7 Ways to Prevent Your Neck From Betraying Your Age

Just like our faces, our necks age rapidly due to genetics and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. There’s even a term for the jiggling skin under our chins after it loses its elasticity — “turkey neck.” And even if we work hard to hide signs of aging like face wrinkles or white hair, our efforts may be futile if we neglect our neck.

To help you achieve a consistent youthful glow, Bright Side will be sharing these 7 tips that could save your neck from premature sagging and wrinkling.

1. Sleeping the right away and eating the right food can help you avoid neck wrinkles.

Our position while snoozing can contribute to creases in our skin. Sleeping on your side or on your stomach makes you press your face against the pillow, and causes your neck to fold up. Eventually, this repeated posture will etch lines in your skin. According to experts, the best way to avoid neck wrinkles while sleeping is to lie on your back.

Foods that are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene can also help you develop better skin. Yellow-orange fruits and vegetables like squash, carrots, and grapefruit are rich in carotenoids, which act as antioxidants that protect your cells. Throwing some ingredients with essential fatty acids into your diet — like walnuts and olive oil — can also keep your skin hydrated.

2. Include the neck in your skin care routine and apply products in upward strokes.

Most beauty experts would say that skincare doesn’t stop at the jawline. When doing your daily routine, you should “go for the jugular” area too when applying creams and serums. Retinol-based and vitamin C products are recommended for shielding the skin against UV damage.

It is also important to moisturize the neck every day, along with the face. Keeping the skin hydrated helps it maintain its plumpness and firmness. And since the neck is equally exposed to UV rays, add a layer of protection by slathering sunblock on it. Another pro-tip from the professionals is to apply the products with upward strokes, to somehow counter the pull of gravity on our skin.

3. Use exfoliation scrubs or DIY masks to peel off the dead skin.

If you want to avoid looking like a totally different person from the neck-down, exfoliating should also extend beyond the face. Sloughing your skin will help remove the acne-causing dirt and oil that have accumulated in the pores. Products can also penetrate the skin better when it is clean and fresh. However, before exfoliating, make sure that there are no harsh chemicals that could possibly harm you.

If you’re up for it, you can also make your own homemade peels using food from your kitchen. The cleansers and moisturizers sold in stores usually contain organic elements like citrus fruits, sugar cane, and plants, and you can create a DIY version using the same ingredients. There are different kinds of peels that target various skin problems and recipes are easily available online.

4. Going for a massage can boost your body’s collagen production.

It’s like hitting 2 birds with one stone — you feel relaxed while getting beautiful, glowing skin. Hot massages trigger collagen formation, which helps in cell renewal and repair. Facial massages also improve the skin’s blood circulation, and researchers discovered that they enhance the effects of beauty creams too.

One massage technique that you can do on your own is to use the outside of your pinky fingers to press into the neck, starting from the top and working your way downward.

5. Be conscious of your neck’s position while looking at your phone.

Looking down at your phone leads to a “crumpled” neck and, over time, the repeated movement could deepen the line marks and cause permanent wrinkles. Experts recommend positioning your phone in front of your face while using it. This simple hack may be a pain in the neck at first, but looking straight forward may prevent lines from forming.

6. Consult a specialist for possible treatments.

If you have the budget for it, there are several surgical and non-invasive neck treatments that can stimulate collagen or peel off dead skin layers. Kim Kardashian, for example, revealed that the secret to her youthful neck is a collagen-boosting laser treatment.

Other cosmetic procedures, like chemical peeling and dermabrasion, can help improve the neck’s elasticity and appearance. Botox injections also keep muscles from contracting and help firm up sagging skin. But be sure to consult with a specialist before undergoing any treatment.

7. Do simple head workouts to prevent or alleviate “turkey neck.”

There are ways to tame the “turkey neck” without breaking the bank. An easy workout is to sit with your back straight, and slowly lift your head back until your chin is pointing toward the ceiling. Then, with your mouth closed, do a “chewing” motion and repeat this 20 times. Another variation of this exercise is to pout your lips instead of chewing, as if you’re “kissing.”

There’s also the “neck lift,” where you lie (face up) on your bed with your head hanging over the edge. From that position, carefully lift your head using your neck muscles and repeat this movement 5 times. These exercises may not necessarily get rid of excess skin, but they can help tighten your muscles, improve blood circulation, and prevent the neck from sagging further.

Do you think you are giving your neck the tender, loving care it deserves? What routines or treatments do you do to keep it looking youthful?