The neck, often overlooked in our skincare rituals, actually plays a key role in how we present ourselves to the world. Neglecting your neck area can hinder the overall radiant, youthful-looking appearance you’re working towards.
With the right tips, tricks, and routines, you can support your neck skin for a more toned appearance — and we have your inside look.
What Causes Sagging Neck Skin?
When your neck skin starts to sag, a multitude of factors can be at play. At the cellular level, the dynamic duo of collagen and elastin — vital proteins responsible for maintaining skin's tautness and resilience — begin to wane as the years accumulate. Collagen provides the infrastructure for your skin's supple texture, while elastin ensures that your skin can bounce back after stretching or contracting, making it more resilient.
As these proteins decline, your skin loses its innate ability to resist the downward tug of gravity, resulting in a less defined jawline, loose skin, and a more pronounced appearance of wrinkles or the dreaded "turkey neck."
However, there are factors that can make the aging process happen a little more quickly than we’d like. Sun exposure, especially without SPF, can cause your skin to thin out and lose elasticity over time. The resulting photodamage compromises the structural integrity of the skin, exacerbating the effects of natural aging. Even habitual movements — like constantly looking down at your smartphone — can stretch the skin over time, further promoting sag.
Weight fluctuations are another significant factor. Rapid weight loss or gain stretches the skin and can lead to decreased elasticity, especially if it happens repeatedly. This, in conjunction with the age-related decline in collagen and elastin, provides a one-two punch that can really get in the way of the flawless silhouette you’re after.
But don’t worry. The picture is not all doom and gloom. With the right strategies in place, you can fend off or even reverse these signs of aging, putting you back in control of how you wish to present yourself to the world.
How Can You Tone the Look of Your Neck Skin?
While there’s something to be said for accepting your body and skin where it is at every given point in your life and aging gracefully… There are things you can do to improve your skin’s tone and texture.
There are many ways to firm the look of your neck skin, from laser therapy to microneedling to radiofrequency and Botox. However, if you’re looking for methods that are painless, non-invasive, and won’t require downtime, you still have options.
Let’s talk about some top tips to restore and rejuvenate your neck skin with the right skincare routine.
Choose Youth-Supporting Ingredients
The delicate skin in the neck area is more prone to thinness and weakened musculature compared to facial skin, and especially if you’re not giving the skin on your neck the care it deserves, the contrast can exacerbate the issue. It can be as simple as including your neck in your facial skincare routine and prioritizing ingredients that promote a youthful-looking complexion.
Opt for creams rich in ingredients that support proper skin elasticity and hydration. One such standout product is our Moonbounce™ 2% Bio Retinol Irish Sea Moss Plumping Moisturizer. This marvel of cosmetic science is enriched with bio retinol — a plant-derived form of the vitamin A compound that's famed for its anti-aging properties — and the nutrient-rich irish sea moss.
Bio retinol works tirelessly to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while the Irish sea moss imparts deep hydration. The product’s composition is rooted in natural, plant-based ingredients that not only aid in skin longevity but also improve skin elasticity remarkably.
Use a Gentle Hand
When applying, opt for a gentle touch. Use your fingertips to apply the cream, beginning at the base of the neck and moving in upward strokes toward the jawline. This upward motion counteracts the pull of gravity, promoting firmer and more youthful-looking skin over time.
Avoid vigorous rubbing, as it can exacerbate sagging and potentially cause irritation. A smooth, light glide of your fingers will suffice, allowing the cream to penetrate deeply and work its magic.
Apply Sunscreen Consistently
When it comes to skin protection, it’s not just your face you should be worried about. It’s equally — if not more important, given how delicate the skin of your neck can be — to use SPF on your neck.
Mineral-based sunscreens can be your best ally, offering broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. These sunscreens are ideal if you have sensitive skin, owing to their non-irritating formulas.
Applying SPF to your neck creates a protective barrier that wards off harmful ultraviolet rays, mitigating potentially negative side effects. By minimizing sun damage, you can also foster an environment where natural collagen production can flourish, leading to a more youthful-looking complexion.
Using sunscreen daily is only half the battle, however — it’s also important to reapply sunscreen not just to your face but to your neck as well. It’s best to reapply every two hours, and if you’re swimming or sweating, immediate application once your skin is dry is ideal. A sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 rating is generally best.
Don’t skimp on overcast days, either. UV rays penetrate clouds and can cause unsuspected damage. Including this step consistently in your skincare routine could mean the difference between prematurely aged skin and a youthful, elegant neck.
Practice Massages, Like Gua Sha
In a world increasingly enamored with holistic wellness, the Empress Collection's facial gua sha system offers you a way to enhance your skincare ritual and address your concerns about sagging neck skin.
Not only does it offer aesthetic benefits, but it also capitalizes on ancient wisdom. Crafted by a team comprising an acupuncturist, an herbalist, and a holistic esthetician, this comprehensive system includes the Empress Sweetfern Hydrasoothe Face Mist, the Empress Balm of Gilead Barrier Repair Oil, and the patented Empress Stone.
The Empress Stone is made from Bian stone, a pivotal component of the Empress Collection. The Bian stone is believed to emit far infrared rays and negative ions. If you’re not familiar with these healing modalities, it may sound like an old wives tale — but scientific studies back their antioxidant and rejuvenating properties.
Far infrared rays are known to support microcirculation, which maintains skin health at a cellular level, while negative ions are thought to promote skin hydration by supporting proper moisture retention.
The technique of gua sha itself has been passed down through centuries. It involves scraping a flat jade or rose quartz stone over the skin in upward strokes, promoting lymphatic drainage and natural detoxification. The Empress Collection integrates this age-old practice with its cutting-edge formulations to optimize results.
The process aims to hydrate and protect your skin, but also to uplift and firm the contours of your neck and jawline.
A High Note on Low Necklines
From embracing high-quality, scientifically-backed products to adopting age-old techniques like gua sha, there’s a wide range of ways that you can work towards a more toned-looking neck. Plus, adopting new forms of skincare gives you an opportunity to embrace self-care and check in with yourself and your body, making your skincare routine a meditative part of your day.
When it comes to your new routine, the key lies in consistency. When you stay consistent with your product application, you give yourself the best chance of achieving the results you’re looking for.
Sources:
Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin | National Library of Medicine
Elastin Structure And Its Involvement In Skin Photoageing | National Library Of Medicine
Many Ways To Firm Sagging Skin | American Academy of Dermatology
