It may come as a surprise to some that neck wrinkles can appear before face wrinkles. “The neck tends to age faster than our face because it is thinner; therefore, natural loss of collagen and elastin in the skin can lead to sagging, loose skin (laxity), and wrinkle formation more readily,” explains Dr Caroline Robinson, who also cites constant neck motion, looking down at tech devices frequently, or inadequate protection from external stressors as potential causes. Though neck wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process, skin experts say there are ways to treat and stave off their appearance.
Meet the experts
- Dr Marisa Garshick is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
- Dr Joyce Park is a board-certified and founding dermatologist at virtual clinic Skin Refinery and content creator at TeawithMD.
- Dr Caroline Robinson is a Chicago-based board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology.
- Dr Ira Savetsky is a New York City-based and board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon.
“The best way to prevent neck wrinkles is a good daily skin care regimen, including sunscreen of at least 30 SPF, hydration, a healthy balanced diet, and avoidance of Instagram (just kidding), or at least elevating your smartphone so you are not constantly bending your neck,” advises Dr Savetsky, who notes that our reliance on technology and no dedicated neck beauty regimen means this area might see wrinkles faster than the rest of the body.
Generally speaking, you should extend your facial treatments to your neck. “The principles of treatment for the neck and décolletage are the same as they are for the face, in that the goals are to protect, prevent, repair, and restore,” says Dr Garshick. “This means at the very least incorporating a moisturiser and a sunscreen for your neck as well, and consideration of other ingredients like antioxidants, retinols, peptides, and growth factors.” However, Dr Park emphasises an important caveat: “The neck skin is particularly sensitive, so I would not use harsh acids like AHAs or even a strong retinoid on the neck without testing it out first.”
Aside from your daily skin care routine, there are a handful of products and treatments committed to the needs of the skin along the neck. Because of its complex ageing process that encompasses texture changes, loose skin and uneven skin tone, Dr Robinson recommends her patients use multiple modalities to treat it. In-office treatments are a great starting point: microneedling to stimulate collagen, laser and chemical peels for evening tone, as well as Botox and fillers to address horizontal lines. Read on to discover the at-home treatments that can work wonders simultaneously.
Beauty devices to treat neck wrinkles
Look to beauty devices as a means to supplement in-office treatments and promote healthier skin with consistent use. Dr Garshick explains that, because the skin on the neck is delicate and prone to irritation, sensitivity, and scarring, it’s better to use devices with caution and minimal pressure. Here are the gadgets our experts recommend.
Why it works
“This can be a great option for the neck as it combines microcurrent, LED [light therapy], massage, and therapeutic warmth to help tighten and lift the skin while also being easy to manoeuvre [through] the different contours of the face and neck,” Dr Garshick says.
More to know
Its multipurpose benefits and ease of use are what caught the attention of Vogue editors. In our trials, we saw smooth, firm, glowing skin after completing the treatment.
Why it works
According to Dr Savetsky, the Joanna Czech Facial Massager “helps improve circulation, which increases the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to the skin.”
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In as little as seven minutes per day, this promises an overall lifting effect and a more radiant complexion.
Why it works
“Lyma Laser uses near infrared laser light technology that reaches the deep level of the skin, causing a change at the cellular level to increase production of collagen and elastin,” Dr Savetsky says.
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Surely one of the most sophisticated LED light therapy devices on the market, this powerful FDA-cleared gadget targets wrinkles, skin elasticity, skin texture, and tone.
Why it works
For a targeted light therapy treatment to the neck and décolletage, look at CurrentBody’s hands-free collar.
More to know
In a ten-minute treatment (three to five times per week), the device delivers red and near infrared-light energy to combat wrinkles and fine lines.
Why it works
“The NuFace Trinity Toning device can also be considered as it delivers a small electrical current which helps to boost collagen production,” Dr Garshick notes. “This may help to tighten and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
More to know
The microcurrent device is known to expertly lift and firm the skin; especially in its recently launched upgraded model, here, which boasts enhanced toning capabilities and microcurrent frequencies for a customised treatment.
Skincare to treat neck wrinkles
Why it works
Dr Garshick explains that Revision Skincare’s neck cream works particularly well for those with moderate to advanced signs of ageing through a blend of peptides, the brand’s Smart Antioxidant Technology, and red microalgae extract. “After regular use, skin is brighter, appears firmer, and more lifted while the appearance of crepey skin is reduced,” Dr Robinson says.
More to know
The formula, which also counts Dr Park and actor Julianne Moore as fans, should be applied twice daily in upward strokes. In the daytime, it’s recommended to follow this with a broad-spectrum SPF.
Why it works
Environ’s Youth EssentiA Vitamin Step-Up system uses a blend of antioxidants and peptides alongside vitamins A, C, and E to maintain a healthy glow. “This step-up system gently increases the concentration of vitamin A as you move through the serums,” Dr Savetsky says. Regardless of the step you’re on, expect the formula to protect skin against free radicals and reduce signs of ageing.
More to Know
As suggested by Dr Savetsky, this serum is best applied at night.
Why it works
A sheet mask is surely always a good idea. Exquisite’s is Dr Savetsky’s pick, which he describes as “a biocellulose mask that contains peptides, antioxidants, and rejuvenating nutrients that hydrate and smooth the neck and décolletage.”
More to know
Think of this as a restorative treatment to promote hydrated, firm, supple skin.
Why it works
“This product contains a moisturising complex, including peptides, to help firm and tighten the skin by supporting collagen and elastin, as well as antioxidants and glycolic acid to help diminish the appearance of age spots and uneven skin tone,” Dr Garshick says, “making it a great neck cream to help tone the skin.”
More to know
She also says that its ingredient composition makes it an excellent neck cream to tone the skin. The cream can be applied morning and night, though it should be followed with sunscreen during the day.
Why it works
Through a blend of honey locust seed extract, gravity-fighting peptides, and arctic marine ferment, Strivectin’s serum roller is crafted to help tighten, firm, and lift the neck area.
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“This is applied using a cooling massage roller to help improve absorption and minimise pulling on the neck,” Dr Garshick notes. “The lightweight serum makes it a particularly good option for those with oily skin.”
Why it works
“Not only does this incorporate a peptide complex to help smooth the texture of the skin, but it also works to strengthen the skin barrier and has antioxidants, such as apple fruit extract, to help with hyperpigmentation,” Dr Garshick explains. Shea butter and ceramides are featured, too, as a means to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.
More to know
According to Dr Garshick, “it’s great for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, as it is fragrance-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and sulphate-free. It can be used once or twice daily and is easy to apply as it layers in to nourish the skin without leaving the skin feeling greasy.”
Why it works
Perricone MD’s whipped moisturiser is powered by peptides, alpha lipoic acid, vitamin B3, and vitamin C ester, and SPF 25 to treat the décolletage. “[These] ingredients work to visibly improve the thickness and firmness of the skin by supporting [the] rejuvenation of collagen that has been damaged and lost over time,” Dr Robinson explains.
More to know
This cream can be applied daily to improve the look of wrinkles, creases, crepey texture, uneven skin tone, and sun damage.
This story originally appeared on British Vogue.
