We all know how the color black, stripes and checks camouflage body fat. But that bulge under your chin cannot be hidden. Fat anywhere else on the body can be hidden by clothes, but there is no escaping the obviousness of a double chin.
A double chin often causes embarrassment and distress, and can be mostly attributed to weight gain. Fat is often stored under the skin if you are overweight. Other reasons could be ‘age’, which causes skin sagging, a sedentary life style that encourages obesity and a lax muscle tone, or genetic factors. The genetic make-up of a person can also be responsible for the double chin.
A double chin occurs when a sub-cutaneous layer of fat around the neck sags and causes the skin to wrinkle. Many families suffer from it due to hereditary reasons. Some families naturally retain water in the chin area and others naturally store excess fat. Age is also a reason. As a person ages, muscle is lost. So the muscles around the chin weaken and become loose.
Many people resort to surgery to get rid of the double chin, but it can also be reduced and eradicated by following a healthy low-fat diet and regular exercise.
All said and done, obesity is a major cause and is a sign that you should change your diet. This is how you can get rid of that double chin by following a healthy diet.
DIET :
If fat gives you a double chin, a change of diet will be of great help. The foods that are major contributors of fat are those high in saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, cholesterol and sugar. Saturated fat raises cholesterol levels, blocks your arteries and causes fat deposition over the body. It is found in meat including beef, lamb, pork and dairy products like cheese and butter. No more than 10% of your diet should come from saturated fat. Necessary fatty acids can be procured from foods high in mono un-saturated fatty acids like fish, nuts and olive oil. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread turn into sugar in the blood stream. So, go for whole grains, lots of vegetables and fruits.
The Double Chin can also be reduced with regular facial exercises. These exercises will help tremendously in losing that extra flab below the chin. Some of them are mentioned below:
Warm-Up exercises :
· Look straight and then move your chin to the right. Then slowly move it back to the centre. Then move it from the centre to the left and then back to the centre. Repeat this 10 times.
· Next, take your chin to the right then back to the centre and then to the left in a semi-circular fashion. Repeat it a few times.
· Next, move your chin upwards and bend your neck behind as far as possible. Keep it there as long as you can. You will be able to feel the stretch of your vocal cords. Hold the position. Then open your mouth and then close it. Repeat it 10 times. Then gently bring down your chin.
· Then take your chin to the right and raise it upwards. Jut your chin out. Open your mouth and then close it and hold it there. Repeat it a few times. Bring your chin to the centre and relax.
· Now, take your chin to the left and raise upwards. Jut out your chin again. Open and close your mouth and hold it there. Repeat the exercise. Do this everyday.
· Sit straight with your back firm and erect. Strain your neck to the right as much as possible and hold it there for 15 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
· Another effective exercise is to open your mouth as wide as possible and stick out your tongue as far as you can. Hold for 10 counts and repeat it 10 times. You will feel the immediate tightening of your chin and neck muscles.
· Stand with your neck erect and tighten the tendons (a fibrous tissue which connects the muscle to a bone) in your jaw by pulling your lips over your teeth and turning the corners of your mouth downwards as if you are frowning. Hold for 10 seconds then relax. Repeat it a few times.
· You can also use a tennis ball for the exercise. Place it against your neck and hold it with your chin. Press your chin against the ball tightly, then slightly release. Repeat it 10 times.
There are other ways to reduce the double chin which are equally helpful.
· Chew Gum:
Chewing gum is like a spot exercise for the double chin that is easy and very convenient to do. It will keep your face and chin muscles toned. The muscles that chew are also the muscles that comprise the double chin. You can chew gum for hours at a time mindlessly and soon enough you will notice the effect on your double chin.
Chewing gum activates your digestive system and contributes to healthier teeth and gums.
Chew on sugarless gum so that you can avoid tooth decay and further weight gain.
· Glycerein Mask:
Most anti ageing skin products contain glycerein for a reason. Glycerein firms up the skin. It is very effective in treating the double chin. Below are a few steps which can help you make your own glycerein mask.
· Mix 1 tablespoon of glycerein, a half tablespoon of Epsom salt and several drops of peppermint oil.
· Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and wipe it on your chin and neck area.
· Let it stay for 5-10 minutes and then rinse it with cold water.
· Wear a glycerein mask up to 5 times a week to get quick results.
· Egg it:
Similar to glycerein, applying egg whites to the skin firms up the area. In addition the proteins in the egg nourish the skin and contribute to its health.
· For a do-it-yourself egg mask separate the egg whites from two eggs. Mix the egg whites with a tablespoon of regular milk, a tablespoon of lemon juice, a tablespoon of honey and several drops of peppermint essential oil.
· Use a mixer if needed so that it is mixed thoroughly. Apply the mask with your fingers on the skin and neck area. Let the mask dry on your skin for 30 minutes.
