Décolletage Clinic
Have a skincare concern you want to get off your chest? We’ve solved four of the main issues for you.
1 To minimise crepeyness The crepey skin that can appear on your chest is often a result of sun exposure causing fine lines and degradation of elastin, says dermatologist Dr Corinne Maiolo. Prevent future damage by layering an antioxidant underneath your sunscreen. Try Synergie Skin SupremaC+ ($115, synergieskin.com). At night, apply a product that contains collagen-stimulating ingredients, such as retinol, peptides or growth factors.
Try: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream RRP $125, adorebeauty.com.au).
2 To reduce lines Many people have lines on their neck naturally but, when we age, new wrinkles appear as collagen depletes. Slather on sunscreen, maintain good posture, keep your smartphone at eye level and use an anti-wrinkle treatment that contains palmitoyl oligopeptide, a blend of fatty acids that encourage collagen production. Try: Dr. LeWinn’s Reversaderm Collagen Accelerator Serum (RRP $69.95, drlewinns.com.au).
3 To fade pigmentation Pigmentation is often a result of long-term sun exposure, but, in a number of cases, it can be a diagnosable medical condition, Dr Maiolo advises. “If there are any new pigmented spots or lumps, these should be checked by a medical practitioner to confirm they are benign changes, and not a skin cancer,” she says. “If an underlying medical condition has been ruled out, a number of ‘brightening’ product lines may be used. These products contain various combinations of active ingredients, including vitamin C, kojic acid, liquorice extract, glycolic acid and azelaic acid.”
Try: Le Roche Posay Pigmentclar Serum (RRP $59.95, Priceline).
4 To smooth sagging Sagging skin along the jaw, neck and décolletage occurs over time, as collagen and elastin start to break down. “Topical products are of less value for this type of skin ageing,” Dr Maiolo says. “Treatment options include radiofrequency devices, ultrasound therapy [which stimulates the growth of new collagen deep within the skin, acting as a non-surgical facelift] and surgical neck lifts. All these have specific advantages and risks and may be costly or time-consuming.” Always seek the advice of a trusted dermatologist or skin doctor first.