How to tighten neck skin
How to tighten neck skin
Best neck firming cream
When it comes to signs of ageing, we are often so focused on our faces that we forget the rest of our skin needs some TLC too. A particularly important, yet often neglected area, is the neck – which is actually one of the first areas to show signs of ageing like wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
There are a few factors that come into play here: firstly, the skin on the neck is exposed to the same environmental stressors as our faces, yet we don’t protect it as such; secondly, the skin on the neck is slightly thinner, meaning it is more prone to creasing – particularly if you don’t moisturise regularly. So, rather than asking how to get rid of neck wrinkles, focus instead on protecting, hydrating and strengthening the delicate skin on your neck.
Read on for our expert guide to the best neck firming creams, our top tips and tricks to help tighten neck skin and a few easy neck care steps to add to your routine.
Why do I need to take care of the skin on my neck?
The skin on your neck is slightly thinner and more delicate than the skin on your face, meaning it is even more susceptible to dryness and fine lines and wrinkles. A rich neck firming cream with peptides is a great way to smooth, soften and re-plump dry skin and neck wrinkles. Our new Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Lifting Face + Neck Cream visibly lifts, reduces the look of lines and wrinkles and hydrates with multi-peptides, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil and shea butter. This powerful hydrating peptide complex helps to fortify the delicate skin on the neck.
Another major factor is sun exposure. Your neck is exposed to the same UV rays as your face, so it needs just as much protection to avoid sun damage, which can lead to premature ageing and dark spots. Look for a daytime moisturiser with a built-in SPF, like Moisture Surge™ SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator, or add in a separate SPF 50 face protector after your usual moisturiser.
Yes, you can absolutely use the same products on your neck as you do your face. You don’t necessarily need a specific neck cream, however if you do notice your skin on your neck is drier, you may prefer to choose a richer cream moisturiser that's tailored to both the face and neck, such as our new Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Lifting Face + Neck Cream for that area. You can also use targeted serums on your neck – our Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum is packed with a potent retinoid and peptides to repair, re-plump and resurface the skin. Retinoids are great for targeting the look of neck wrinkles, as they help to speed up cell turnover, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles over time. Peptides are another anti-ageing powerhouse; these short chains of amino acids are considered the building blocks of essential proteins like collagen and elastin – the proteins linked to skin tone, texture and elasticity. Applied topically they help to smooth, strengthen and rejuvenate the skin. Learn more about these anti-ageing actives with our guide to peptides in skincare and our dermatologist's guide to retinol.
For some, a cream moisturiser designed specifically for the neck and décolletage is a good reminder to moisturise that area. Some of these tailored creams offer additional lifting and firming benefits, such as Smart Clinical Repair™ Lifting Face + Neck Cream, to help target loss of firmness and volume in the neck and jaw. To make the most of the lifting benefits, apply twice daily in a gentle upward motion, working from the collarbone up to the jawline.
It’s never too early to start applying moisturiser to your neck – whatever your age or skin type, your skin will always benefit from extra hydration. It’s also never too soon to start using SPF on your neck and chest, so a lightweight moisturiser with SPF is a great way to tick both boxes. In terms of anti-ageing neck creams, you may wish to start applying a more targeted formula in your 30s to help prevent lines and wrinkles.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of neck wrinkles, there's no magic ingredient, however serums and creams built with powerful anti-ageing actives like peptides and retinoids can help target signs of ageing. Hyaluronic acid is another one to note for it’s hydrating, moisture-binding properties.
What is the best neck skincare routine?
The good news is you don’t need an entire separate neck care routine – instead, just extend the application area of your usual skincare regime.
Step 1: Cleanse and gently exfoliate, like you would the rest of your face.
Step 2: Treat. If neck wrinkles are your main concern, apply a gentle retinoid and peptide serum twice daily to your face, neck and décolletage.
Step 3: Hydrate. Apply your to your neck in upward sweeping motions from the collarbone to the jaw.
Step 4: Finish with SPF. The skin on your neck and chest is very prone to sun damage, so protection and prevention is key. Apply a generous amount to your face and neck in the morning, and reapply throughout the day if you’re spending time outdoors.
Need more help creating your ideal skincare routine? Book in for a complimentary Skin School consultation, led by one of our own specially trained skin experts.
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