· Rinse the mask off with cold water so that it doesn’t cook on your face.
· A daily application of the mask can rapidly decrease your double chin.
· Melon Juice:
Melting the double chin with melon is also a great option. Any type of melon has positive properties that tone and refresh the skin. Its high water content helps flush out the toxins in the body and aids in weight loss because it makes you feel full sooner. For a melon juice mask:
· Extract fresh melon juice with a juicer and apply it to your chin and neck area with a cotton ball. You can mix apple juice with the melon juice as well.
· Leave the Juice on for 20 minutes and then wash it off.
Apart from these remedies which require time and patience, there are a few things that you can do in the meanwhile to camouflage the double chin.
Use makeup strategically to cover it up:
Try to make your jaw line more prominent than your neck by using a compact which is a shade darker than your skin tone. Blend the powder from ear to ear and into the neck area. Draw attention away from the neck area by using a colourful blush and interesting eye makeup.
· Wear an eye liner and a mascara as they make the eyes look larger and takes the focus away from the chin.
· Minimize attention to your lower face by wearing neutral lipstick shades.
If you cant get it right by yourself, see a makeup artist to help you with the right application.
Change your hairstyle: Don’t have a haircut that rests right at the level of the chin or very long hair as both the styles will draw attention to your chin. A medium cut that rests just below the chin is about as good as it gets. Here are a few other options:
· Go for a long bob. This classic cut looks great on people with larger chins. It should stop an inch or two below the chin line.
· Get an angled hair cut. Longer hair in the front and shorter hair at the back. The long hair in the front reduces the size and draws less attention to the chin.
· You can also try layered waves. A full hairstyle balances the face and draws attention away from the chin.
Grow a beard:
If you’re a guy, growing a beard looks like the smart thing to do. The right amount of facial hair can work wonders to make your chin look smaller. Grow your beard all the way to the neck and keep it groomed neatly, but allow it to be thick. This will even things out in your chin and neck area.
Don’t wear choker necklaces:
They are normally tight on the neck which lays emphasis on the double chin.
Dress intelligently:
Wear broad, open necklines to draw attention away from your chin. Avoid high-necked shirts and blouses, including turtle necks and tops with fancy detailing.
Check your Posture:
If you slump, you will be creating unnecessary lumps and bumps on your body, including around your chin area because the fat looks for not-so-firm areas to settle in. Stand up tall, hold your head high, shoulders back and straighten the spine.
Having said all this, there is no greater satisfaction than appreciating yourself. The way you dress, the way you communicate with others, the way you carry yourself is far more important than the appearance of a double chin. Appreciate yourself.
Be-YOU-tiful !!!
A double chin occurs when a sub-cutaneous layer of fat around the neck sags and causes the skin to wrinkle. Many families suffer from it due to hereditary reasons. Some families naturally retain water in the chin area and others naturally store excess fat. Age is also a reason. As a person ages, muscle is lost. So the muscles around the chin weaken and become loose.
Many people resort to surgery to get rid of the double chin, but it can also be reduced and eradicated by following a healthy low-fat diet and regular exercise.
All said and done, obesity is a major cause and is a sign that you should change your diet. This is how you can get rid of that double chin by following a healthy diet.
DIET :
If fat gives you a double chin, a change of diet will be of great help. The foods that are major contributors of fat are those high in saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, cholesterol and sugar. Saturated fat raises cholesterol levels, blocks your arteries and causes fat deposition over the body. It is found in meat including beef, lamb, pork and dairy products like cheese and butter. No more than 10% of your diet should come from saturated fat. Necessary fatty acids can be procured from foods high in mono un-saturated fatty acids like fish, nuts and olive oil. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread turn into sugar in the blood stream. So, go for whole grains, lots of vegetables and fruits.
The Double Chin can also be reduced with regular facial exercises. These exercises will help tremendously in losing that extra flab below the chin. Some of them are mentioned below:
Warm-Up exercises :
· Look straight and then move your chin to the right. Then slowly move it back to the centre. Then move it from the centre to the left and then back to the centre. Repeat this 10 times.
· Next, take your chin to the right then back to the centre and then to the left in a semi-circular fashion. Repeat it a few times.
· Next, move your chin upwards and bend your neck behind as far as possible. Keep it there as long as you can. You will be able to feel the stretch of your vocal cords. Hold the position. Then open your mouth and then close it. Repeat it 10 times. Then gently bring down your chin.
· Then take your chin to the right and raise it upwards. Jut your chin out. Open your mouth and then close it and hold it there. Repeat it a few times. Bring your chin to the centre and relax.
· Now, take your chin to the left and raise upwards. Jut out your chin again. Open and close your mouth and hold it there. Repeat the exercise. Do this everyday.
