Let’s talk about neck aging

Tips and treatments to keep your neck youthful

WDR. kAYcEE REYEs hat is one part of the body that we forget when it comes to skin care? It’s the neck. Maybe we think that the neck can be ignored as it does not age at the same time as our face. But in fact, the reverse is true. If neglected, it is among the giveaways that one is older than one looks. Aside from the neck, there are also other “forgotten,” areas such as the hands and decolletage, but this week, let us talk about neck aging—how to keep the neck youthful and how to treat neck aging.

Did you know that the neck ages at the same time (or even faster!) than our face? This is because the skin on our neck is thinner than our facial skin. Yet, many of us neglect our necks until we start to see fine lines, crepey skin, age spots, sagging skin, or folds, which others also call a “turkey neck.”

This happens because as we age, collagen production decreases and the muscles and tissue that hold the neck eventually weaken as well. In addition, lifestyle factors such as obesity (that can cause the skin on the neck to sag), as well as frequent and unprotected sun exposure, pollution, and smoking can also affect how your neck skin looks.

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that can treat neck aging, but if you are only starting to see a few signs of aging, one need not have surgery to bring back its youthfulness. There are non-invasive treatments that can do this as well. Different treatments are usually combined to achieve the best results.

• Neurotoxins and fillers. We know that botulinum toxin such as Botox has a lot of uses, from fading facial wrinkles to controlling excess sweat, and it can be used on the neck too! Fillers, on the other hand, can add volume and smoothen the skin. Both treatments can last for months.

• Other non-invasive technologies. Fractional lasers can help with lines and skin texture for overall neck rejuvenation, while ultrasound therapies can help stimulate collagen production from within and help achieve tighter skin.

Even if you are as young as your 20s, practice these tips to keep your neck youthful-looking for longer.

• Apply sunscreen. Don’t stop at your chin. Extend applying sunscreen down to your neck and reapply every two to three hours. (Don’t forget the rest of your body as well!)

• Try vitamin C and retinol. Add vitamin C to your morning skin care routine to keep your neck protected from free radicals and then put retinol at night as it can help with lines, pigmentation, texture, and tone.

• Reduce weight. Managing your weight may also help avoid a double chin that is very common among those carrying extra weight.

• Relax. We all know that stress can cause premature aging, so learn how to manage stress with meditation, learning a new hobby, reading or listening to music, or even just catching up with a friend.

If you have your own strict regimen for your face, do not forget your neck too. It may not need a process that takes three, four, or five steps, but make sure to include it in your daily skin care routine. For those who notice fine lines or those starting to have folds, the treatments above may just be what you need to bring back a more youthful neck. For more severe folds, surgery or a neck lift may be considered. Consult a certified, trained, and reputable dermatologist at all times.*

Did you know that the neck ages at the same time (or even faster!) than our face? This is because the skin on our neck is thinner than our facial skin.