Jawline and neck exercises can genuinely strengthen the muscles in that area, which may create a slightly firmer appearance with months of consistent practice. What they can't do is remove fat under the chin or tighten loose skin caused by collagen loss — those are different mechanisms that exercise alone doesn't address. It's a reasonable, low-risk thing to try with realistic expectations, not a substitute for skincare or a cosmetic procedure if that's what you're actually looking for.
The jaw and neck are two of the most-searched areas in the face yoga world, and also two of the most misunderstood — because "muscle" and "skin" are doing very different jobs here, and only one of them responds to exercise.
What actually changes in the jaw and neck area after 40?
Two separate things happen, often at the same time. The platysma — a thin, sheet-like muscle running down the front of the neck — can lose tone with age and inactivity, contributing to a softer look. Separately, and often more visibly, declining collagen and elastin (covered in our skin changes guide) reduce skin's ability to snap back, which shows up as looseness that muscle tone alone can't fix.
Can exercise actually help here?
For the muscle component, yes — genuinely, if modestly. The same category of evidence covered in our face yoga guide applies here: consistent, targeted muscle engagement can improve tone in the area over months. What it can't do is address the skin-laxity half of the equation, which is a structural, not muscular, issue.
A simple starter routine
- Chin lifts: tilt your head back to look at the ceiling, purse your lips as if kissing upward, and hold for a few seconds. Repeat 10 times.
- Tongue press: press your tongue firmly against the roof of your mouth, tilt your chin slightly up, and hold — engages the neck muscles directly.
- Jaw resistance: place a hand under your chin, open your mouth slightly against gentle resistance from your hand, then close. A few sets of 10.
What about jaw exercise tools and gum chewing?
Both are popular, and both have thinner evidence than basic bodyweight exercises. Jaw exercise devices lack quality independent research, and some dentists have raised concerns about excessive jaw-clenching tools contributing to TMJ strain. Chewing gum works the jaw muscles too, but there's no solid research showing it changes jawline appearance, and it's been linked to jaw fatigue in frequent chewers. Neither is a reliable shortcut.
What's a realistic expectation here?
Modest muscle tone improvement over months of consistent practice — not a dramatically redefined jawline, and not a fix for loose skin. If skin laxity is the main concern rather than muscle tone, that's a conversation for a dermatologist about options with stronger evidence for that specific issue, rather than an exercise routine.
Frequently asked questions
Can neck exercises get rid of a double chin or loose neck skin?
They can strengthen underlying muscle for a slightly firmer look, but they don't remove fat or tighten loose skin — that's a separate issue driven by collagen loss.
How often should you do jawline and neck exercises?
Most programs suggest daily or near-daily practice, similar to face yoga research using a 20-week program. Consistency over months is what matters.
Are jawline exercise tools worth buying?
Limited independent research exists, and some dentists have raised TMJ strain concerns. Bodyweight exercises without added tools are the lower-risk starting point.
Does chewing gum help define your jawline?
A popular claim without strong evidence. Chewing works the jaw muscles, but there's no quality research linking it to visible jawline change, and it can cause jaw fatigue.
Sources
Chris S. — Founder & Writer
Chris is 46 and living the same chapter she writes about. She started The Well Chapter to turn solid sources into calm, practical guidance for women navigating the changes that come after 40 — without hype, fear, or miracle promises.