What About My Neck?

“The neck is the unsung hero of our overall appearance, often revealing the truth about our age and lifestyle. By giving this delicate skin the attention it deserves, we can smooth, firm, and rejuvenate the neck, creating a more streamlined, radiant, and youthful look that complements our face and body.”

- Dr David Shafer

Taking care of the skin on your neck is just as important as caring for the skin on your face. The skin on our neck is often more delicate and can show signs of aging and environmental damage leading to issues like laxity, wrinkling, dryness, and discoloration. This is due to the many factors outlined here:

Fingers applying nourishing cream to the neck at a medical aesthetic clinic and skin center for customised skin care in beauty and personal care in Singapore

Thinness of the Skin: The skin on the neck is naturally thinner than on other parts of the body, making it more susceptible to the effects of aging. Thinner skin means there is less underlying support, leading to a greater likelihood of sagging and fine lines.
Fewer Oil Glands: The neck has fewer sebaceous glands compared to the face, which results in reduced natural moisturization. This can lead to dryness, flakiness, and a compromised skin barrier, making it easier for wrinkles to form and stay.
Constant Movement: The neck experiences a significant amount of movement throughout the day as we turn our heads, talk, move and perform various activities. Over time, these repetitive movements can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to the formation of lines, wrinkles, and creases.

Sun Exposure: The skin of the neck is often exposed to the sun, especially since most people forget to apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing here. UV radiation from the sun accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in premature aging which shows up as fine lines, age spots, and uneven pigmentation.
Neglected Skincare: People tend to focus more on their facial skincare, often neglecting any care for the neck area. This lack of attention can result in a stark difference in the skin quality and appearance between the face and the neck.
Hydration and Diet: Dehydration and a diet lacking in essential nutrients can impact the health and appearance of skin in general. However, the neck may show signs of aging faster if it is not receiving the necessary nutrients and hydration to maintain its elasticity and overall health.

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Dropper releasing hydrating serum onto the neck at an elite medical spa and aesthetic clinic Singapore for advanced personalised skin care

Addressing the changes that you see to your neck requires a multi-step approach. Here are a few simple steps to help you along:

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1. Gentle Cleansing

Use a mild, hydrating cleanser to remove dirt and impurities from your neck. Avoid harsh soaps that can dry out the skin.
Wash your neck gently, without tugging or pulling, and make sure to clean both the front and back of your neck.

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2. Mild Exfoliating

Exfoliate your neck once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. You can use a gentle scrub or a gentle, low-strength chemical exfoliant like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids).
Be cautious with harsh exfoliation as the skin on the neck is sensitive.

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3. Lock in Moisture

Use a rich, hydrating moisturizer daily to keep the skin on your neck soft and supple. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea and ceramides.
Apply the moisturizer gently, using upward strokes to avoid tugging the skin downwards.

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4. Apply Sunscreen

Protect your neck from sun damage by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. The skin on the neck is highly susceptible to UV damage, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging, and discoloration.
Make sure to cover all areas of the neck with an adequate amount of sunscreen, including the back and the sides.

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5. Use Neck-specific Creams

Some people like to use creams specifically formulated for the neck area. These can be more nourishing and targeted for issues like laxity or fine lines.
Look for neck creams containing peptides, mild retinol, or antioxidants to boost skin firmness and elasticity.
Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced has been shown to work very well on smoothening the skin of the neck and decolletage.
Look for products containing ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or licorice extract to help brighten and even out skin tone.

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6. Hydrate and Eat Well

Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and omega-3 fatty acids can also support skin health.

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7. Regular Massaging

Gently massaging your neck can stimulate circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, which helps keep the skin firm and healthy.
Try doing it while applying your moisturizer to also help your skin absorb this product better.

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8. Avoid Sun Exposure

Try not to overexpose your neck to the sun, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm). Wear a scarf or clothing with UV protection if you're going to be outside for extended periods.

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9. Stay Active and Sleep Well

Exercise regularly to improve overall circulation and skin health.
Make sure to get enough sleep for skin repair and regeneration daily.
Be mindful of your posture by bringing your devices up to eye level, avoiding the ‘tech neck’ tilting of your head downward.

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10. Consider In-Office Treatments

Chemical Peels: A mild TCA solution is applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, helping to improve texture and tone.
Microdermabrasion: A gentle exfoliating treatment that removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, leaving skin feeling smooth and looking brighter.
Facial Massage: A gentle massage for the face and neck that increases blood flow and promotes relaxation, helping to reduce tension and improve skin tone.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: A non-invasive laser treatment that stimulates collagen production, helping to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture.
Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injected into the muscles of the neck to relax and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox can relax specific neck muscles like the platysma muscles which are responsible for the appearance of those vertical bands on the neck.
Dermal Fillers: Injected finely into the skin to add volume and fill in the crevices of deep wrinkles and folds.
RF Microneedling: A minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture.
LED Light Therapy: A non-invasive light treatment that uses different wavelengths of light to target specific skin concerns, such as aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation.

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It is vital to treat your neck with the same level of care as you do your face. Following these steps, and seeking the advice of your aesthetic practitioner, will help keep your neck looking youthful, smooth, unlined and ageless.

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Supporting Your Collagen

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