back

Caring for The Skin on Your Neck

Caring for The Skin on Your Neck

Turkey neck, crepey neck, neck bands or cords. Whatever you call it, signs of aging skin on your neck usually happen waaay sooner than on other areas on your face. Like the skin around your eyes, the dermis on your neck is thinner than most everywhere else. This means fine lines, laxity, and even discoloration and sunspots show up earlier. This area, which usually includes the chest too, and is sometimes referred to as the “décolletage” is just as susceptible to sun damage and yet we frequently forget to give it some love.

These 5 tips will help you care for the skin on your neck, and then some!

  1. Slather On the SPF

    New research shows that we are severely lacking in the sun care department. In one recent study, only 10% of American adults said they used sunscreen daily. Almost half said they never wore sunscreen at all! And when it comes to our necks, among those wearing sunscreen at least one day a week, more than nine in 10 (93%) apply it to their face first, but then only 74% make sure to slather the neck too. Yikes.

    Take note. Even if you’re not at the beach, cover up your neck and chest when you can. And, always protect the décolletage during sun exposure. Here are some great sunscreen tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Pro tip: Models and skincare gurus alike swear by a good, old fashioned scarf. Tie it on or keep it in your bag for easy, on-the-go protection from the elements.
  2. Use a “Plumping” Moisturizer

    There’s no need to buy something specifically made for neck (or chest) skin, but it’s a good idea to find a daily moisturizing cream that will firm and plump. In fact, it’s scientifically proven that if you treat this area, it will improve! You can use the same cream on your face; just rub it into your neck and chest too.

    Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and DMAE, both shown over short and long periods to dramatically improve crepey neck and firm sagging skin. AgelessRx’s DMAE Firming Gel combines both in one formula.

    If discoloration on your décolletage bothers you, look for a brightening serum with Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), proven to help smooth skin tone and even out pigmentation. Aloe Vera, found in many OTC lotions, has shown to be a good everyday moisturizer too.
  3. Consider IPL

    IPL stands for intense pulsed light. It’s a laser treatment that’s gaining traction as it treats multiple skin conditions. In fact, you may have first heard of it because it’s shown major scientific promise in the field of laser hair removal.

    And, yep, you guessed it, it’s great at amping up the collagen production in the neck and chest area and helping to smooth the appearance of sagging, aging skin.

    Most dermatologists recommend two treatments of IPL to start, spaced at one month apart for best results. Improvements in skin are usually seen quickly and are long lasting. IPL treatments, combined with good skin care practices, can target redness, uneven skin tone, sun-damage, wrinkles as well as stimulate collagen and elastin production. The treatment is pretty painless too. Most treatments require little to no downtime. Consult your dermatologist or doctor for more information.
  4. Exfoliate

    Whether you choose a chemical exfoliant or something mineral-based, include your neck and chest in on the fun! You should exfoliate one to two times a week depending on how sensitive your skin is. Bonus: When you exfoliate, your skin is better able to soak in all other skincare products like anti-aging serums and moisturizers. This leads to improved facial and décolletage radiance.

    So, while we’re on the subject, your anti-aging facial skincare routine should also apply to the soft areas under your chin and all the way down your neck and chest as well.
  5. Avoid “Tech Neck”

    Tech neck is a relatively new trend. We all love our phones and handheld devices, but over time, looking down at them can have some serious ramifications for the skin on the neck and around the chin.

    Whenever possible, look up. This can mean propping yourself up on pillows in bed when you read or just taking lots of breaks from screen to practice good posture. Here are some tips from the American Chiropractic Association, that we like.