London - The neck is an area that’s seriously overlooked when it comes to skincare, yet, along with hands, it’s one of the first places to reveal signs of ageing.
In part, this is usually due to neglect on our part, but natural gravitational pull and weakening of the collagen and elastin fibres as we age has an effect, too.
The neck area does not have fatty tissues, making the skin less elastic. As a result, the skin in this delicate zone can become far more wrinkled, saggy, crepey and pigmented than that on our face.
Unfortunately, once the damage is done, it can be the most difficult area to treat, because the skin is so thin.
However, a new wave of skincare promises to postpone and combat the problem.
Neck ageing can appear in various forms - here are the most common, and some essential tips on how to tackle them.
NECKLACE LINES
The horizontal bands that form on the neck are caused by sun exposure, which damages the collagen and elastin fibres needed to keep skin plump and supple.
Smoking is another offender, as nicotine reduces vital oxygen blood supply to the skin, causing collagen damage. Matters out of our control, such as regular neck and head movement, can also lead to creasing by stretching the collagen fibres.
Whatever the cause, the appearance of lines can be improved with a neck cream.
Deep lines can be reduced with dermatologist-prescribed retinoid creams, which can also minimise the formation of new wrinkles by building fresh collagen.
The non-invasive treatment uses a hand-piece to deliver radiofrequency energy beneath the skin’s surface and stimulate new collagen production, resulting in a gradual reduction in wrinkles.
SAGGING
The older we get, the more our skin-firming collagen and elastin fibres begin to weaken - causing the dreaded turkey neck effect.
Premature drooping can be prevented with daily application of a broad- spectrum sunscreen. A new army of neck-lifting creams are also worth a try.
Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face and Neck Creme SPF 15 contains plankton extract to prevent the breakdown of collagen and plant-derived mimosa to reverse the appearance of damage.
CREPEY/DISCOLOURED D’COLLETAGE
Leathery skin on our neck is a result of ageing and too much sun. Blotchy pigmentation can also be more visible on the chest, as it is prone to more sun damage than the upper-neck, which is shaded by the chin and hair. - Daily Mail