Are you starting to notice sagging skin around your jawline even though you’re only in your 20s? Don’t panic, you’re not alone!
The appearance of jowls at such a young age can definitely feel a little concerning…
Jowls are typically associated with aging, but they can start to develop earlier due to a few different factors.
In this article, we’ll dive into what causes jowls in your 20s, how you can prevent them, and what to do if you already have them.
What Causes Sagging Jowls in Your 20s: Top Reasons
#1: Genetics
Genetics can play a significant role in the development of jowls. If your parents or grandparents had early sagging skin, you might be predisposed to it as well.
That’s because genetic factors are an important part of determining our skin elasticity and collagen production, which are crucial in maintaining firm skin.
Unfortunately, we can’t change our genes, but understanding their impact helps us take preventative measures early on.
#2: Excessive Sun Exposure
Getting too much sun exposure on a consistent basis exposes you to UV rays that can rev up the aging process early on by damaging the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin - a key contributor to premature sagging.
This can result in reduced skin elasticity and the early appearance of jowls. Therefore, always wear sunscreen to help reduce the risk of UV damage.
#3: Rapid Weight Loss
Losing a significant amount of weight very quickly can often result in excess skin that sags around your jawline.
Sometimes that skin doesn’t always shrink back to how tight it was before, leading to jowls.
In this case, maintaining a steady, healthy rate of weight loss is a way to give your skin a better chance to adapt to your changing body and stay firm.
#4: Smoking
Smoking isn’t just bad for your heart and lungs, it can also significantly impact your appearance as well. Smoking regularly has been linked to premature wrinkles, as well as an increased risk of sagging skin around your jawline which can lead to jowls, even at an early age.
#4: Poor Posture
Our modern lifestyles can take a toll on our rate of aging as well. Constantly looking down at your phone or computer is another factor that can contribute to more sagging skin around your neck and jawline.
This poor posture can put pressure on your connective tissues, causing them to stretch and sag over time. Practicing good posture and taking breaks to stretch might help to prevent this issue and improve your overall health too.
#5: Inadequate Skincare
As we enter our 20s, our collagen production starts to decline, meaning our skin needs a little extra love.
In this case, neglecting your skincare routine might accelerate the appearance of jowls.
Therefore, using products that promote collagen and elastin production is essential for maintaining skin elasticity.
Try incorporating a quality skincare regimen with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and peptides.
Learn more about interventions to improve your facial aesthetics and reduce jowls in our article on why you don’t have a jawline.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Jowls When You’re Young
#1: Use Sunscreen Daily
Protecting your skin from UV damage is crucial in preventing premature aging and jowls. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days, to protect your collagen and elastin fibers from breaking down.
#2: Maintain Good Posture
Practicing good posture, especially in this digital age, can help prevent the early formation of jowls. Keep your head aligned with your spine, take frequent breaks, and do neck exercises to strengthen the muscles and connective tissues.
#3: Adopt a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can provide amazing building blocks that support skin health.
For example, foods high in vitamins C and E, such as citrus fruits, nuts, and leafy greens, can help you to boost collagen production and maintain skin elasticity.
#4: Stay Hydrated
Keeping your skin hydrated is vital for its elasticity. Drink plenty of water throughout the day (8-10 glasses, this can also include herbal teas) and use moisturizers that lock in your skin’s natural hydration.
#5: Try Facial Exercises
Certain facial exercises might help to tone the muscles around your jawline and neck, reducing the risk of jowls.
You can try a few simple exercises like chin tucks, neck rolls, and jaw clenching daily to strengthen these areas.
You can also chew hard gum to exercise and tighten the muscles around your jaw. Here’s how you can choose the best chewing gum for jawline definition.
Mouth taping while you sleep might also help by promoting proper tongue positioning and jaw alignment.
Try Dream Recovery Mouth Tape Now.
What If I Already Have Jowls? How To Fix Jowls
#1: Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, can be injected into your face by a professional to help lift and tighten the skin around your jawline. These types of fillers provide volume and support to sagging areas, which might make your skin appear firmer and more youthful.
#2: Skin Tightening Treatments
Non-surgical treatments are available like radiofrequency and ultrasound therapy, which can help to stimulate your body’s own natural collagen production and tighten sagging skin. These treatments might lead to some reduction in the appearance of jowls without invasive procedures.
Discover more of the best non-surgical facelift options for jowls.
#3: Skincare Products
Using skincare products that boost collagen and elastin can improve skin elasticity. Look for serums and creams with retinoids, peptides, and growth factors to support skin firmness and reduce sagging.
Better yet, make an appointment with a dermatologist to get excerpt recommendations for your unique concerns and skin type.
#4: Facial Exercises
Regularly performing facial exercises can strengthen the muscles around your jawline and neck, reducing the appearance of jowls. Consistency is key to seeing results with these exercises.
Learn more here about how to tighten your jawline naturally with facial exercises.
#5: Maintain a Healthy Weight
Jowls can be a result of both weight gain and excessive weight loss. Therefore, you’re likely to see improvements in your jowls by focusing on maintaining a healthy, stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
FAQs
At what age do jowls appear?
Jowls usually appear around our late 30s to early 40s. However, it’s not uncommon for jowls to start developing as early as our late teens or 20s.
Who is prone to jowls?
You’ll likely be more prone to jowls if your parents have them, you’ve recently gained or lost a lot of weight, you spend a lot of time in the sun, or you’re a smoker.
Will losing weight reduce jowls?
Yes, losing weight may reduce your jowls if they are caused by excessive weight gain. However, rapid weight loss can also contribute to the development of jowls due to excess skin that doesn’t shrink back. Losing weight slowly and steadily can help you to avoid this problem.
Will taking collagen improve skin elasticity?
Yes, taking collagen has been shown to improve skin elasticity. Research shows that taking 1-12 grams of collagen internally per day for 4-12 weeks led to significant improvements in skin elasticity, moisture, and hydration.
Final Thoughts
Noticing the early signs of jowls in your 20s can be concerning, but the right preventative measures and interventions can help you maintain a more youthful appearance.
From protecting your skin against sun damage to practicing good skincare and mouth taping, adopting healthy habits early on is key.
If you are already experiencing sagging and you’re panicking, don’t worry! There are effective treatments available, such as facial exercises, dermal fillers, and skin-tightening therapies, that can help to restore your confidence.
Try Dream Recovery Mouth Tape for a more youthful appearance.