Ever noticed how our necks can sometimes betray our age, even when our faces don't? A UK study highlighted that nearly a fifth of women feel their necks start showing age around 40. Yet, a whopping 97% confessed they don't use specialised neck creams to combat wrinkles or sagging.

As we grow older, issues like crepey skin, reduced elasticity and pigmentation become more prominent. Here’s why, and how to slow down the process.

The lowdown on neck ageing

The skin on the neck is thinner than that on the face, which means loss of collagen and elastin can show up sooner.

The neck also has fewer sebaceous glands, which are responsible for oil production. Less oil can lead to dryness, which can make wrinkles and fine lines more apparent. Additionally, the neck muscles, known as the platysma, can separate over time, leading to sagging skin.

Combine that with constant exposure to environmental aggressors like UV rays, and it's tempting to hide behind turtlenecks forever. But chin up! With the right care, you can flaunt that décolletage with confidence.

7 expert tips for a youthful décolletage

1. Lean into antioxidants

Antioxidants play a pivotal role in skincare, combating free radicals that accelerate aging. Among these, edelweiss extract stands out. Native to the Swiss Alps, edelweiss is known for its potent antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Edelweiss extract also aids in collagen preservation, ensuring skin remains firm and youthful. For this reason, Boost Lab’s Neck Firming Serum has been appearing in a lot of editors’ beauty cabinets lately.  Not only does it support collagen production with its edelweiss extract content, but it also lifts and smooths crepey skin, tightens and firms with teff Seed extract, and even defends against future collagen breakdown. It's a secret weapon in the realm of neck care.

 

2. Avoid “tech neck”

In today's digital age, "tech neck" is a growing concern. Continuously looking down at smartphones and other devices can cause or exacerbate wrinkles on the neck.

To combat this, sit or stand with a good posture, with your device at eye level. Take regular breaks from screens to stretch and realign your neck.

3. Redirect your perfume

Cosmetic physician Dr Phoebe Jones warns against spraying perfume directly on the chest or neck. It can amplify sun damage. Apply to the pulse points of your wrists, instead.

4. Double up on hydration

Remember, your skincare shouldn't halt at your jawline; it should extend all the way down to your chest, especially since the neck and chest are prone to dryness. Try a ceramide-rich moisturiser or a specific neck skincare solution.

5. Exfoliate regularly

Just as your face benefits from regular exfoliation, so does your neck. Gentle exfoliation once a week can remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, making the skin appear brighter and more youthful.

6. Use sunscreen daily

This is non-negotiable. Your neck is often one of the most exposed areas of your skin outdoors, particularly if you like V-neck or open-neck tops.

Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr Adam Sheridan humorously notes that our bottoms often have smoother skin than our faces or necks, thanks to less UV exposure. The lesson? Shield your skin daily. And don’t skimp on application or you won’t get the level of protection you expect.

7. Try a treatment

The beauty realm is bursting with solutions tailored for this often-overlooked region. It's even possible to reverse existing damage.

For those seeking advanced solutions, treatments like radiofrequency skin tightening, ultrasound, and laser can rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen production and promoting new skin cell growth.

The bottom line? Your neck deserves love too. With the right care, you can ensure it looks as youthful and radiant as your face.

At Prevention, we only collaborate with trusted brands. To bring you this article we have partnered with Boost Lab.

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Tags:  anti-ageingbeautyneck skinwrinkles