We pay a lot of attention to the skincare on our face, but completely forget about our neck! Yet, our neck often reveals signs of aging first – wrinkles, creases, and loose and crepe-like skin are words used to describe aging necks. Your neck will be a good indicator of your age no matter how young your face looks!
If you spend time on your facial skincare regimen, your neck will see and feel the benefits when it receives some skincare love as well! Plus, if you start early and are consistent with your care, you may not have as much of a need for a closet full of turtleneck sweaters and scarves!
Why does the neck age so fast?
The skin on the neck is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the face. It is also more elastic, which means that it is more easily stretched. Exposure to UV rays and constant movement cause the neck to be more vulnerable to wrinkles. The skin on the neck also takes longer to repair than the skin on the face.
Unlike the face, the neck does not adhere to subcutaneous tissue or muscles. This means that as the skin on the neck loosens, your neck will have more lines that become deeper and broader over time.
Additionally, the neck does not produce oil like the face, so it is more prone to becoming dry and dehydrated. Because of this, the neck requires more moisturizing hydration to keep it looking youthful. Other factors attributed to the neck aging faster than the face include heredity and drastic weight loss.
What are Tech Neck, Necklace Lines, and Turkey Neck?
Yep, these are all skin-related neck issues. Tech Neck, also called Necklace Lines, is caused by looking up and down at electronics (your phone) and results in premature wrinkling and sagging of the skin of the neck. Think about how often you look down at your phone, scroll through, etc. Along with scrolling is increased exposure to blue light caused by the positioning of the phone, which is almost always at neck. You can help avoid both premature wrinkles and blue light damage by holding your phone parallel to your chest instead of your waist.
Turkey Neck is a common sign of aging characterized by a wrinkled, sagging neck. Turkey Neck occurs when the neck muscles weaken and the skin loses elasticity and tightness. Exercising the neck can help tighten the neck muscles but won’t get rid of excess skin, so neck exercises are better used as a preventative technique.
How do I care for the skin on my neck?
Caring for the skin on your neck is similar to caring for the skin on your face. To stay consistent, if you are doing something for your face, do it for your neck at the same time! While there are products made specifically for the neck, it is better to care for the neck with facial products than not care for your neck at all! Here are four ways to care for the skin on your neck:
1. Use sunscreen!
When applying sunscreen to your face each morning (if you don’t do this, you should!), apply it to your neck as well! A sunburn can damage the collagen and elastin in the neck, and takes longer to heal than a sunburn to the face.
2. Wash and exfoliate!
Just as you wash your face each day, you should wash your neck as well – especially if you put makeup on your neck. Also, dead skin cells can accumulate on the neck, causing the neck to look old and rough. When the dead skin cells and other impurities are removed via a gentle exfoliating cleanser, the serums and moisturizer will be able to work and have better results.
3. Apply serums and moisturizer daily!
Vitamins and nutrients contained in some serums are beneficial for your neck, as well as moisturizer.
4. Treat your neck to an occasional hydrating mask!
Again, you can use the same mask or peel that you use for your face, or you can invest in a hydrating mask that is targeted for the neck. Indulge in some self-care and TLC for your neck while you do the same for your face!
What skincare products are best for neck firming?
The tightening and firming effect of Kate’s 4% DMAE Firming Serum can be quickly seen and felt as it visibly firms and lifts the skin. DMAE, combined with the antioxidants in the serum’s formula, combat signs of aging including diminishing wrinkles, firming the texture, and tightening pores.
Similarly, Kate’s Collagen Booster Intense Repair Serum firms and tightens the skin and has long term benefits. Collagen provides the plump, smooth, youthful appearance of skin, but our bodies produce less collagen as we age, which leads to less elasticity, more wrinkles, and sagging skin. This serum encourages the production of collagen, contributing to reduced lines and wrinkles along with improved firmness and texture.
These products are the perfect pair for neck firming, so we’ve created the Neck and Firming Facial Collection that features both products purchased together at a discounted rate. This two-step system will target the loss of firmness and elasticity on your neck – and can do the same for your face and chest as well! The DMAE and Collagen dynamic duo can be applied in the morning before you apply moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup!
Retinol products are great additions to a nighttime skincare regimen and have benefits that include smoothing lines and reducing crepy looking skin. Kate Ryan formulates two retinol products: Retinol Evening Renewal Serum and Total Nutrition Night Repair Complex. Kate’s Retinol Evening Renewal Serum is based in hyaluronic acid and can be applied after cleansing (yes, you need to wash your neck, too!) and followed with a moisturizer. This anti-aging topical renews the surface of your skin while you sleep, which improves skin tone, reduces lines, and makes pores less visible. Our Total Nutrition Night Repair Complex, is a one-step, power-packed formula with retinol and antioxidants to provide your skin with essential nutrition that will hydrate, protect, repair damage, and boost collagen production during the overnight period.
We mentioned that cleansing and exfoliating the neck is important. Kate’s Nutritive Oil Cleanser is a great option because it is gentle and lightweight and will remove makeup, dirt and oil to reveal clean and soft skin. This is a perfect way to start your neck skincare regimen!
Conclusion: Don’t forget your neck!
You have skin on your neck, too, and it is almost as visible as your face. The neck is one of the first parts of the body to show signs of aging, so it’s worth it to spend time caring for it. There are options for different skin needs; we are happy to discuss which products will be the best fit! Please email hello@kateryanskincare.com to start discussing skincare for your neck!
Be well!
Jennifer
