When it comes to aging, most of us dedicate our skincare routines to the face — and maybe even our hands — while neglecting one of the first areas to show the signs of time: the neck. “The neck will get you every time,” says skincare expert Chris Gibson, who has spent over 36 years in the industry and proudly maintains a youthful-looking neck at age 60.
From gravity to sun damage, genetics to lifestyle, several factors contribute to sagging, lines, and crepiness in the neck and chest. But according to Gibson, there are effective ways to address these concerns without necessarily resorting to surgery. Here are his five expert-backed tips to help keep your neck looking firmer, smoother, and more youthful.
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1. Never Skip Sunscreen On Your Neck And Chest
One of the biggest culprits behind neck aging is sun exposure. “Over the years, sun damage accumulates and begins to break down elastin fibers and collagen cells,” explains Gibson. This leads to dark patches, uneven skin tone, and deepening lines.
His advice: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily to your neck and chest, and reapply if you’re spending time outdoors. To boost skin’s natural defenses, consider adding omega-3s and omega-6s to your diet through foods like salmon, walnuts, or avocados.
2. Use Collagen-Stimulating Creams For Crepey Texture
That thin, crepey skin on the neck paired with redness or broken capillaries is another common sign of aging. Gibson recommends reaching for a moisturizing neck cream formulated with peptides, retinol, and growth factors. These ingredients can encourage collagen production, improve texture, and make the skin look smoother and more supple over time.
3. Address Wrinkles And “Tech Neck” With Better Habits
Horizontal neck lines aren’t only genetic — today’s constant device use has made “tech neck” a widespread concern. “Looking down at your phone puts 50 extra pounds of pressure on the skin around your neck,” says Gibson. His solution: train yourself to hold your phone at eye level whenever possible. Combined with consistent hydration and collagen-boosting products, this small habit shift can slow the deepening of neck wrinkles.
4. Consider Botox For Prominent Vertical Bands
Vertical bands, also called platysmal bands, tend to become more noticeable with age as collagen and fat in the neck decrease. While you can’t completely eliminate them without surgery, Gibson notes that Botox injections can help relax the muscles, softening their appearance and making the neck look more youthful.
5. Try Neck Exercises To Firm And Tighten Skin Naturally
Loose, sagging skin under the jaw and chin is one of the most frustrating signs of neck aging. Beyond topicals and in-office treatments, Gibson swears by facial and neck yoga exercises, a routine he learned from his grandmother and has practiced since his early 20s. “It’s based on the principle of keeping these muscles from shrinking and getting weaker as we get older,” he explains. The best part? It’s free — all it requires is consistency.
The Bottom Line
Neck aging is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be irreversible. From daily sunscreen and nourishing creams to posture adjustments and at-home exercises, there are plenty of steps you can take to firm, smooth, and protect this often-forgotten area. And if topical care isn’t enough, professional treatments — like lasers or a surgical lift — are always an option with the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
