Every time you think: I’ll just use a regular moisturizer on my neck — yes, any moisture is better than no moisture, this part is true. But the skin on your neck is different, and neck creams are not always a waste of money. The skin on the neck is thinner and more delicate than on your face, and this means that signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots can show up more readily here. An effective neck cream that contains retinol and other effective ingredients is the way to go.
Wondering where to start? Here are a few good neck creams to keep on your radar, as well as a plastic surgeon’s tips for procedures that work best.
SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair, $135
Retinol (0.2%) is the key collagen-boosting ingredient found in Skinceuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair, which also boasts a 2.5% tripeptide concentrate. It can help strengthen your skin barrier, firm skin, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Not to mention, it’s free of alcohol, paragons, dyes, and fragrances, so sensitive skin types need apply.
Start off slowly with this product by applying it just one to two times weekly at night and then slowly increasing its frequency as your skin becomes adjusted to it. Remember to follow up with a hydrating cream if you find this product leaves your skin too dry.
Nécessaire The Neck Serum, $65
Peptides are the name of the game when it comes to Nécessaire The Neck Serum, which is vegan, clean, and perfect for the dry skin on your neck. It’s infused with five peptides to help boost your skin’s collagen and also contains niacinamide and rosewater for supporting the skin’s barrier and increasing hydration. Keep in mind that this is a serum which should be worn under a moisturizer, so don’t forget to following up with extra hydration.
Neck Procedures
Sagging neck skin develops with aging as skin loses elasticity and the face loses volume — this can lead to loose skin in the neck and jawline that can show a person’s age, says Dr. Joseph Zakhary, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Southwest Breast & Aesthetics. “The more severe the appearance of the neck usually the more invasive treatment must be to achieve optimal results. Skin can suffer from sun exposure, smoking, weight loss, and aging. Since the skin of the face is thin and one of the most exposed surface sof the body, the changes are the most noticeable.”
Dr. Zakhary goes on to say that while serums can work to stimulate collagen, which is important in maintaining skin tone, the treatment of sagging neck skin usually ranges from non-invasive to invasive procedures.
“Chemical peels, laser, and micro needling can all stimulate collagen, which can help in the mildest cases,” Dr. Zakhary says. “Laser liposuction, or Renuvion J Plasma work to tighten the skin internally through minimally invasive procedures for more moderate laxity.”
And knowing the limitations of lasers and cream is also important: “Severe laxity can only be successfully treated with a surgical neck lift if the patient is looking for full rejuvenation.”
