Two main muscles make up your neck—the sternocleidomastoid and the platysma. Together, these muscles flex, rotate and move your neck. If they are weak or soft, the skin on the neck is often saggy. Facial exercises tone both of these muscles to reduce sagging skin, jowls or a double chin.
Neck
This exercise helps to tighten the neck and reduce sagging skin. Sit or stand up straight and look straight ahead. Put your index finger and thumb on either side of your throat. Lift your chin up and gently pull the skin down. Repeat 10 times.
Tongue
This exercise uses the movement of your tongue to work your neck muscles. Close your mouth and press the tip of your tongue against your bottom teeth. Over the count of 10, press harder and harder. When you reach 10, pause and hold the pressure, counting to six. Slowly release and simultaneously press two fingers into the hollow of your neck.
Platysma Exercise
The platysma is the muscle located at the front of the neck. Aging, genetics and excess weight can soften this muscle, resulting in loose skin on the neck. This exercise helps tighten and tone the platysma muscle. Sit or stand up straight and tilt your chin up to the ceiling. Simultaneously, press your tongue into the roof of your mouth, tightening the muscles along the front of your neck. Slowly bring your chin down to your neck, keeping your tongue pressed into the roof of your mouth. You should feel the platysma muscle tensing as you move your head up and down.
Sternocleidomastoid Stretch
Look straight ahead of you and rotate your head to the right, so your eyes are looking over your right shoulder. Keep your shoulders down throughout the move. Relax and perform on the left side. Next, rotate your head forward, tilting your chin down to your chest. Relax and tilt your chin up to the ceiling.
Front of Neck
This exercise tightens and tones the platysma muscle. Lie faceup on your bed with your head hanging on the edge and your neck just at the edge. Slowly lift your head toward your chest, using the muscles at the front of your neck to lift your head. Hold for 10 seconds.
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