As we age, one of the most noticeable signs of aging often appears on the neck — where the skin can become crepey, thin, and wrinkled, especially after 40. This delicate area naturally loses collagen and elasticity faster than other parts of the body, making it more prone to sagging and fine lines. The good news? There are effective treatments and skincare solutions available that can help firm, smooth, and rejuvenate the neck, restoring a more youthful appearance with consistent care.
According to board-certified dermatologist Maren Locke, there are three effective ways to minimize these changes and maintain a firmer, more youthful neckline. Here, she shares her top three anti-aging tips to help you combat crepey skin and ‘slow down the progression of aging.’
“There are three things that seem to happen to your skin out of nowhere when you turn 40,” Locke explains. These include: Turkey neck, lax skin that forms in the center of the neck. Crepey chest, fine lines, and folds on the décolletage, especially noticeable in the morning. Jowls, sagging skin along the jawline that becomes more pronounced with time.
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1. Use a Retinol Stick
Retinol remains a gold-standard anti-aging ingredient, but many people shy away from using it on the neck due to sensitivity. Locke recommends a more gentle option: a retinol stick.
“You have to use a retinol stick,” she says. “It is the best anti-aging ingredient to give you results without irritation of that sensitive neck and chest skin.”
She personally uses Roc’s Retinol Stick, which allows for precise application and gradual improvement in skin texture, firmness, and tone.
2. Don’t Skip Sunscreen—And Pull It Down to Your Chest
Sun protection isn’t just for your face. The neck and chest are often overlooked, yet they receive just as much UV exposure, which accelerates aging.
“This will drastically slow down the amount of UV damage to your collagen, which is leading to your wrinkles and sagging skin,” Locke notes.
Her advice: always extend your daily sunscreen application down your neck and onto your chest to prevent sun damage and preserve collagen.
3. Collagen Supplement
In addition to topical treatments, nourishing your skin from the inside out can help maintain elasticity. Collagen supplements can be an easy and cost-effective addition to your routine.
Locke says this is one of the most affordable additions to your routine that can “help support elasticity and collagen on your skin.”
With consistent use, these supplements may help improve skin’s texture and resilience over time.
