Ageing Neck!

Always treat the neck as you do your face as the signs of ageing can be more visible on the neck

Over time neglecting this area when following your daily skin care routines will take its toll. Start to extend your routine past the jawline to the collar bone. Neck neglect will suddenly become a cosmetic concern as lines are more prominent, pigmentation and discolouration appear at the sides of the neck and the skin thins and loses its snap.

The major muscle of the neck is called the platysma this muscle inserts high into the lower face and muscular area of the mouth down into the pectoral area across the chest. As this muscle weakens the effects of gravity draw down the contours of the jaw and neck leading to sagging skin.  With age, the body’s production of proteins such as collagen and elastin declines as these building blocks of firm, smooth skin declines the appearance of wrinkles and horizontal lines and creases increase.
Excess fat deposits accumulate on the neck and under the chin, obscuring what used to be an elegant neck contour creating either a double chin or turkey neck.

The unprotected neck is more prone to the effects of UV damage and the sides of the neck are more susceptible. The reddish-brown mottled patches which occur here are known as poikiloderma of Civatte named after the French dermatologist Achille Civatte. The condition is more noticeable in women after menopause, it can be hereditary, and chemicals also have a contributary factor.

There are multiple options to treat the neck with varying degrees of success if surgery isn’t an option there are non-surgical options to improve the appearance of an ageing neck and prevention.

Prevention is key and making changes to your homecare routines will improve the condition. Protect your skin from further damage by applying suncream daily even in winter. For those that spend time outdoors frequently wearing hats will protect the face but not the neck wearing a higher neckline can protect the chest but to prevent discolouration on the back of the neck and sides of the neck can be more difficult and Suncream can be your only line of defence. Refrain from using chemicals such as perfume on the neck and fragranced body lotions in the area as the reaction with UV can cause hyper (brown) and hypo (white) pigmented spots. Broken capillaries can occur also causing a more reddish complexion and sensitivity.

Skin routines at home can help improve the condition using the Art Derma Alpha Wash and AHA Renew Serum will improve the discolouration due to the content of glycolic acid which will help fade the darker brown spots and help with cellular renewal bringing new cells to the surface. The Antiox C&E Serum is another good daytime option which contains vitamin C, this vitamin helps to prevent further wrinkles through production of collagen and prevents dark spots. It Helps to prevent and delay the signs of ageing from harmful environmental damage, toxins, pollutants, and solar radiation. Defence SPF 50 and Urban Defence SPF 20 Day creams provide full protection against both UVA ageing rays and UVB burning rays.

At nighttime increasing the hydration levels will reduce sensitivity, dryness, and plump wrinkles. The Firm neck cream contains Heptapeptide-7 a clinically proven peptide which helps to firm, lift, and tighten the neck area for a younger looking more defined youthful appearance.

“Heptapeptide-7 supports skin structure and promotes keratinocyte proliferation and migration to fill in lines and wrinkles and reduce their appearance. It is a relatively new and rare compound in skin care and cosmetics. Designed to mimic an innate immunity peptide, heptapeptide-7 has been shown in preliminary studies to stimulate keratinocyte migration and collagen synthesis in women who are undergoing menopause (Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2010)”

Evaluating the skin quality is important as the neck skin is thinner making it less resilient. Aesthetic treatments such as radio frequency are used to treat skin sagging, wrinkles and excess fat on the face and neck is known as the ‘non-surgical face lift’. The Pyramid Facelift is a combination of micro needling and radiofrequency treatment that tightens, smoothens, hydrates, and reduces fat.

Chemical peels such as the Mandeliclear system from Circadia reduces pigmentation and wrinkles. These are some non-surgical options offered at skin deep which address some of the changes that surgical options don’t, such as thinning crinkly skin and discoloration. Combining these non-invasive options gives the best results.