restore a defined, youthful jawline.
The good news is that there are many ways to reduce jowls, ranging from skincare routines and facial exercises to non-surgical and surgical treatments. Many people look for solutions to firm their jawline, whether through skincare, facial exercises, non-invasive treatments, or surgical procedures. The key is understanding what causes jowls and using targeted approaches to restore a youthful, sculpted appearance. In this guide, we’ll explore the best solutions to help you achieve a firmer, lifted look.
What Causes Jowls?
The skin is supported by collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep it firm and lifted. As we age, collagen production slows down, and external factors like sun exposure, poor diet, and smoking accelerate this process. The skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and starts to sag. Gravity pulls down weakened facial muscles, leading to jowls.
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Other contributing factors include weight fluctuations, dehydration, and prolonged screen time, which causes the infamous “tech neck” due to poor posture. Some people are genetically predisposed to developing jowls earlier in life, while others may notice them only after significant weight loss.
Regardless of the cause, there are multiple ways to tighten sagging skin and redefine the jawline.
Effective Skincare Routine to Reduce Jowls
A well-structured skincare routine can delay sagging and improve skin firmness by boosting collagen and hydration levels. Retinol (Vitamin A) is one of the best ingredients for tightening the skin, as it accelerates cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. Using peptides helps strengthen connective tissues, while hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration, keeping the skin plump and youthful.
A morning and evening skincare regimen can help reduce jowls over time.
- Cleansing: Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and pollutants. Harsh cleansers can strip the skin’s natural oils, making sagging more noticeable.
- Exfoliation: Use an AHA or BHA exfoliant (such as glycolic or salicylic acid) 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells and boost cell regeneration.
- Serum Application: Apply a firming serum with retinol, peptides, or vitamin C to strengthen skin elasticity.
- Moisturizing: Use a rich moisturizer with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and resilient.
- Sun Protection: Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, as UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown.
Consistency is key. While skincare won’t provide an instant lift, long-term use of these products can prevent and reduce jowls over time.
Facial Exercises for a Firmer Jawline
Just like body workouts tone muscles, facial exercises can strengthen and lift sagging skin around the jawline. Targeting the platysma and masseter muscles helps prevent jowls by keeping these muscles firm and engaged.
- The Chin Lift: Tilt your head back and push your lower jaw forward, feeling a stretch under your chin. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times daily.
- Jawline Clench: Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth while tilting your head back. Hold for 5 seconds, release, and repeat 15 times.
- The “O” Face: Open your mouth into an exaggerated “O” shape, keeping lips over your teeth. Hold for 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
- Cheek Lifts: Smile widely while placing fingers on your cheekbones. Gently lift the skin upward, holding for 10 seconds before releasing.
Doing these exercises daily for several weeks can improve muscle tone and reduce sagging along the jawline.
Non-Surgical Treatments to Get Rid of Jowls
For faster results, non-surgical skin-tightening treatments offer effective solutions. These treatments stimulate collagen production, tighten skin, and redefine facial contours without downtime.
One of the most popular options is radiofrequency (RF) therapy, which uses controlled heat to penetrate deep layers of the skin. The heat triggers collagen remodeling, making the skin firmer and reducing sagging. Treatments like Thermage and Morpheus8 offer long-lasting results, typically visible after a few sessions.
Another highly effective option is ultrasound therapy (Ultherapy). This treatment delivers focused ultrasound energy deep into the skin, stimulating collagen regeneration and lifting the jawline. Results continue to improve over several months as the skin tightens naturally.
For those with mild to moderate jowls, dermal fillers can restore lost volume and create a more defined jawline. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane add structure, while Radiesse and Sculptra stimulate collagen production for longer-lasting improvement.
Kybella injections are an option for those with excess fat under the chin contributing to jowls. This injectable dissolves fat cells permanently, creating a more contoured look. However, multiple sessions may be required for optimal results.
Non-invasive procedures are ideal for those who want visible improvement without surgery, but they require maintenance treatments every 6–12 months for long-term benefits.
Surgical Options for Severe Jowls
For those looking for dramatic and permanent results, surgical procedures like a lower facelift or neck lift effectively eliminate jowls. A facelift tightens the underlying muscles and removes excess skin, while a neck lift focuses on redefining the jawline and reducing sagging. These procedures are ideal for severe skin laxity that non-surgical treatments cannot correct.
Liposuction can also be performed to remove stubborn fat deposits along the jawline, making the face appear more sculpted. Some people opt for a mini facelift, which is less invasive and requires a shorter recovery time.
While surgery offers long-lasting results, it involves downtime, anesthesia, and potential risks. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best approach based on skin condition, age, and aesthetic goals.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Jowls
Prevention is always better than cure. Making small changes to daily habits can slow down skin aging and reduce the chances of developing jowls.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps skin plump and elastic. Dehydration accelerates wrinkle formation and skin sagging.
- Eat Collagen-Boosting Foods: Incorporate bone broth, salmon, eggs, leafy greens, and citrus fruits to support collagen production.
- Reduce Sugar and Processed Foods: Excess sugar damages collagen fibers, causing premature sagging. Stick to a whole-food, nutrient-rich diet.
- Sleep on Your Back: Sleeping on your side presses the skin against the pillow, leading to wrinkles and sagging over time.
- Use Good Posture: Looking down at screens for extended periods contributes to loose neck skin and jowls. Keep your chin lifted and shoulders back when using a phone or computer.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking damages collagen and elastin, making the skin sag faster. Avoiding smoking can prevent premature aging.
Getting rid of jowls requires a multi-faceted approach. A consistent skincare routine, facial exercises, and healthy lifestyle choices can prevent and reduce mild jowls. For those seeking faster results, non-surgical treatments like RF therapy, ultrasound, and fillers provide visible improvements. In cases of severe skin laxity, surgical procedures like facelifts and neck lifts offer long-term correction.
Regardless of the method you choose, the key to a firm, youthful jawline is early intervention and consistent care. Taking proactive steps today will help maintain tight, lifted skin for years to come.
Would you try facial exercises first, or are you considering a non-surgical treatment? Let us know in the comments!
