Neck: take care every day!
Published on May 11th, 2023 by Andressa Maravieski
Do you take care of your neck how do you take care of your face?
The face is not the only part of your body that is more exposed or changes over the years.
The neck and décolletage also need daily care, but are usually forgotten when it comes to skincare routines.
You may even remember to take care of the area using the leftover cosmetic from the facial application, but is that enough?
Learn the reasons and ways to take care of your neck with Piellem!
Why pay attention to the neck?
The skin on the face, neck is different.
The skin of the neck, like that of the eyelids, is thinner and is the first to show the signs of skin aging.
Over time, with the decrease in the synthesis of collagen and elastin by our body, the skin becomes more flaccid and less elastic.
This region has a smaller amount of sebaceous and sweat glands. Therefore, it has a greater difficulty in maintaining hydration and natural fat.
The skin dries out and spots appear, blood vessels are exposed and the tight texture are aspects that characterize the area.
Of course, these factors are not a rule for all people.
The double chin, for example, can be characterized by the accumulation of fat in the region and not only by the characteristics of sagging skin.
Muscle support and jaw projection are also factors that influence appearance in the dermis.
However, it is unanimous among specialists that the factor that most affects the health of the skin on the neck and décolletage is exposure to sunlight and the lack of adequate protection.
In October 2021, researcher Christian Posch published an article on research on primary prevention in cancer and aging, sharing the following photo:
This 92-year-old woman has used UV protective moisturizers on her face but not her neck for over 40 years. Clinical examination reveals a marked difference in sun damage between the cheek and the neck.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology – Wiley Online Library
In addition to the harmful effects of the sun, the Tech Neck Effect (Technological Neck) has been listed as a new factor for damage to the skin of the neck due to poor posture while using devices such as cell phones and computers.
Including the use of clothes, towels and even some accessories should be observed, since they can cause friction, stuffiness and greater dryness, especially in the neckline.
Other factors that damage the skin in general, which you are certainly already aware of, are: insufficient water intake, poor diet, inadequate amount of sleep and smoking.
Given all this information, what to do?
How should I take care of my neck?
Although you already know many of the possible answers, there are some considerations that are necessary:
1 – Using a high SPF sunscreen daily is mandatory
Look again at the photo above and adopt the habit of using sunscreen on your face, neck, as a matter of urgency in your routine.
Using the product correctly, the chance of reducing the likelihood of skin cancer, regardless of its aesthetic positioning, is considerably greater.
According to Dr. DeRosa in an interview for the Blog InStyle, ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin layer and break down the collagen and elastin that are already little produced by the body, especially after the age of 40.
Therefore, the application of sunscreen must be daily, even if you do not leave the house, and must be repeated at least every 3 hours.
Don't forget to apply the protector behind the neck and on the ears.
If exposure to the sun is prolonged, bet on the use of wide-brimmed hats.
2. Extend your skincare routine downwards
Your daily facial skin care routine should include care with the neck.
Cleansing, toning, moisturizing and protecting are basic actions in these regions as well.
When removing makeup, you must also remember to extend your care.
3. Use exfoliating
When cleaning the skin, once a week, it is recommended to use an exfoliant to remove dead cells and help cell renewal.
This exfoliation process also helps to even out the texture and color of the skin between the neck and the face.
4. Invest in specificity
Acquiring specific products for your neck is ideal, as they are different skins from your face.
Results may take a little longer to appear, as ingredients need to penetrate deeper layers of the skin.
Fortunately, there are a plethora of dermocosmetics that come in the form of creams, serums, patches, clay masks and hydrating serums that you can browse and enjoy.
The most recurrent suggestions for the care of this region list the benefits of products with Vitamin C (a ADCOS has a complete line) and hyaluronic acid.
Other active ingredients also help maintain or recover the skin in this area, such as aloe vera, green tea extract, coconut oil and hazelnut extract.
However, if you cannot purchase a specific product, use your facial moisturizer in the area, as it is better than not applying anything. Meanwhile avoid moisturizers for oily skin and anti-acne creams.
5. Massage the neck and chest
During the application of the products, perform vigorous and circular massages on the neck and ascending (from bottom to top) in the neck region to the base of the face.
Tap the area lightly with your fingertips, as if it were small “drizzles” to help improve blood circulation. Finish by pressing your palms together to relax.
Prefer to massage right after showering (avoiding hot water), as this is the time when the skin better absorbs the nutrients from the products you have chosen.
Searching for facial gymnastics on the internet can also be a good tip for strengthening neck muscles and skin support.
6. Take care of your posture
Observe the positioning of your body, with emphasis on the neck, while using your cell phone or computer.
The point of the chin should be at a right angle to the neck, keeping the canvases at eye level.
Adjusting the position is essential to decompress the muscles of the neck, shoulders and spine, correcting the Tech Neck Effect.
Watching your position while sleeping is also important.
Right after waking up, notice how the skin is in these regions and make the necessary corrections such as lowering the height of your pillow or balancing changing sides while sleeping.
The techniques of elastic bandage or facial taping, which is the use of adhesives to hold the structure of the skin in specific moments such as sleep, can also avoid the dented appearance of the cervix when waking up.
7. Remember good health habits
You already know that hydrating yourself from the inside out, having a balanced diet, constant physical activity, good sleep, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes and taking care of your mental health are habits that your skin appreciates!
8. Consult a specialist
Seeking a dermatologist is always essential so that he can better assess the condition of your skin and indicate the best products to use.
You can also see a doctor to perform cosmetic procedures that are more invasive than preventive care.
The interventions most cited by physicians for the neck region are:
Micro and macrofocused ultrasound, cryofrequency and radiofrequency, application of botulinum toxin, pulsed light and laser, chemical peeling, application of biostimulators, application of support threads, cervical lifting, liposuction and carboxytherapy.
Talk to your doctor, understand what each one is and define the best treatment to be carried out, according to your needs, taking into account what makes you feel more secure.
But always remember to treat your neck with care and dedication!