Features of the skin of the neck and décolleté
The skin of the neck and décolleté is special. It is, on average, 30% thinner than on the face. Its microvasculature vessels are poorly developed, which is why metabolic processes proceed worse. The structure of the skin of the neck is similar to the skin in the eyelid area. It has almost no sebaceous glands that would protect it from external influences. And the subcutaneous fat tissue is too thin, so its natural protection from moisture loss is practically absent.
The skin in this area is tightly adjacent to fairly active muscles that are involved in the movement of the head, arms and facial expressions, so it is constantly stretched.
On a note
Under the skin lies a thin muscle - platysma, which is a depressor, that is, it pulls the skin down, which is why the skin of the neck begins to “sag” with age.
These areas are also quite exposed to the sun's rays. Traditionally, you cover your face from the sun, and a layer of makeup has its own protective effect. And the skin of the neck and décolleté is often left without protection. This is all the more dangerous because the skin of the face can be anything - oily, normal, dry, but the skin of the neck is always dry.
In the décolleté area, the muscular frame is much better developed, but even here the skin is quite thin and there are few sebaceous glands.
All this means only one thing - caring for the neck and décolleté requires special care. And special care for the skin of the neck and décolleté should begin as early as possible.
Hardware methods for neck and chin correction
“Anti-age”, or saviors from age, which are widely and successfully used today are radio wave lifting technologies. Radio wave lifting has a thermally controlled effect on the skin and subcutaneous fat.
As a result, we get the synthesis of new collagen in your skin, the building material for the skin, and a new twisting of connective tissue fibers that have already been stretched and worn out.
Radio wave lifting is distinguished by the fact that it gives results immediately after the procedures. And also by the fact that these effects after the procedure continue to gradually increase, bringing the neck and chin to an increasingly aesthetic, healthy and rejuvenated state, consolidating and forming a new look for the neck, décolleté and chin over the next few months.
Then, upon reaching the final form, this effect reliably accompanies you for 2-4 years, depending on the details of the procedure and your personal characteristics.
In addition, such a new product in the field of hardware lifting as Ulthera technology, a new ultrasonic lifting, is currently being developed and improved. It works at the level of the superficial muscular aponeurotic layer, referred to as SMAS, and there it is engaged in successful tissue tightening.
Causes of rapid aging of the skin of the neck and décolleté
Of course, the first and main reason for skin aging is age. The first signs of aging on the skin of the neck and décolleté become noticeable after 30 years. However, lifestyle also has a significant influence on the condition of the skin.
Constant loads on the cervical spine
We nod, tilt our heads, turn and stretch our necks - so the skin and muscles in this area practically do not rest, constantly stretching and twisting. And if the muscles cope with the load, then the skin loses its elasticity over time.
Using smartphones and tablets
Research by scientists has already proven that too frequent use of smartphones and tablets to check email and correspondence on social networks leads to loss of neck tone. While viewing a gadget, we lower our heads (and we can stay in this position for hours), causing the appearance of wrinkles not only in the eye area (crow’s feet), but also in the neck.
The habit of sitting in one position and slouching
It’s not just the addiction to gadgets that is responsible for skin deformation. Wrinkles and folds on the neck occur when we sit for a long time with our heads bowed - when reading, writing, while eating, etc. Sitting at a computer for a long time also leads to the appearance of permanent creases on the skin of the neck. All these habits can provoke early deformation of the contours of the neck and chin.
Incorrect posture while sleeping
The habit of sleeping on your side leads to the formation of vertical folds in the décolleté area - the so-called compression wrinkles. Also at risk are those who are used to sleeping on a high pillow.
Sleep specialists - somnologists, say that the best position for sleeping is on your back. It is clear that this is not convenient for everyone. But you can try to sleep on your back at least through the night.
Constantly wearing massive jewelry
Heavy beads, necklaces and pendants stretch the delicate skin of the neck, so they are best worn only on special occasions. For the same reason, you should avoid synthetic turtlenecks with a tight collar.
Incorrect or missing care
When caring for the skin of the face, many women do not take into account that the skin of the neck also needs no less, and perhaps even more, care. Inattention to this area, according to cosmetologists, is a total omission and an unforgivable mistake. Lack of proper care for the skin of the face and décolleté will negate all efforts to appear younger and more beautiful.
Chamomile cream for elastic neck
To prepare the cream you need:
- stir the yolk with 10 grams of honey;
- add 10 grams of vegetable oil;
- 10 grams of chamomile infusion;
- 10 grams of Vaseline.
Massage onto the skin of the neck for about an hour. Remove excess. Apply daily.
General principles of facial and décolleté skin care
Caring for the skin of the neck and décolleté consists of the same steps as facial skin: cleansing, moisturizing, nourishing and protecting.
Features of care products
To care for the skin of the face and décolleté, it is best to use special care products. The cosmetics industry produces a range of products designed for such specialized care. They differ in composition from face and body products.
However, you can also use facial skin care products, but several factors must be taken into account. Creams for problem skin should not be used for the skin of the neck and décolleté. The fact is that these creams can be particularly active and cause irritation or dryness in the neck and décolleté area. It is also not recommended to use body creams containing fat-burning ingredients.
