Your Guide To Preventing Fine Lines On Your Neck
Aging is a natural bodily process that, unfortunately, spares no one. But that doesn't mean you can't pull out some tricks to delay the inevitable. The delicate skin of the neck and décolletage tends to display the first signs of aging (via Thrive Skin and Wellness). Incidentally, these areas are most often overlooked during the average at-home skincare routine, according to the Allura Skin, Laser & Wellness Clinic.
The skin of the neck is also prone to developing fine lines from causes other than aging, such as sun exposure, smoking, and even repetitive motions (via Healthline). Yes, repetitive motions can lead to neck lines and deep grooves. For instance, a cosmetic condition called "text neck" has become more common due to the increase in electronic use which has people bending their necks — and, thereby, creasing the skin — to stare down at smartphones, and other technological tools, for long hours at a time. Regardless of the reason, it is possible to prevent fine lines and wrinkles with the right combination of topical treatments and healthy habits, including a regular décolletage skincare routine. Here are several tips to prevent and reduce the appearance of neck lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
Hydration
As you age, your skin begins to lose its ability to produce oil, which makes it difficult to keep the skin hydrated, per MedlinePlus. However, moisture is required for skin elasticity and firmness. For this reason, incorporating a hydration neck cream or moisturizer is essential for preventing fine lines. According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, regularly applying a moisturizer to the neck area can rapidly improve the appearance of aging, including the texture and laxity of the skin. Specifically, products with hyaluronic acid have been proven to help your skin retain moisture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, (via Cleveland Clinic).
Sun protection and antioxidants
The skin on the neck is more delicate than other areas of the body and, therefore, is more susceptible to damage from sun exposure (via Healthline). However, a 2013 study published in the medical journal Annals of Internal Medicine reports that regular sunscreen use slows down the signs of aging. The diligent use of sunscreen also prevents the formation of lines, wrinkles, and sagging, per the Skin Cancer Foundation. To further boost the anti-aging effects of sunscreen, consider incorporating an antioxidant into your routine. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, for instance, can also prevent deep wrinkles and fine lines on the neck in as little as three months of consistent use, according to a 2017 study published in the scientific journal Nutrients.
Collagen-boosting skincare
According to MedicalNewsToday, the loss of elasticity in the neck and décolletage can be attributed to the breakdown of collagen and elastin that occurs over time. To combat the effects of aging and the resulting loss of collagen, consider adding collagen-boosting products to your routine. Collagen can't be absorbed through the skin, which is why it may prove beneficial to look for other products such as peptides, per Healthline. Collagen peptides are amino acids that encourage collagen formation and are small enough to penetrate the skin.
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is another great way to boost collagen, as it encourages the resurfacing of the skin, (via Harvard Medical School). Not only can products containing retinol reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but they can also improve skin tone and texture by encouraging cell turnover and new collagen formation, according to a 2019 study published in the medical journal Advances in Dermatology and Allergology.
Catch yourself in the act
To prevent text neck from creating grooves in the delicate skin of your neck while working, try to keep your phone, laptop, desktop computer, or tablet device at eye-level (via Neoderma). By raising your devices to eye level, you avoid tilting your head downward and creating creases or folds in your neck. Try to be mindful of your neck position throughout the day as you move from screen to screen. Catching and rectifying these repetitive motions in the moment can be difficult and tedious; however, most will agree that the long-term benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
In-office treatment options
When at-home treatment options and preventative measures aren't enough, it's time to look into in-office treatments. Many cosmetic treatments exist to treat neck lines, wrinkles, and sagging. For instance, botox injections are a common treatment option. Although the effects of botox only last around four to six months, this simple and quick procedure is an effective method to treat neck wrinkles, according to SpaMedica Plastic Surgery.
Microneedling is another popular treatment option, especially with this method being affordable and non-invasive. This treatment involves piercing the top layer of your skin with very small needles to stimulate the skin's natural healing process. This micro-damage leads to collagen and elastin production which strengthens the skin's elasticity, per Cleveland Clinic.
The takeaway here is that there are many ways to treat the lines, grooves, and wrinkles that have formed on the delicate skin of your neck and décolletage. The best method to deal with the signs of aging, however, is prevention.