A Dermatologist Tells Us How To Reduce Neck Wrinkles For Women Over 50
January 21, 2023 by Lisa Cupido
Don’t just stop your skincare routine at your jawline. As we age, our necks also reveal signs of aging and repeated UV exposure, so if more youthful-looking skin is a priority for you, including your neck into your skincare routine is a wise way to prevent wrinkles and help minimize the fine lines you may have.
“People at any age should think about skin care in sun exposed areas, not just their faces,” Said Dr. Elaine F. Kung, a board-certified dermatologist based out of New York City and the founder of Future Bright Dermatology. “Helpful skin care ingredients to prevent wrinkles on the face apply to the neck as well. Oftentimes, neck creams may be formulated in a thicker cream because our neck skin is thinner and more easily irritated than our cheek skin.”
In other words, those creams that are specifically for the neck area are NOT necessarily a waste of money, but that doesn’t mean they’re all equally effective. Dr. Kung explains which ingredients you should be on the lookout for in a quality topical treatment — as well as the best in-office procedures for your neck that can help if you’re ready to take your anti-aging regimen to a new level.
SunscreenEvery anti-aging skincare discussion starts and ends with this one product: sunscreen with zinc and titanium oxide to help prevent lines and sagging (it’s always easier to prevent a skin issue than to fix it). “UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin in skin that help it stay tight and firm,” Dr. Kung said. “Once these fibers break down, the skin can loosen, thin, and wrinkle.” As you’re applying your SPF to your face, be sure to apply some to your neck, too.
RetinolSo, you’ve started included retinol into your nightly routine? Fantastic — but don’t forget to apply a thin layer to your neck, as well. Retinol (a potent derivative of vitamin A) has been scientifically proven to thicken both the epidermis and the dermis, according to Dr. Kung — and it also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin within the dermis, which contributes to a more youthful-looking neck.
Vitamin CRetinol at night, vitamin C in the morning — those are two key ingredients to achieving more beautiful skin on your face AND neck. “Vitamin C is a cofactor in collagen synthesis,” Dr. Kung said. “Its antioxidant properties help protect skin cells from sun and environmental damage.”
Other Powerful IngredientsNow that you know about The Big Three skincare ingredients that can make a major difference in your skin, here are three more that are absolutely worth including and applying to your neck, according to Dr. Kung:
- Vitamin E works hand in hand with vitamin C, amplifying its antioxidant properties.Peptides are amino acids used as building blocks for collagen production.Hyaluronic Acid or PolyGlutamic Acid is a humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin, giving the skin an immediate thicker and healthier appearance by hydrating and plumping it up.
Some of Dr. Kung’s favorite skincare recommendations include:
*** Revox™ Line Relaxer – Revision Skincare from face to decolletage or Nectifirm® ADVANCED | Revision Skincare® for people who really believe that there’s a need for a separate neck cream.
*** Tripeptide-R Neck Repair | Neck Cream | SkinCeuticals
*** Face & Neck Cream | Advanced Response Complex | Maya Chia