What the experts say...
We spoke to some of Australia’s leading skin doctors for their top décolleté-improving tips.
1. Redirect your perfume
“When spritzing fragrance, never spray it directly on your chest because perfume is a photo-sensitiser and will work with the sun to create more damage to the skin,” says cosmetic physician Dr Phoebe Jones. “And wear zinc-containing sunscreen on your chest every day. Even at work. Blue light from our devices still causes photoageing and pigmentation.”
2. Hydrate, day and night
“Use a moisturiser rich in ceramides,” advises dental and dermal expert, Dr Giulia D’Anna. “The neck and chest do not have many oil glands so are often dry. Rich moisturisers help keep the skin supple and well-conditioned.” Try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (RRP $22.99, Chemist Warehouse).
3. Consult a trusted skin specialist
“For someone concerned with crepey skin and sun damage on their décolletage, I’d generally recommend Ulthera to tighten the skin [an ultrasound treatment that encourages new collagen and elastin] and then Fraxel laser to remove unwanted sun damage,” says plastic surgeon and skincare clinic owner, Dr Anh Nguyen. “Maintain the results with a good neck and décolletage cream and try sleeping on your back to avoid creasing in between the bust,” he continues.
4. Have a good skincare routine
“At night, I recommend using a vitamin A derivative of some kind, such as retinol, or prescription tretinoin if your skin can handle it,” Dr Jones advises. “This will speed up skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production.”
5. Use sunscreen daily
“We often joke at our clinic that there are far more smooth-skinned bottoms on earth than faces, necks and chests – despite the fact we sit on our bottoms daily,” Dr Sheridan says. “The reason?
Less exposure to UV damage and pollutants. Protect yourself daily. And, of course, engage in a healthy lifestyle all round, as this best equips you to mend damage that may occur over your lifetime.”
It’s even possible to reverse established damage,” says Dr Sheridan.