Article Overview
- While we go to great lengths to protect the skin on our faces, it’s often the skin on our neck that gets neglected within skincare routines. Find out what causes neck wrinkles, how to treat existing lines, and what long-term measures to take to help prevent new neck lines from forming.
WHAT CAUSES NECK WRINKLES?
Neck wrinkles, sagging skin, and lines around the neck area are a normal part of the aging process. Similarly to how wrinkles develop on the face, fibres within the layer of the skin known as the dermis can weaken over time, causing a drop in the production of elastin and collagen. These connective fibres are what creates elasticity and bounce within the skin.
While this natural process is inevitable, the prominence of neck wrinkles and the speed at which they begin to appear can be exacerbated through a number of external environmental factors.
SUN DAMAGE
One of the primary causes of neck wrinkles is sun damage. As well as drying out the skin, an overexposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays can affect the inner layer of the dermis, activating enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases. This can cause long-term changes to collagen levels, meaning less elasticity and an increase in visible wrinkles.
REPEATED MOVEMENTS
Another cause of neck wrinkles has been linked to repeated neck and facial movements we perform throughout our lives. These include actions like bending our head down to look at our phone screens (known as tech neck) and sleeping on one side. These repeated motions cause creases and lines to appear that remain over time.
In addition to avoiding things like smoking, overexposure to the sun, and staying mindful of how we may be moving our neck repetitively, there are a range of options available to treat sagging neck skin.
WHY IS THE NECK AREA SO SUSCEPTIBLE TO WRINKLES?
Skin on the neck and chest is a continuation of facial skin, and as such is similarly susceptible to wrinkles and lines due to its thinness. This also means that there are less appendages like hair and oil glands to protect it, making it prone to dryness. Adding to this, is the gradual sagging of the two muscles at the center of the neck known as the platysma muscles. As the body ages, these begin to separate and drop, creating two lines that move downwards that become more prominent over time.
Wrinkles and sagging on the neck and jowls tend to develop prominence as we enter our 40s, however may occur sooner depending on lifestyle habits.
WHAT ARE THE BEST CORRECTIVE MEASURES FOR SAGGING NECK SKIN?
To address sagging neck skin at home, it’s important to apply the same anti-aging principles that you would your face. This means using the same age-fighting products you use on your face also on your neck.
If the skin on your neck has fine lines or creping, you may want to try a high concentration anti-wrinkle cream. A.G.E Interrupter Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Cream by SkinCeuticals is formulated to visibly reduce the signs of aging caused by advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E). Glycation happens within the skin when excess sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin fibres, causing the formation of A.G.E.
Packed with an array of wrinkle-fighting ingredients including a 30% concentration of proxylane™, blueberry extract, and phytosphingosine, the A.G.E Interrupter works to restore the loss of plumpness caused by the glycation process. Massage a small amount into your face, neck, and chest, either once or twice daily, and if you’re using this product in the morning, always follow with hydration and protective sunscreen.
While products that you may typically use on your face can also work wonders for your neck, there are products that have been designed specifically for the neck and chest area. The body correct and the Body and Neck Care range from SkinCeuticals has been created to nourish these parts of the body that are often neglected, yet still experience the full effect of aging and UV damage. This cream works to both combat visible signs of aging and brighten the signs of sunspots with the likes of hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid, sodium tetrahydro-jasmonate, and vigna aconitifolia seed extract. Use twice daily, or as needed, on your neck, chest, and hands. For maximum effect, pair with the SkinCeuticals Body Tightening & Firming Concentrate for a complete all-over body boost.
HOW DO YOU PREVENT NECK SKIN FROM SAGGING?
There are various ways to treat existing neck wrinkles, but the first step is to take preventive measures to slow the development of signs of aging on your neck. As mentioned, avoiding smoking, staying hydrated, and being mindful of repetitive neck movements like bending down to look at your phone all contribute. However, the biggest environmental factor impacting on neck lines is exposure to the sun.
Helping to stave off the development of neck wrinkles means combating environmental damage caused by free radicals from UVA/UVB, infrared radiation (IRA), and ozone pollution (O3). The C E Ferulic Vitamin C serum from SkinCeuticals is an antioxidant that does just that.
Loaded with L-ascorbic acid, this pure vitamin C concentrate helps neutralise free radicals and fight against oxidative stress. Coupled with synergistic ingredients like Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) and ferulic acid, the results also include minimising the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Apply this serum as part of your morning routine, by adding 3-4 drops onto your face and neck after cleansing and toning. After application, remember to always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen like the Ultra Facial Defense with SPF 50+.
While neck wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process, non-invasive actions can be taken to correct the appearance of existing lines, and prevent new ones from developing. Treating the neck and chest area with the same care as you would your face is key, as well as harnessing the power of specifically designed skincare products to help you on the way. Explore all the SkinCeuticals Products for neck skin today.
Next: How to tighten loose Skin
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C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
A vitamin C serum for fine lines and wrinkles.
Body Tightening and Firming Concentrate
A skin firming and smoothing cryo-fluid for gravity fighting zones, this body firming cream targets loose, sagging skin across the body and creates a cooling, tightening sensation.
Ultra Facial Defense Sunscreen SPF50
SPF50+ broad spectrum facial sunscreen for very high-level protection against UVA/UVB rays with an ultra-moisturising formula.
