As the aesthetics landscape shifts, anti-aging tactics are changing too. For most people, treating wrinkles and fine lines means addressing concerns on the face first. But what about the skin just below? The neck is often neglected despite being a major area for signs of aging. Necklifts are becoming just as common as facial procedures, but experts say prevention is the best way to avoid aging skin. Starting early with a good skin-care routine is key, while mixing in treatments can boost their effects. Below, dermatologists share why comprehensive care yields the best results and how to build a routine that actually works.
Featured Experts
- Janine Hopkins, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Southlake, TX
- Dr. Janet Allenby is a board-certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, FL
- Naana Boakye, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Hackensack, NJ
- Scott Walter, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist in Golden, CO
Common Neck Concerns
It’s easy to assume that your face and neck age the same, but that’s not the case. According to Southlake, TX dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD, the neck is one of the first areas to reveal signs of aging because the skin is different. “Unlike your face, the skin on your neck is thinner, has fewer oil glands and is constantly in motion, leading it to often show laxity and volume loss earlier,” she says. As a result, crepiness can occur along with a host of other issues. “Horizontal neck lines and platysmal bands are just as common and become more pronounced with age,” she says. They occur mostly from repeatedly looking down at phones and laptops, or what is affectionately known as tech neck.
According to Hackensack, NJ dermatologist Naana Boakye, MD, deeper structures in the neck, including the platysma muscle and underlying fat pads, change with time, leading to less-defined contours and additional sagging. Environmental factors, such as sun exposure, also age the skin covering your neck. As Dr. Boakye adds, UV rays combined with posture and oxidative stress can increase the appearance of fine lines and discoloration.
What Ingredients Work Best?
“Skin care is paramount, but because the tissue is more delicate, you have to use skin care that is directed for the neck or it becomes too irritated,” says Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby. For targeted treatment, Dr. Hopkins notes that popular ingredients such as retinoids, niacinamide and vitamin C can be beneficial in the long term. “Retinoids are great for improving texture and stimulating collagen production while niacinamide supports firmness and vitamin C protects against free radicals,” she says.
In a serum, these ingredients are key for anti-aging, but because neck creams are more commonly used to treat the area, peptides and hydrating ingredients are of utmost importance. According to Golden, CO dermatologist, Scott Walter, MD, FAAD, they’ll boost collagen production and moisture retention to keep the neck smooth.
Neck Creams to Try
Neck Correct Cream
Forever Firm Peptide Neck Treatment
Tighten & Lift Neck Cream
What In-Office Treatments Work Best?
According to experts, in-office treatments have the most significant impact. Dr. Allenby notes that neuromodulators, such as Botox, can be pivotal for softening neck bands and deep-set lines, while Dr. Hopkins says a non-invasive laser treatment like Fotona tightens lax skin without downtime. “The neck ages in multiple layers from the epidermis to deeper fascia and muscle, so a combination of treatments can be useful for those seeking a non-surgical option,” says Dr. Boakye.
Fillers aren’t the top choice here, but can be helpful with a combined approach. Dr. Hopkins and Dr. Boakye explain that certain injectables, most notably Radiesse and Sculptra, stimulate collagen and elastin to restore hydration and lost structure from crepiness. “This synergy yields natural, lifted results without surgery or downtime,” says Dr. Boakye.
What Surgical Procedures Work Best?
Surgical procedures are usually the route chosen for more dramatic results. “A traditional neck lift or combined neck and facelift can be used to tighten the skin and remove excess hanging tissue,” says Dr. Allenby. Mini neck lifts are another procedure that can be beneficial. Like a mini-facelift, they help with mild to moderate skin laxity. However, if you’re aiming to address other issues, such as the horizontal bands, a platysmaplasty may be a better option. The procedure is specifically designed to realign neck muscles and tighten the middle area where bands most commonly occur.
All in all, a comprehensive plan has proven the best for natural results. “Daily topical support plus in-office procedures offers the most natural, long-term rejuvenation, says Dr. Hopkins. However, prevention is equally important. With thinner skin that’s often neglected, signs of aging are harder to reverse. In that vein, it’s best to treat the neck early and get ahead of advanced issues. “Prioritizing hydration, antioxidants and ingredients that fight the pigment from sun damage during your daily and nightly routines will go a long way in ensuring your neck ages well,” says Dr. Walter.
