People have been taking better care and are more focused of their facial skin but a face that looks youthful paired with a neck and chest that show the signs of sun damage and photo-aging can make people look unnatural and ‘done’. The truth is, one can always tell someone’s age, but looking at their neck and hands – two areas that are constantly exposed and often forgotten about. Discover the science behind how the neck ages and tips on how to reverse skin aging.
We sat down with Dr. G to get the 411 on how to properly care for our neck.
Why does the neck area age so quickly?
The neck skin is not attached to any bones, and therefore will be one of the first areas to display the pull of gravity. That also means that it is aging both vertically and horizontally causing sagging and lines all over. The neck is often forgotten when it comes time to protect the skin. The neck is exposed to elements such as sun and environmental pollutants.
What’s the look that every 40-something woman and over wants from her neck? The look of tight, taught, even toned and hydrated skin. No discoloration, dehydrated, crepey skin or horizontal bands.
Is there a celebrity poster women for a good chin and neck?
Jennifer Lopez
What can we do at home as part of a daily routine?
Start with exfoliation (I always recommend to my patients our Fresh A Peel as it exfoliates, brightens and hydrates in one) to rid the neck area of dead skin, dirt, debris and as a rule of thumb, try to remember to extend your facial treatments down through the neck and decollate area. Incorporate neck cream that contains anti-aging ingredients and was developed for the neck area. When choosing a neck cream look for peptides, hydrating lightweight oils (remember we don’t produce oil on the neck, so the skin often gets dehydrated quickly), and ingredients that offer brightening and DNA repair. Wearing an SPF on the neck and chest area is a must everyday. We also look down a lot (at our computers and phones), which causes more wrinkles. Try and place your computer higher up on your desk and hold your phone up when texting or reading. Always stand up straight as good posture can help prevent wrinkles.
Why is the skin there so very tricky?
The neck has no pores, hair follicles or sweat glands, therefore doesn’t produce oil like the face does, making it susceptible to dehydration. The skin of the neck and chest are is thinner tissue than the face and is damaged more easily. Many people ignore the neck forget that it is exposed to the elements. The sagging and crepiness is due to loss of collagen. Discoloration may be present due to sun damage or hormones and can range from speckled darkness to redness and uneven tone.
Is it better to use dedicated products or can you just use your face creams?
If it is better to use dedicated ones why please? Dedicated neck products are recommended. Do not use anti-aging face creams on the neck. The neck is more delicate than the face, has no pores and cannot absorb many of the ingredients in facial products. Always apply the cream in an upward motion. Never pull, tug or rub the neck skin.
Any tips such as for example wearing sun screen on your neck?
When protecting or restoring the neck, always extend your exfoliation treatment down to the neck and décolleté area. Incorporate a neck cream with ingredients that target discoloration, dehydration, tightness and cell turnover such as peptides, amino acids, oil of grapefruit and birds of paradise. Always wear an SPF or cover the neck area when outdoors as this will help to mitigate discoloration. No one is too young to start protecting the neck area!