When choosing neck care products, you need to pay attention to the presence of ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter, sunflower butter, and grape seed - for antioxidant protection and to soften the skin. Geranium, rosemary, citrus, immortelle, rose and chamomile oils are suitable as tonics. Hyaluronic acid is necessary for hydration, aloe, horsetail, and sea buckthorn extracts for quick recovery.
Peptides are also necessary in the composition of care products. They are the structural elements of proteins. Peptides activate the processes of restoration, renewal and protection in skin cells. Thanks to them, the process of cellular regeneration is restored.
Look for peptides called Dermican, Matrixyl, Ayseril. They provide an anti-age effect, enhance the supply of collagen in the skin, strengthen its fibers, increase elasticity and help reduce wrinkles. The cream for the care of the skin of the neck and décolleté also requires vitamins A, E, C, F and proteins.
As for the texture of products intended for this area, they are usually lighter than the texture of face and body creams. Serums are great for the skin of the neck and décolleté.
Cleansing
During morning hygiene procedures, it is recommended to rinse the skin of the neck and chest area with cool water. At the same time, it is necessary to remember about the back of the neck, which also needs to be cleansed. Cool water will improve skin tone and improve blood circulation.
Then the skin of the neck and décolleté should be wiped with a cotton pad with micellar water, cosmetic milk, cream or high-quality vegetable oil. Residues of cleansers should be removed with a toner for dry skin. It must be remembered that alcohol-containing tonics and lotions are prohibited for the neck and décolleté area.
Other cosmetic procedures that we are used to doing with our faces will also be useful. For example, the skin of the neck also needs regular exfoliation, so a peeling procedure 2-3 times a week should be mandatory. It is worth keeping in mind, however, that for this it is better to choose gommage or soft peeling with fruit acids, and the acid content should be in the range of 4-8%. These beauty products gently remove dead skin cells without damaging the desired skin on the neck and décolleté. In addition, they will improve blood circulation and facilitate access of moisturizers to the deeper layers of the skin. However, in the summer, it is better to completely avoid fruit peeling in this area.
Hydration
At first glance, this seems obvious, but for some reason many people forget that the neck, like the face, needs to be regularly moisturized. You don’t have to buy a special product; a face cream will do the job perfectly. But you need to apply it correctly: The cream is applied to still damp skin immediately after cleansing and toning with smooth movements from bottom to top.
The list of ingredients of a moisturizer should include retinol, vitamins A and E, silicon derivatives and vegetable oils.
Protection
In the summer, it is necessary to use a moisturizer with an ultraviolet filter of at least 30 SPF. This will protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun rays. Sun protection is one of the most important stages of skin care, because UV rays destroy collagen and elastin, negatively affect the body’s ability to create new healthy cells, and accelerate photoaging.
Nutrition
The nourishing cream is recommended to be applied to the skin of the neck and décolleté during evening care, after cleansing and moisturizing. Ideally, the nourishing neck cream will be presented in the form of a liquid emulsion or gel cream. The cream should be applied to the skin in a circular motion from bottom to top, from the collarbone to the chin.
NECK CARE
At the same time, neck care often happens on a residual basis, because we pay all our attention, first of all, to the face. The irony is that the skin on your neck needs much more consistent and thorough care than the oil-rich skin on your face, but we often don't even think about it.
What should neck care consist of? The same thing that makes up facial care, but in a more thoughtful and gentle version. Mechanical cleansing and harsh peelings are contraindicated for the skin of the neck; however, this area must be moisturized and nourished more thoroughly than the facial area.
How to care for your neck at different ages
The first signs of aging can appear on the neck after age 30, so start caring for this area as early as possible. This area should be cleaned with mild products with neutral and slightly acidic pH (from 4 to 5.5) or micellar water.
After 30 years
It’s frivolous to think that at the age of 30, wrinkles are still out of the question. It is at this age that you should accustom yourself, when caring for your face, not to forget about your neck and décolleté. However, at this age, caring for the skin of the face and décolleté is not too complicated yet. The first thing you need to do is follow the recommendations given above: don’t slouch, choose the right pillow for sleeping and don’t sit in one position for hours.
Cosmetic care for the neck and décolleté comes down mainly to the following:
- Take care of your skin daily: cleanse, moisturize and nourish. To nourish the skin of the neck and décolleté, you can use your regular face cream, unless it is for problem skin. It is better if the cream is for dry and normal skin.
- Pay attention to creams and serums containing retinol. It kind of “thickens” the skin and reduces the severity of pigmentation (if any).
- On sunny days, do not forget to use sunscreen cream.
After 40 years
At this age, the first signs of aging appear: wrinkles become more pronounced, and the skin of the neck gradually loses its elasticity. Therefore, skin care becomes more comprehensive.
- It is advisable to use specialized products marked “For the skin of the neck and décolleté.”
- Use a special firming and tightening care product for the neck and décolleté area to reduce wrinkles and have a smoothing effect.
- Make nourishing masks on the neck and décolleté 1-2 times a week.