· Sit straight with your back firm and erect. Strain your neck to the right as much as possible and hold it there for 15 seconds. Do the same for the left side.
· Another effective exercise is to open your mouth as wide as possible and stick out your tongue as far as you can. Hold for 10 counts and repeat it 10 times. You will feel the immediate tightening of your chin and neck muscles.
· Stand with your neck erect and tighten the tendons (a fibrous tissue which connects the muscle to a bone) in your jaw by pulling your lips over your teeth and turning the corners of your mouth downwards as if you are frowning. Hold for 10 seconds then relax. Repeat it a few times.
· You can also use a tennis ball for the exercise. Place it against your neck and hold it with your chin. Press your chin against the ball tightly, then slightly release. Repeat it 10 times.
There are other ways to reduce the double chin which are equally helpful.
· Chew Gum:
Chewing gum is like a spot exercise for the double chin that is easy and very convenient to do. It will keep your face and chin muscles toned. The muscles that chew are also the muscles that comprise the double chin. You can chew gum for hours at a time mindlessly and soon enough you will notice the effect on your double chin.
Chewing gum activates your digestive system and contributes to healthier teeth and gums.
Chew on sugarless gum so that you can avoid tooth decay and further weight gain.
· Glycerein Mask:
Most anti ageing skin products contain glycerein for a reason. Glycerein firms up the skin. It is very effective in treating the double chin. Below are a few steps which can help you make your own glycerein mask.
· Mix 1 tablespoon of glycerein, a half tablespoon of Epsom salt and several drops of peppermint oil.
· Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and wipe it on your chin and neck area.
· Let it stay for 5-10 minutes and then rinse it with cold water.
· Wear a glycerein mask up to 5 times a week to get quick results.
· Egg it:
Similar to glycerein, applying egg whites to the skin firms up the area. In addition the proteins in the egg nourish the skin and contribute to its health.
· For a do-it-yourself egg mask separate the egg whites from two eggs. Mix the egg whites with a tablespoon of regular milk, a tablespoon of lemon juice, a tablespoon of honey and several drops of peppermint essential oil.
· Use a mixer if needed so that it is mixed thoroughly. Apply the mask with your fingers on the skin and neck area. Let the mask dry on your skin for 30 minutes.
· Rinse the mask off with cold water so that it doesn’t cook on your face.
· A daily application of the mask can rapidly decrease your double chin.
· Melon Juice:
Melting the double chin with melon is also a great option. Any type of melon has positive properties that tone and refresh the skin. Its high water content helps flush out the toxins in the body and aids in weight loss because it makes you feel full sooner. For a melon juice mask:
· Extract fresh melon juice with a juicer and apply it to your chin and neck area with a cotton ball. You can mix apple juice with the melon juice as well.
· Leave the Juice on for 20 minutes and then wash it off.
Apart from these remedies which require time and patience, there are a few things that you can do in the meanwhile to camouflage the double chin.
Use makeup strategically to cover it up:
Try to make your jaw line more prominent than your neck by using a compact which is a shade darker than your skin tone. Blend the powder from ear to ear and into the neck area. Draw attention away from the neck area by using a colourful blush and interesting eye makeup.
· Wear an eye liner and a mascara as they make the eyes look larger and takes the focus away from the chin.
· Minimize attention to your lower face by wearing neutral lipstick shades.
If you cant get it right by yourself, see a makeup artist to help you with the right application.
Change your hairstyle: Don’t have a haircut that rests right at the level of the chin or very long hair as both the styles will draw attention to your chin. A medium cut that rests just below the chin is about as good as it gets. Here are a few other options:
· Go for a long bob. This classic cut looks great on people with larger chins. It should stop an inch or two below the chin line.
· Get an angled hair cut. Longer hair in the front and shorter hair at the back. The long hair in the front reduces the size and draws less attention to the chin.
· You can also try layered waves. A full hairstyle balances the face and draws attention away from the chin.
Grow a beard:
If you’re a guy, growing a beard looks like the smart thing to do. The right amount of facial hair can work wonders to make your chin look smaller. Grow your beard all the way to the neck and keep it groomed neatly, but allow it to be thick. This will even things out in your chin and neck area.
Don’t wear choker necklaces:
They are normally tight on the neck which lays emphasis on the double chin.
Dress intelligently:
Wear broad, open necklines to draw attention away from your chin. Avoid high-necked shirts and blouses, including turtle necks and tops with fancy detailing.
Check your Posture:
If you slump, you will be creating unnecessary lumps and bumps on your body, including around your chin area because the fat looks for not-so-firm areas to settle in. Stand up tall, hold your head high, shoulders back and straighten the spine.
Having said all this, there is no greater satisfaction than appreciating yourself. The way you dress, the way you communicate with others, the way you carry yourself is far more important than the appearance of a double chin. Appreciate yourself.
Be-YOU-tiful !!!
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