The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Keep your neck looking youthful
Katie Wright asks skin specialists for their advice on how to tackle common concerns
Your neck needs just as much care as your face to keep it looking good. Here is some expert advice:
1. Start with daily defence
“Basic skincare principles still apply when it comes to the skin below your chin. “To keep your neck looking youthful, use a daily moisturiser with ingredients that build and restore elasticity, and reduce appearance of pigment spots,” says Susanne Fabre, director at the Oriflame Skin Research Institute.
2. Don’t forget SPF
“One of the biggest causes of ageing for skin on the neck is sun damage,” medical aesthetic specialist Dr Wassim Taktouk says. “Actually, the angle of the decolletage makes the exposure to UV even higher than parts of the face,” Ms Fabre says. “When out in the sun, don’t forget to use extra protection with antioxidants and SPF.”
3. Do apply products properly
“If you’re using a lot of active ingredients on your face but neglecting your neck and decolletage, then you can get a bit of disparity between the two – and the neck and decolletage can look older,” warns clinical facialist Kate Kerr. “So, definitely spread your face products on to your neck and decolletage.” But you should be careful with some active ingredients that can cause irritation, she says, adding: “With retinol and other stronger products, you’d use much less, as you won’t tolerate it as easily.”
4. Don’t skip serum
This is a product that can work wonders on your neck, our experts agree. “Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient to instantly hydrate tired-looking skin,” Dr Taktouk says. “When the correct products are used for a sustained amount of time, this can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But don’t forget SPF on top.”
5. Do cocktail your products
Sunscreen, retinol and antioxidants can’t co-exist in the same formula. To reap the benefits of the various actives, you’ll need to “cocktail” – or layer – your products, starting with serum (after cleansing). Your serums will do the work, and ingredients like Vitamin C will help with any pigmentation, and strengthen the capillaries.