1: Protect From Sun Damage
People often forget that you can and should use sunscreen on your neck. In order to have your neck look young, keep it looking young, to begin with.
Your neck is the biggest giveaway of your age. By applying sunscreen, you create a barrier that blocks a significant portion of UVA rays, reducing the risk of premature aging on your neck.
It is crucial to re-apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours based on the sunscreen you have at hand, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm).
That being said, here are two sunscreen options that are great for the neck area for a lightweight, non-greasy application to keep your neck looking young and fresh.
If you worry about white cast and want other alternatives, check out our article on the best sunscreens without a white cast.
Here is a General Rule of Thumb When Applying Sunscreen
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays
- Apply an adequate amount of sunscreen to the neck and any other exposed areas of the body
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if sweating or swimming
2: Moisturize Every Day & Night
Moisturizing your neck is not only important but very crucial to your neck’s youthful glow.
Moisturizers help to lock in moisture and prevent water loss from the skin, keeping it hydrated throughout the day and night helps keep the moisture in 24/7.
Moisturizing your neck is only half of the work, using a product that works is the other half of the load to keeping your neck looking young.
Properly moisturized skin is more resilient and less prone to premature aging so below are the moisturizers that we believe you’ll love.
If you have sensitive skin, you may benefit more from moisturizers that help with sensitive skin.
Here Are a Few Quick Tips for Moisturizing Your Neck
- Cleanse before moisturizing
- Apply on damp skin
- Use gentle upward motions
3: Use Retinol at Night
Retinol is very important to any skincare routine whether it’s your face, hands, or neck. Retinol works by stimulating collagen production because as we age, collagen production slows down, leading to sagging and wrinkles.
So by stimulating the production of collagen, it improves elasticity and reduces wrinkles making your neck appear more youthful.
Tips on How to Use Retinol
- Start slowly: Gradually increase the frequency and concentration as your skin gets accustomed to it
- Apply a pea-sized amount. A little goes a long way
- Apply moisturizer before and after the retinol to lock in hydration
- Use sunscreen daily
- Apply at night only
- Consult with your doctor if pregnant or before use
4: Sun Protecting Hats & Clothing
Let’s say you are not a fan of reapplying sunscreen every 2 – 3 hours but you’d still like to get some protection. Invest in some sun-protecting hats or clothing.
Something simple as a large radius hat can help protect your neck and chest area from exposure to the sun.
If you aren’t a fan of hats then try a long sleeve shirt that covers your chest or if you are the opposite and want more coverage then we think you’ll love the second option below.
Covers the front and back of your neck, chest, ears and part of your face!
5: Neck Silicone Masks
Silicone masks are a new thing on the market now that has been discovered. This silicone mask is made of medical-grade silicone that is soft, flexible, and reusable.
They work by trapping the moisture your neck produces in the middle of the night from evaporating or rubbing off on your sheets.
Silicone masks can work better if you incorporate a nightly skincare routine for your neck and chest and then applying the silicone mask.
Its important to note that these masks will make your neck look younger for only a short period of time.
This is a very temporary fix and for long-lasting and more significant improvements in the appearance of the neck and chest, it’s best to incorporate a comprehensive skincare routine that includes products with proven anti-aging ingredients like retinol, antioxidants, and peptides.
6: Sleep on Your Back
This step is very hard to stick with since you may not have much control when you’re sleeping.
Although you may notice wrinkles starting to appear alongside your neck and chest when sleeping on your side because of all the added pressure your body has to endure when you’re on your side for a long period of time.
Not to mention that sleeping on your back will not only prevent wrinkling and sagging but it will help with blood circulation and supports proper spinal alignment.
7: Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and drinking is not going to help your body on the inside nor will it help the appearance on the outside.
Consuming alcohol and smoking can significantly speed up the aging process of your neck, face, chest, hands, and yes, even your teeth!
The Downfalls of Smoking and Drinking are Major, Such as;
- Reduced collagen production: it completely slows down the collagen production in your body!
- Smoking and alcohol are dehydrating agents so they will actually draw any moisture in your body.
- Inflammation and oxidative stress: this can damage skin cells and accelerate the breakdown of collagen.
Healthy Looking Skin is Attainable!
In conclusion, making your neck and chest appear more youthful is attainable. Ditch the bad habits, cover up, moisturize up, and sunscreen your neck up.
Any excessive drinking and smoking is not doing you any favors, neither is not wearing any sunscreen. So let’s be honest with ourselves and put in the easy work it takes to have a younger-looking chest and neck!
