What it is
Descended soft tissue along the jaw, typically at the corners of the mouth and toward the chin, creating an interruption in the jawline's contour.
Common causes
- Age-related loss of collagen, elastin and ligamentous support
- Mid-face volume loss, which removes support from above
- Significant weight loss
- Sun damage along the lower face and neck
- Genetics and baseline skin thickness
The weight-loss relationship
Weight loss can produce a sharper jaw in profile and softer jowling at the corners simultaneously — reduced submental fat improves definition while reduced mid-face support allows descent.
Approaches
- Retinoids and daily sunscreen for skin quality along the jaw and neck over months.
- Include the neck in every step of your routine.
- Strength and posture work, which change how the lower face and neck present.
- Energy-based or surgical options, assessed by a qualified provider, for structural change.
- Skip facial exercises marketed as lifting — they don't reposition tissue.
Relevant ingredients
Retinoids, sunscreen, peptides and barrier moisturisers all support the skin. None reposition tissue, and the marketing that implies otherwise is the main thing to be sceptical of in this category.
