5 Tips For Better Neck Care

When we think of skincare, we mostly think of our face. As a result, we neglect our neck and décolletage, which are two areas more vulnerable to damage and visible signs of aging. The skin on our neck is thinner than our facial skin, so as we age and we stop producing as much collagen and elastin, it tends to show there first. This can look like deep lines and wrinkles, thin or papery skin, and even jowling and laxity. 

I’m all about embracing our natural aging processes, and at the same time, I know that healthy-looking skin is a sign of good self-care, and I’m one to prioritize that. Plus, our skin is the largest organ we have – so how we treat it matters. Some neck aging is inevitable, but there are steps we can take to protect the delicate skin there. You don’t have to go overboard on your skincare routine and spend tons of money, but letting your skin get dry, cracked, uneven, and sun damaged isn’t going to make you feel good. When we care for ourselves, we glow from within, and if our skin looks healthier as a result, all the better.

Here are a few tips I have for taking care of your neck and décolletage: 

1. Use a gentle cleanser. 

The first step of any skincare routine is to wash your face, and I would encourage you to include your neck in that too. The sweat and dirt we accumulate throughout the day doesn’t just stay on our face – it goes down to the neck, too. I recommend using a gentle cleanser or micellar water to cleanse your face without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

2. Use an antioxidant serum.

Antioxidants in skincare can help protect your skin from free radicals and environmental pollutants, which can exacerbate signs of aging. Adding a vitamin C serum to your morning skincare routine, like this one from Drunk Elephant or this one from Naturium , can make a huge difference in your skin health, including on your neck.

3. Wear sunscreen on your neck. 

Sun damage is the number one cause of premature skin aging, skin damage, and skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more every day is non-negotiable, especially if you spend time outdoors.

4. Consider a neck cream.

Since our neck skin is thinner and more delicate, it’s good to use a thicker moisturizer or cream that’s designed for the area, especially at night. This Collagen Cream from First Aid Beauty is great for people with sensitive skin, and it’s safe for your face and neck.

5. Use a retinol at night.

Retinol is an active ingredient that exfoliates the skin and speeds up skin cell regeneration. In other words, it gets rid of old skin cells and promotes the growth of new ones, leading to healthier, brighter skin. Retinol can be an irritating ingredient for some people, depending on the strength of your product and frequency of use, so I recommend starting with once a week and working your way up, adding a day each week. I would also advise using a gentle retinol, like this one from Good Molecules that is only $8.

Optional: Consider professional treatments.

Professional skincare treatments aren’t always in everyone’s budget and taking care of your skin at home will make a huge difference, but if your skin feels damaged beyond repair, you do have other options. Hydrating or oxygenating facials can smooth fine lines and improve neck texture, while lasers and microneedling are better for discoloration and pigment issues. Always, always seek out a dermatologist if you want services like this. Too many med spas are unregulated and the risk of infection or further damage is not worth it. 

I hope you learned a tidbit or two about neck care today. Summer will be here before you know it – so let’s all get our routines down pat now before sunny season. 

Xo,

Renata