Don’t risk your neck: taking care of the face comes naturally to most of us, but the décolletage is more prone to visible signs of ageing – are you doing right by yours?

Jul 8 , 2024

Skincare focused on the neck now includes technology-driven solutions such as CurrentBody’s Skin LED Neck and Dec Perfector. Photos: Handout

Thinner than the skin on the face, the skin in the area of the neck and chest takes longer to heal after injury and inflammation, is more sensitive, and is more prone to dryness and ageing

Moisturising formulas rich in ceramides and peptides are recommended, sunscreen is of course essential, while the market has welcomed technology-driven solutions such as LED and red light therapy

When one thinks of skincare, the face often commands the spotlight with its array of serums, creams and protective lotions designed to defy time itself. Yet, just beneath, an equally deserving but frequently overlooked area whispers for attention: the décolletage.

Encompassing the neck, chest, cleavage and shoulders, the skin on this area is thinner and more delicate, requiring a dedicated approach akin to the meticulous regimes reserved for our faces. The skin here is not just thinner but has a distinct composition that sets it apart. “Neck skin is particularly delicate. Compared to your face, there are fewer hair follicles and sebaceous glands, so it takes the skin longer to heal after injury and inflammation,” says Texas-based dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dr Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce. This scarcity makes the skin more prone to dryness, further exacerbating its sensitivity and susceptibility to external damage.

111Skin’s Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Neck Mask

This thinness, coupled with a higher degree of elasticity, means that the skin of the neck and chest is more prone to reflect signs of ageing. Dr Suzanne Ferree, founder of Vine Medical Associates and the Cellular Medicine Institute, says that some signs are very easy to spot. “Common signs of neck ageing are ‘necklace lines’, thin, crepey skin, submental fat pad or ‘wattle’, and lack of definition of the jawline,” she notes.

Everyday habits contribute to the ageing of the décolletage, including frequent bending of the neck to scroll through one’s phone, or simply turning the head. “This area tends to age differently than the face due to the positioning of the neck when using phones and laptops, and the lack of significant musculature or fat in women to hold the skin taut,” explains Ferree.

Caring for the décolletage requires a regimen that emphasises cleansing, hydration and protection. Cleansing should be gentle, using products that remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils, which are crucial for maintaining its delicate balance. Moisturising is equally important, with formulas rich in ceramides and peptides to build the skin’s resilience, enhance its moisture barrier and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Sun protection remains crucial. Sun exposure is the skin’s biggest enemy, with UV rays causing significant damage across the body. Despite this, the décolletage often misses out on sunscreen, a critical oversight driven by concerns over staining clothes or underestimating the area’s exposure – which, in the long run, sets the stage for premature ageing, sunspots, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

Dr Sturm’s Super Anti-Aging Neck & Décolleté Cream

Understanding the décolletage as a separate entity with its own needs is vital to caring for this area effectively. “It’s easy to carry your skin products down your neck when applying them daily, as long as they aren’t too strong or irritating,” advises Geddes-Bruce. “Applying a simple daily moisturiser combined with SPF is an efficient way to get the most bang for your buck in caring for your neck.” Neck creams, while not essential, can also be beneficial. “You can also consider adding a targeted neck cream containing peptides and other active ingredients to improve collagen and elastin production,” Geddes-Bruce suggests.

The beauty and wellness industry has developed special formulas for the unique needs of the décolletage. Innovations like Dr Sturm’s Super Anti-Aging Neck & Décolleté Cream are tailored to the specific requirements of the neck and chest, offering targeted solutions for anti-ageing, hydration and firmness.