In the customer service department, we often field the question: “Do you have a cream for neck wrinkles?” This is not surprising as the delicate neck area is often the first to show deeper signs of aging. The skin on our neck is thinner and has fewer oil glands, making it especially prone to wrinkles and sagging from UV exposure and aging. To make matters worse, skin care often focuses on the face and neglects anything below the chin. When was the last time you had a facial that also treated your neck and chest?
We always tell our customers that it isn’t necessary to have a separate anti-wrinkle cream for the neck, instead we recommend they apply their facial anti-aging products down to the neck and decolletage. Easy right? Neck wrinkles are generally tougher to treat, even with today’s advanced in-office procedures. So the key here is prevention. Your neck and chest deserve a lot of love and attention! Don’t let a crepey, sagging neck betray your age. In this article we’ve outlined four simple tips to help keep your neck looking youthful and radiant because in this case an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.
Perfect your Posture
This one is really great for overall health and wellbeing. Many studies have concluded that good posture can be linked to spinal health and alignment as well as playing a part in relieving chronic muscle and joint pain. What a bonus that it helps with neck wrinkles too! Be conscious about your posture and alignment. Try to keep a straight back and hold your head high at a 0 degree angle. Avoid being in a position that tips your chin towards your neck, such as hunching over a desk or a computer. Are you doing this right now? This holds true when you are sleeping. It is important to use a pillow that supports your neck and makes sure it stays “stretched out” overnight.
Extend Your Anti-Aging Products Down to Your Neck
Don’t forget to apply your skin care products all the way down to your neck and chest. The skin in this area tends to be drier, so it will benefit from some extra hydration. It will also benefit from the anti-aging ingredients that you use in your facial creams and serums. Look for anti-aging products that contain antioxidants, vitamins and/or peptides. You can try out our dermatologist developed 15-day sample kit to see if it's right for you here.
Regular Exfoliation
We all know how important it is to regularly exfoliate our face with an AHA or glycolic acid based product (like the Riversol Glycolic peel – just as a totally random suggestion). Exfoliation helps remove dead cells while tightening and brightening the skin. This is true regardless of the where you exfoliate whether neck or facial skin. If you use a physical defoliant, make sure that it doesn’t contain sharp, abrasive particles as this area is very delicate.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen!
Winter or summer, rain or shine, sunscreen should always be your skin’s best friend! Almost every article we have published extol the virtues of sunscreen and the importance of applying it to all exposed skin year-round. It is your number one tool to help prevent future neck wrinkles (not to mention fighting sun damage and skin cancer).