You’re not the only one ignoring your neck in your skincare routine. It’s common to apply foundation and forget to blend it into the neck, or apply retinol to your cheeks, forehead, and chin — and not include your neck in your outreach. But the neck is also one of the first areas that shows signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. What’s more: the skin on your neck is so delicate and thin that it doesn’t always respond well to the same ingredients you use on your face.
If you’re noticing more wrinkles on your neck and would rather not resign yourself to just wearing turtlenecks everywhere, don’t despair: dermatologists have solutions. Dr. Stefani Kappel explains how to reverse neck aging fast:
Here are her top tips for showing your neck more love.
Threads
Threads are a non-surgical procedure that temporarily pulls back sagging skin for a rejuvenated look. The threads then metabolize (like filler), but before that happens, they have the ability to help boost your collagen and elastin, which naturally thickens the skin and helps it treat itself naturally. According to Kappel, threads is a great treatment for the neck and the results get better over time as your collagen builds.
Neuromodulators
Whether your favorite neuromodulator of choice is Botox, Dysport, or one of several others on the market, using a treatment that paralyzes the muscles temporarily can soften neck bands and creepy skin and make your neck look smoother and tighter. However, this is a tricky area to treat and it’s important to visit a qualified provider. A good provider will only inject a neuromodulator where you need it — too much of a good thing that can lead to side effects like an inability to swallow.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal filler can help treat lines on the neck. But not all fillers are recommended for this area and Kappel says this area is tricky to treat. Sculptra can help stimulate collagen production, which means you get benefits that last a long time. Radiesse is also a favorite of Kappel’s, but she says you have to be careful with this one because it can cause nodules.
One type of filler Kappel doesn’t recommend for the neck? Hyaluronic acid fillers like Voluma and Juvederm, which you would use on your face. According to Kappel, HA fillers can look obvious on the thin skin of your neck.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are one of your best options for the neck — they help remove damaged skin cells. Fraxel helps the skin look younger, and is also shown to reduce rates of skin cancer. Healthy, youthful looking skin doesn’t have a lot of sun damage, so using Fraxel can reverse sun damage and make your skin look clear, smooth, and even — with fewer fine lines. Expect four to five days of downtime.
At-Home Active Skincare Treatments
At-home treatments can boost your at-home skincare routine with products and ingredients that can help keep your skin looking young. Using a chemical exfoliant once or twice weekly can shed dry skin cells, and making sure you use your retinol on your neck, as well as your face, will boost collagen production and help your skin turn over faster, which keeps it looking younger.
One thing to keep in mind though is that because your neck is so much more delicate than other areas of your face, retinol may prove more drying here. Make sure you follow up with a thick hyaluronic acid serum and quality moisturizer that will replenish any hydration you’ve lost and keep your skin looking and feeling soft and smooth.
