While many of us are focused on keeping our faces looking youthful, the skin under our chins is often overlooked. “I see so many patients whose faces look amazing, but their necks look different,” says dermatologist Christina Collins. Sure, you can get beauty injections. But what about safer options? How to tighten your neck without surgery?
ContentWhy does your neck age so quickly?How to tighten your neck without surgery: home remediesDo you need to see a dermatologist for neck care?
Fortunately, there are many treatment options that effectively address these issues by smoothing, firming, and tightening the skin. WomanEL will tell you about them.
Why does the neck age so quickly?
First of all, it is necessary to take into account physiological characteristics. “The skin on the neck is thinner and more delicate than on other areas of the body, with a thinner dermis and less fatty tissue under the surface. This makes it more prone to wrinkles and sagging,” explains dermatologist Marisa Garszyk.
In addition, the neck has fewer oil glands compared to the face, she adds. This means that this area is more prone to dryness. The neck muscles (technical term: platysma) are also very strong and constantly active. They begin to pull down the lower part of the face, increasing the size of the cheeks in this area, adds Dr. Collins.
In addition, lifestyle factors need to be considered. Many people do not apply facial skin care products to the neck and even forget about something as basic as applying sunscreen to this area. As a reminder, sunstroke is public enemy number one when it comes to signs of aging, and there is a precise amount of sunscreen that should be applied to the face and neck daily.
You may also have heard the term “tech neck,” which refers to the horizontal, thin lines that run down the entire neck. The name comes from the reason: constantly looking down at your phone. The neck is designed in the same way as the face: the constant movement of muscles that create a wrinkle eventually leads to that wrinkle becoming permanent, says dermatologist Alexandra Bowles.
“Neck wrinkles have always been there. But now they’re becoming more and more noticeable, even in the younger generation, because everyone is constantly on their phone,” she says. All of this suggests that the neck is 100% susceptible to all the same problems as the face, and even more so.
If you're worried about pimples on your face, we understand. Fortunately, there are effective ways to get rid of them.
How to tighten neck skin without surgery: home remedies
There are a few smart adjustments you can make to your at-home skincare routine to effectively treat this area. Here are the main ones:
- Apply sunscreen. And that means every day. You don't need to buy a separate SPF product: apply what you use on your face to your neck.
- Dermatologists say that almost all the anti-aging ingredients you use on your face can and should be applied to your neck. These include antioxidants like vitamin C to protect against free radical damage, peptides and growth factors to firm skin, and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, says Dr. Garszyk. One caveat: retinoids. These are great for the neck because of their collagen-boosting effects. But because the neck lacks oil glands and is drier, it can be more susceptible to side effects (dryness and irritation). Stick to using it once or twice a week.
- Try a neck cream. If you want to go the extra mile, try it. It’s a great way to combine many of the ingredients listed in a formula that you know will work for your neck, adds Dr. Bowles. She likes SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream, and Dr. Collins is a fan of Revision Nectifirm.
- Go high-tech. Dr. Garshik adds that some at-home devices can also be beneficial for the neck, including microcurrent devices and LED light therapy, which stimulate blood circulation, boost collagen levels, and temporarily tighten the skin. Her pick? “The SolaWave Radiant Renewal 4-in-1 Skincare Wand can be a great option. It combines microcurrents, LEDs, massage, and therapeutic heat to help lift and tighten the skin, while also easily maneuvering around the different contours of the face and neck,” she says. She also likes the Omnilux Contour Neck & Décolleté LED Mask, a red-light, collagen-stimulating device specifically designed for these areas. While these won’t give you the same results as some in-office treatments, with consistency and time, they can be a helpful addition to your routine, she says.
Do you need to see a dermatologist for neck skin care?
Ultimately, it all depends on the underlying aging problem (or neck, as it's called). But there's no shortage of options. To address sagging and tighten skin, there are treatments like Sofwave microneedling and RF, which heat the dermis to produce collagen, says Dr. Bowles.
Injections of biostimulatory fillers (Sculptra, Radiesse) are another way to achieve this, she adds. If your biggest concern is skin discoloration, resurfacing lasers are effective.
However, keep in mind that because the skin on your neck is different from your face, it is much more prone to scarring. The neck cannot withstand the same settings of these devices as the face. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a qualified specialist who knows what he is doing and how to treat the neck.
And for this annoying and very common technical neck, neurotoxin injections are best suited. “Topical agents will not work for these types of wrinkles caused by muscle movement. “The neurotoxin injections soften the platysma muscles, helping to lift the lower face and neck,” explains Dr. Collins. “FYI, because these muscles are large, you will need more injections than you would normally need for your face.”
Have you heard about the new facelift procedure Ultherapy? What does it do and what are its drawbacks? Read here.