How To Prevent and Treat Neck Wrinkles
Hi my name is Michelle and I have neck wrinkles. There I said it! I remember being 28, looking and in the mirror and thinking ‘huh, those wrinkles weren’t there before’. Growing up, I remember my mom telling me you can tell a person’s age by their 1) hands 2) neck. For that reason, it has always. been a priority to take care of the skin on my neck. Today I’m sharing what causes neck wrinkles, how to prevent neck wrinkles and how to reduce the appearance of neck wrinkles.
What are neck wrinkles?
Neck lines, or neck wrinkles, are one of God’s blessings when you age. The dermis (the layer of skin that contains collagen) on the neck is very thin which makes it prone to aging faster than skin on others parts of the body. As you grow older, the skin on your neck begins to crease or “fold” creating those lovely wrinkles that stick around at rest.
What causes neck wrinkles?
While neck wrinkles may be unavoidable, there are external factors that can accelerate the development and severity of neck wrinkles. Luckily, a number of these can be avoided so education is key!
Smoking:
Girls, smoking ain’t cute. If you’re smoking cigarettes in 2021 it’s time to quit, darling. Along with the long list of consequences of smoking – the thousands of chemicals in tobacco smoke break down the collagen and elastin in your neck. Consequently, this forms sagging and wrinkles in your neck.
Sun exposure:
While plenty of us use sunscreen on our face for anti-aging benefits – we often forget to apply it on our neck. If your neck is often unprotected from the sun it can lead to premature wrinkles. This is because the collagen and elastin in your neck is not functionally at an optimal speed when repeatedly damaged by the sun. So don’t forget to lather on that SFP on your neck daily!
Repeated motions:
Wrinkles are formed from repeated motions – doing something over and over. This is why ‘tech neck’ is a real thing. Our generation is addicted to scrolling through Instagram, texting and playing on our smartphones. When we are using our smartphones the constant motion of looking down causes creases in our neck which develop into wrinkles overtime. As a result, neck wrinkles are developing faster than ever before.
How can I prevent neck wrinkles?
It’s never too late to do what you can to prevent neck wrinkles or preventing further damage to the skin on your neck.
Stop smoking:
Just stop it. It’s 2021 and we’re now well aware of the many horrible consequences – including lung cancer. It isn’t classy and your breath stinks. I said what I said.
Limit range of motion:
Limit your range of motion by positioning your phone in front of your face and look straight forward. This may take some getting used to, but it will help prevent tech neck.
Drink more water:
Drinking water has endless benefits and one is preventing neck wrinkles! Water helps to keep the skin on your neck moisturized and healthier. Try to drink at least 8 cups of water to keep hydrated. You can also use a humidifier at night for added hydration.
Adjust your diet:
Make sure to get your vitamins in! Vitamins are essential for healthier skin, resulting in less dehydration and wrinkles. You can take a multivitamin, however the easiest way to get vitamin A, C and E is through vegetables! Try to add in veggies at lunch and dinnertime. You won’t regret it!
Adjust your skincare routine:
While most of us have a skincare routine down pat – we can forget our neck in the process! The following skincare routine for your neck is essential to reduce the appearance of neck wrinkles and prevent further deepening of wrinkles.
Use a moisturizer formulated to target neck lines
Your neck has few hair follicles and oil glands, making it more susceptible to dehydration. In the morning, use a moisturizer created specifically to target neck lines. After cleansing, gently massage into the neck (and chest area!) using circular motions.
Apply a SPF 30+
It’s imperative you use sunscreen on your neck daily. This will protect your skin from the harmful UV rays, which can create and worsen neck wrinkles. Don’t forget to apply it to your face and on your chest area as well!
Apply a vitamin C serum
Already have neck lines? A vitamin C serum oil is your new BFF. Vitamin C helps to restructure skin at the cellular level and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
Exfoliate your neck
When you exfoliate your skin, it encourages cell regeneration and gets rid of skin cells. Exfoliate the skin of your neck at least once a week. Use a gentle exfoliating brush to apply the product. If it hurts – you’re brushing too hard!
Use a retinol cream at night
In the evening, use a retinol-based cream for the neck. If you’re new to retinol products, it’s best to start with moisturizers with a smaller percentage of retinol every couple of days. Otherwise, your skin may dry out and peel. Moisturizers with retinol can work to prevent new neck wrinkles from forming.
Get A Surgical Treatment:
More and more people are turning to surgical treatment to treat neck wrinkles. These treatments can be effective, however they can be risky (and costly!). Make sure to check with your doctor before getting any of these treatments.
Botox:
Yes you read that correctly. Neck botox is a thing. Botox blocks the chemical signals from nerves that tell muscles to contract, which makes skin appear smoother. Botox is injected into your neck lines – this also also known as a ‘noninvasive neck lift’. It typically lasts 3-4 months and can cost a pretty penny.
Fillers:
Fillers is another option to reducing the appearance of neck wrinkles. Fillers are injected directly into the horizontal lines in your neck to ‘fill out’ the wrinkles. Neck fillers typically cost $500-$1000 and last 6 months to 1 year.
Ultrasound Laser:
Lasers can be used to help makes the skin look younger and tighter. They can also stimulate collagen and strengthen the skin foundation. Other than slight discomfort from the heat, this process is generally painless. Ultrasound laser treatments use ultrasound energy to heat deep under the skin. Usually takes 45-90 minutes and 1-2 treatments. Cost typically costs $175-$200 per session.
Radiofrequency:
Radiofrequency also uses a handheld device to heat the skin for a tightening effect. “With radiofrequency, we heat the skin at a more superficial level to trigger collagen production. There’s really little to no downtime. As with ultrasound treatments, it can feel really hot—it’s like a hot stone massage. It’s also a gradual process, so while you can be in and out of the office in under an hour, you’ll need two to six treatments usually (depending on the size of the area you’re treating, delivered 7-10 days apart,” Nussbaum explains. As far as the most popular modalities go, you’ll hear your doctor talk about name brands like Thermi and Therma, which both use the radiofrequency method. Cost: $600-$1,000 depending on the area of the body
Radiofrequency Microneedling:
Microneedling uses fine needles to trigger a wound healing response. This, combined with radio frequency (heat energy) helps to speed up elastin and collagen production. Much like microneedling your eyebrows, your skin is numbed with a topical cream. This treatment typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart are recommended. Cost ranged $750-$1500.
Exercise Your Neck:
Did you know you can exercise your neck? Gently massage your skin with a facial roller to help stimulate blood flow to deliver oxygen to the skin. It also eases muscle tension which can cause neck wrinkles. Also, it feels good. Simply apply a face oil or moisturizer and gently trace your neck lines with your facial roller. Hold your skin taut and move the roller in the opposite direction. You can do this as part of your nightly skincare routine!
Neck wrinkle concealing hack:
Life hack alert. In addition to following a skincare routine targeted towards neck wrinkles – I also contour my neck! I know, I’m a dang genius. How the heck do you contour your neck? First, use an eyeshadow brush and lightly brush a highlighter into your neck wrinkles. This will help to fade the depth for the wrinkle. Next, using an eyeshadow brush lightly trace bronzer on top and bottom of your neck wrinkles. And voila! A more even toned neck – and minimal neck wrinkles to show for it!
