You probably don’t need us to tell you that putting skincare essentials like sunscreen and moisturiser on your face every day is important to keep it in prime condition.
But what you may need a friendly nudge towards every now and then is to extend the same love and attention you devote to your face down to your neck and more broadly, your décolletage area.
Still sceptical? Check out this picture of a lady that went viral on Twitter for highlighting the effects of not wearing UV-protective skincare on her neck for over four decades.
Credit: @AviBittMD/Twitter
Covered in sun spots and wrinkles, the skin below her chin starkly contrasts against her much smoother and well-maintained face. It’s far more concerning than getting a tan line that will go away after a period, to say the least.
We sought to uncover the ways to combat this phenomenon to ensure our faces and necks age gracefully together. Here’s what we found!
Why should we care about the skin below our face?
Credit: Unsplash
This area often receives significant sun exposure without the same level of SPF protection we apply to our faces, so it tends to exhibit premature signs of ageing earlier than other parts of the body.
Additionally, did you know the skin on our necks is 50% thinner than the skin on our faces? This means that it’s far more delicate and prone to wrinkles and looseness.
Due to fewer oil glands in that area, our necks often require more hydration than our face, but we don’t receive nearly enough of it in our usual skincare routine. Given that dry skin is what causes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrating our necks is all the more important.
The décolletage is also regularly exposed to sunlight, harsh soaps, rough fabrics, and is often overlooked when it comes to skincare. As a result, it becomes vulnerable to various skin issues caused by photo-damage as well.
It’s not just for vanity’s sake
Credit: Unsplash
According to Dr Christian Fuchs, an expert in skin cancer research who published a commentary on the viral photo above, shared that if we address and treat the signs of ageing early on, we can undoubtedly also reduce our risk of contracting diseases. This is due to the substantial link between ageing and our risk of cancer.
So what are some practical ways you can maintain a youthful-looking neck? Here are five to start practising.
Protect your décolletage from the sun
Since we don’t have the luxury of providing added sun protection by layering up with scarves or thick turtlenecks in sunny Singapore, it’s all the more important to harness the power of sunscreen on our décolletage.
We can’t stress enough the importance of protecting your neck from damaging UV rays if you want to delay the appearance of ageing! Apply at least two fingers’ worth of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to your neck and chest daily, even if you’re not directly exposed to the sun.
Our sunscreen pick is the Crystal Tomato Beyond Sun Protection SPF79+, which effectively protects against UVA/UVB damage, blue light and environmental pollution.
Crystal Tomato Beyond Sun Protection SPF79+ retails for S$82 on Shopee.
Related reads:
- 36 best sunscreens for face that you need in Singapore’s weather
- 15 best sunscreen sticks to keep your skin protected while you’re on the go
Best neck moisturisers to try
Regular moisturising is another important step for maintaining the elasticity of our neck skin and preventing dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. You could purchase a high-quality neck moisturiser or cream designed just for this area.
Look for ones with ingredients that can increase the production of collagen and enhance skin quality, such as hyaluronic acid, retinol, peptides, and vitamin C. Here are some acclaimed ones to try.
Clarins Extra-Firming Youthful Lift Neck & Decollete Care
Drawing inspiration from the Sunflower’s stem movement, Clarins Laboratories ingeniously blended Sunflower extracts. This unique combination includes unsaponifiables extracted from the seed and auxins derived from the stem.
The result is a formula that effectively enhances elasticity and firmness in the neck and décolletage area, maintaining a flexible and revitalised appearance.
At the time of writing, Clarins Extra-Firming Youthful Lift Neck & Decollete Care is on sale for S$81.97 on Shopee.
Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream
Supercharged with four peptides, five brighteners, and 10 antioxidants, this multitasking treatment moisturiser helps to provide superior hydration overnight, make your complexion brighter, and reduce the signs of premature ageing.
Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream retails for S$198 on Sephora.sg.
RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Restoring Night Cream
Want an affordable décolletage cream? Using their groundbreaking Hexinol technology, RoC created a non-greasy and non-comedogenic cream that targets various skin concerns at a great price point of about S$30.
It works to enhance skin tone, firmness, and hydration, while visibly reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and discolouration.
Its key ingredients, including Shea butter, vitamin C, and hexylresorcinol, contribute to restoring radiance and overall skin improvement. It’ll leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Restoring Night Cream retails for S$33 on Shopee.
Future Lemuria Phytomarine Body Cream
Experience deep hydration and moisturisation for your décolletage with Future’s Lemuria Phytomarine Body Cream.
This luxurious cream is enriched with potent Lemuria algae, renowned for its exceptional restorative and healing properties. Celebrities like Elizabeth Olsen and Molly Sims have also raved about the benefits of this body cream!
Future Lemuria Phytomarine Body Cream retails for S$173 on Freia.sg.
Revision Skincare Nectifirm
Revision Skincare’s award-winning cream features a powerful combination of antioxidants, youth-boosting peptides, and plant extracts.
Along with active ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin E, it effectively reduces the visibility of uneven-toned, rough, and crepey skin, leaving it noticeably improved and revitalised.
Revision Skincare Nectifirm retails for S$153.51 on Amazon.
Don’t forget your other skincare steps
It’s important to extend all steps of your skincare routine down to your neck and décolletage too. Cleanse, exfoliate, and apply serums or treatments to these areas.
We recommend exfoliating your neck at least once a week, since this part of your body can harbour substantial bacterial and dead skin cells that should be cleansed off periodically.
You can then gently massage your other skincare products into the skin, using upward strokes, to stimulate blood circulation and enhance firmness.
Practise proper posture
Believe it or not, maintaining proper posture can improve the way your neck looks. Sagging skin and neck creases can be exacerbated by slouching or hunching.
You can reduce the stress on your neck muscles and delay signs of ageing by consciously maintaining good posture. So sit upright, and take care of that double chin before it loses the fight against gravity.
Do neck exercises whenever you can
Engaging in regular neck exercises can help tone the muscles and improve the overall appearance of your neck. Simple exercises like neck rotations, chin tucks, and neck stretches can promote muscle strength and flexibility.
Here’s a 10 min exercise routine you can do in your free time to achieve a slender neck and feminine-looking décolletage.
Preventing signs of ageing on the neck requires a proactive and holistic approach. By incorporating these skincare tips and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can effectively combat the signs of ageing on your neck.
Remember, consistency is key, and it’s never too early or too late to start caring for your neck. Embrace these strategies, and you’ll be on your way to a more youthful-looking neck that defies the hands of time!
Featured image credit: Unsplash
