4 Tips For Keeping Neck Skin Healthy In Your 50s & Beyond

Aging happens no matter what, but we can change how it looks. And while there are things you can do to prevent fine lines on your neck, for many aged 50+, the neck often presents an area of insecurity, especially considering that many believe the changes are irreversible. To learn more about the skin of your neck when you pass 50, as well as whether anything can be done to add plumpness and hydration to the area, we've enlisted the help of Dr. Jenny Liu, FAAD — or Board-Certified Dermatologist — who often shares her skincare tips and tricks on Instagram and TikTok.

"The neck naturally loses collagen and elastin with age, so the skin becomes thinner, less firm, and more prone to fine lines and crepiness," Dr. Liu told Glam in our exclusive interview. "The platysma muscle also becomes more noticeable over time, leading to the vertical neck bands many people see. On top of that, years of sun exposure and repetitive movement like constantly looking down at our phones can accelerate these changes." But the truth is that paying more attention to skincare and changing certain habits can help prevent your neck from exhibiting even more noticeable signs of aging. In some cases, it can even make it look more youthful.

Sun protection is often on the tip of everyone's tongue when it comes to skincare advice, but it's the first thing any dermatologist will suggest when talking about skin health for a reason. And while most of us tend to apply SPF products to our face daily, our necks can get neglected. No sun protection can lead to an uneven skin tone and wrinkles, both of which make necks look older. "Apply sunscreen to your neck every single day," Dr. Liu explained. "UV exposure is one of the biggest drivers of collagen loss and pigmentation," she adds. 

Glam has already spoken to a dermatologist who told us about the biggest mistakes you're making with sunscreen, so first, make sure that you're actually using the product effectively. Apply a generous amount to your neck in the morning, alongside your face. And remember, sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day, especially if you're outdoors a lot.

While applying sunscreen to your neck can help prevent sun damage, you should also focus on extending your regular skincare routine to your neck. "Extend your skincare routine below the jawline," Dr. Jenny Liu shares exclusively with Glam. "Retinoids, antioxidants, and moisturizers can all benefit the neck as well." Using chemical exfoliants on your entire body can be beneficial, and your neck is definitely an area that can reap rewards from occasional exfoliation.

So, any anti-aging, exfoliating, and moisturizing products that you're using on your face can and should also be used on your neck, décolletage, and even hands, as all of those can showcase signs of aging. "Keep the skin well moisturized to support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of dryness and crepiness." If you are using retinoids or chemical exfoliants on your neck, make sure you're introducing them slowly to prevent any irritation. Necks can be a delicate and sensitive area, so avoid using harsh products too often, as that can damage the skin barrier.

At-home skincare, masks, and fancy tools can help your skin, but the truth is that in-office treatments often offer better results at a faster rate. "If laxity or deeper wrinkles are your main concern, in-office treatments like neuromodulators, lasers, biostimulatory injectables, or energy-based devices often provide more noticeable improvement than skincare alone," Dr. Jenny Liu suggests.

Back in 2023, we discussed NeckTite, a non-invasive cosmetic procedure aimed at sculpting skin, and while that is a great option, it's best to consult with your aesthetician and dermatologist so that they can target your specific concerns. While many opt for injectables to treat the skin of their necks, there are things you should know before getting neck filler, a popular choice for filling in wrinkles and adding hydration to the area. As always, finding a professional whom you trust is crucial, as in-office treatments need to be performed by properly trained professionals. 

For some, neck wrinkles are genetic, and they might show up at some age regardless of what you do, but for many, the lines on our necks are because of our daily habits. In fact, constantly staring down at your phone can cause tech neck, the horizontal wrinkles that form because of the position of your head. To prevent this, changing your habits is crucial, as lifting your phone can help elevate your head, and therefore your neck remains elongated and stretched. "Consistency matters more than perfection," Dr. Jenny Liu tells Glam. "Small habits practiced over years have a much bigger impact than trying to reverse advanced changes later."

The expert adds that keeping your neck in mind throughout the day, the same way you think of your face, is the best habit you can form. "People spend so much time caring for their face that the neck often gets overlooked until signs of aging become more noticeable," Dr. Liu adds, explaining, "I always tell patients to think of the neck as an extension of the face — whatever healthy habits you're doing for your face should generally continue down to your neck."