Fastest Way to Tighten Sagging Jowls & Turkey Neck
Dr. Eric Berg DCPublished on April 11, 2026
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
Aging faces can benefit from specific exercises targeting the platysma and jaw muscles. These exercises, combined with an active lifestyle to manage stress, can rejuvenate your facial appearance effectively.
Key Points
- Facial aging is influenced by cortisol and emotional stress.
- The platysma muscle is crucial for maintaining a youthful appearance.
- Two effective exercises can strengthen facial muscles and combat sagging.
- Incorporating physical activity helps manage cortisol levels.
- Soft diets weaken jaw muscles, necessitating targeted exercises.
Revitalize Your Face: Effective Exercises to Combat Aging
If you've noticed your face starting to droop, especially in the lower part, you're not alone. Aging can take a toll on our facial structure, and many people seek solutions through expensive creams and serums that often fail to deliver results. In this post, we will explore two simple yet effective exercises that can help rejuvenate your face, targeting the underlying muscle and connective tissue.
Understanding Facial Aging
As we age, our faces often show the first signs of aging due to various factors. One significant contributor is cortisol, a stress hormone that can lead to what is commonly referred to as "cortisol face," characterized by a sagging appearance and fat accumulation in the face. This deterioration is not solely due to weight gain but is often exacerbated by stress and emotional turmoil.
The facial muscles, particularly the platysma, play a crucial role in how our face appears. The platysma extends from the collarbone to the jawline and is primarily made up of fast-twitch fibers designed for quick movements rather than sustained stretches. As we age, if this muscle becomes loose, it can contribute to a turkey neck appearance.
Combatting Aging with Exercise
Instead of traditional stretches, the focus should be on strengthening the muscles through specific exercises. Additionally, maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for managing cortisol levels, which can significantly impact your facial appearance.
Exercise 1: Targeting the Platysma
This exercise is designed to tighten the platysma muscle. While it may feel a bit cringey, it's incredibly effective. Here’s how to perform it:
- Find a comfortable space, preferably away from public view.
- Perform 10-15 quick impulses with a rest in between.
- Repeat for three sets, several times a week.
You should feel your muscles tire and become sore, indicating that the exercise is working!
Exercise 2: Strengthening the Jaw Muscles
Our modern diets often consist of softer foods, which do not engage our jaw muscles adequately. This exercise helps activate those muscles:
- Hold your chin with one hand.
- Open your mouth against resistance.
- Do 10 reps, three times, spaced out by 30 seconds, a few times a week.
Exercise 3: Jutting the Lower Jaw
This exercise works on different muscles that pull the lower jaw forward:
- Stand sideways to a mirror.
- Jut your lower jaw forward while keeping your upper jaw still.
- Perform 10 reps, three times, with a 30-second break in between.
Conclusion
Facial aging can often seem inevitable, but with the right exercises targeting the muscles and connective tissue, you can significantly improve your facial appearance. Incorporating these exercises into your routine will not only help you achieve a more youthful look but also strengthen the underlying structures of your face.
Be sure to return after a week or two and share your results! And don’t forget to check out our other informative videos, including tips on how to get rid of cellulite.