- Don't forget to protect your delicate skin from ultraviolet radiation.
- Add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, which are beneficial for the skin, circulation and cardiovascular system. They are found in fatty fish, flax and walnut oils.
After 50 years
Loss of neck skin tone, folds and creases are problems that women most often face during menopause. There are several recommendations for prevention.
- Exfoliate your neck and décolleté regularly to strengthen and stimulate cellular turnover.
- Moisturize and nourish the delicate area daily with products containing antioxidants, vitamin E, liposomes and ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
- Use serums with hyaluronic acid, vitamins A and C.
- Don't ignore masks. Cream, fabric, alginate - they all provide a noticeable moisturizing and tightening effect.
Rules of care
Skin care should be comprehensive and age-appropriate. You probably noticed that after sleep, “stale” folds remain on it. If you are under 30, they quickly disappear, but later they remain for a long time. After 30 years, in addition to moisturizing creams, additional anti-aging care is needed.
To combat premature aging, give your neck and décolleté as much attention as you do your face.
At 20-30 years old, when applying cream to the face, it will be enough to go over the neck and décolleté. Starting from 30, use special products that increase skin tone and elasticity.
Gymnastics for wrinkles on the neck and décolleté
There are many exercises to keep the neck and lower face muscles toned. Here are examples of some of them.
- Move your lower jaw back and forth.
- Extend your lips with a tube (in the shape of the letter “O”) and hold it there for 5 seconds. Repeat several times. Then do the same, pronouncing the sound “I”.
- Sit up straight and place your right palm on your forehead. Press your forehead firmly into your palm without tilting your head. Hold this position for 10 seconds.
- Sit up straight, put your hands behind your head and press the back of your head onto them without tilting your head back. Hold this position for 10 seconds.
- Sit up straight. Tilt your head back and open your mouth. Try to touch your lower lip to your upper lip without closing your teeth. Repeat several times.
Deep cleansing.
It is advisable to cleanse the skin of the neck and décolleté in the morning and evening. A mild cleansing lotion is suitable for this purpose. If you cleanse your skin in the shower or bath, you can use the shower gel you use on your body as long as it is moisturizing. At the same time, do not forget about the skin on the back of your head.
If you do not have time for cosmetic procedures for this area (for example, in the morning), then simply rinse it with cool water. This water makes the skin elastic and smooth.
If you have free time (for example, on vacation or on weekends), you can pamper your neck and décolleté with homemade cleansing lotions.
Recipe No. 1.
Ingredients:
- salt – 1 tbsp.
- vodka – 1 tbsp.
- vinegar (lemon juice) – 1 tsp.
- water – 1 glass
Application.
Mix all the ingredients and wipe the resulting mixture onto the skin of your neck and décolleté in the morning and evening.
Recipe No. 2.
Ingredients:
- fresh cucumber – 1 pc.
- vodka – 1 glass
Application.
Soak the cucumber in vodka and leave for two weeks, then use it as a cleansing lotion.
The skin of the neck, like the skin of the face, needs to be exfoliated periodically. By removing the upper dead layers of the epidermis, we turn on skin renewal mechanisms, which contributes to skin rejuvenation. In addition, deep cleansing helps smooth out fine wrinkles and prevents the formation of new ones.
For these purposes, light superficial gentle peels, for example, glycolic peeling, are suitable for the neck and décolleté area. Deeper types of peels can damage the thin, delicate skin of this area. Before peeling in a salon, you need to consult with a cosmetologist who will determine which peel is right for you and how often it should be done.
Deep skin deepening of the neck and décolleté can also be done at home. You can do it once every 1-2 weeks.
Recipe No. 1.
Pour 2 tbsp. oatmeal with warm water. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes. Using the resulting scrub, carefully carry out the cleansing procedure.
Recipe No. 2.
Mix 1 tbsp. liquid honey with 1 tbsp. cream, add 1 tbsp. semolina and mix thoroughly until smooth. The scrub is ready for use.
Recipe No. 3.
Mix 1 tbsp. coffee grounds with 1 tsp. honey and 1 tbsp. vegetable oil.
In addition to deep cleansing, this scrub promotes skin rejuvenation.
Rejuvenating compresses.
Pour 2 tbsp. spoons of chamomile with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 10-15 minutes. Soak gauze in the broth, squeeze it out and wrap it around your neck and apply it to your décolleté. Keep the compress for 3 minutes, then change to a cold one for 5 seconds. Change compresses three times.
This compress helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces sagging.
Oil compress.
Heat 1 tbsp. any vegetable oil in a water bath. Then add 2 tbsp. hot water and cool slightly. Soak gauze, folded in half, in the resulting mixture, wrap it around the neck and apply to the décolleté. After 15 minutes, remove the compress and rinse your neck and décolleté with warm water.
3 tbsp. St. John's wort pour a glass of boiling water. Cover with a lid and place in a water bath for 15 minutes. Then let it brew for 40 minutes, strain. Soak gauze in the resulting infusion and apply to the neck and décolleté for 15 minutes.
This procedure should be done 2-3 times a week. Course – 15 procedures.
