Back in the 1930s, Marlene Dietrich is said to have used surgical tape, deftly concealed under her wig, to pull up the skin on her neck, so it would look firm. Almost a century later, the Australian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery reveals surgical tape remains popular on the red carpet, to help with ‘décolletage drop’. Kim Kardashian West, who admits to being obsessed with her ‘neck getting old’, opts for a $2,000 neck laser ultrasound, which, according to her Beverly Hills dermatologist, stimulates collagen production, preventing deep as well as shallow wrinkles from forming. Its effects are said to last a year. The good news is, you can do without tape tricks or breaking your bank to show your neck a little extra love.
Turkey Neck to Tech Neck
For dermatologists, the neck area has always been a cause for concern. “The skin on the neck is much thinner than that of the face, which also means there are fewer skin appendages like sweat or oil glands and hair, making it drier and more prone to wrinkling,” explains Mumbai-based author Dr Jaishree Sharad, Medical Director of Skinfiniti Aesthetic Skin and Laser Clinic. “Neck skin is a continuation of facial skin. If you’re neglecting it, it will age faster even as your face continues to look youthful.”
In recent times, the neck has started to gain more focus, as the age at which your neck starts to wrinkle has come down drastically. Typically, the skin around your neck and jowls would start to sag in your 40s and 50s. The most common manifestation of this is Turkey Neck, a wattle that starts at the chin. However, according to the findings of a 2015 study commissioned by cosmetic bigwig Yves Saint Laurent, people between the ages of 18 and 39 are now being affected by wrinkles around the neck, caused by constantly looking down at screens. Called Tech Neck, this starts as dynamic lines around the neck that become static with time, so if you’re alert to it, you can actually check it, but if you’re not, it’s hard to get rid of. “Tech Neck can also be accompanied by muscular pain, so you need to start by improving your posture and practising neck exercises, besides hydrating well,” explains Dr Sharad.
“Tech Neck makes your pigmentation worse,” says formulation scientist Dr Aneesh Sheth, of Dr Sheth’s, Mumbai, who has formulated a mask specifically targeted at Tech Neck. “Our mask contains spirulina, which tightens the skin, and a combination of clays and other botanicals, which are all skin brighteners.”
Your health and neck
Modern problems Your neck isn’t just a victim of age, but also your overall health and diet Getty Images/Istock
Your neck isn’t just a victim of age and the times we live in. Your overall health and diet can affect the way it looks, too. “If your glucose levels are high, the skin around your neck will lose its elasticity due to glycation of collagen, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging of skin and sun spots,” explains Dr Sharad. “Sometimes, you may also see a thick, dark, velvety band around the neck, which looks like dirt, but is actually a condition called Acanthosis Nigricans, caused by insulin resistance, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, hormonal imbalances or obesity. It may even be drug-induced, or caused by a folic acid or Vitamin B12 deficiency.” “Genetics and weight loss are also major factors when it comes to making your chin and neck droop,” adds cosmetic dermatologist Dr Rekha Sheth, of Dr Sheth’s.
A good starting point is regulating your diet and adopting an exercise routine. “Avoid meat, chicken, whole milk, oily food and excess carbs,” says Dr Sharad.
Eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, ashy dermatosis and certain fungal infections can also affect the neck, besides it being a popular spot for skin tags and warts. Your dermatologist will help you ease the symptoms. The key is not to ignore even a small change, so it doesn’t escalate.
- From specially-formulated creams and masks to fillers and lasers, there’s much to help lift your neck and jowls.
- Products
- Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face and Neck Crème Oil-Free SPF 15, ₹7,500.
- Mitchell USA Age-Less Neck Therapy Refining Cream, ₹1,550.
- Tjori Chest & Neck Anti-Wrinkle Oil, ₹430.
- Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Aging Neck and Decollete Firm & Repair, ₹7,470.
- Dr Sheth’s Tech Neck Tightening Mask, ₹375.
Caring for the neck
“Skincare has to go all the way from face to chest,” says Dr Kiran Kaur Sethi, Delhi-based dermatologist and founder of Isya Aesthetics. Dr Sharad suggests a Vitamin C serum and moisturiser at bedtime, and a sunscreen during the day. You don’t have to use separate products for your neck unless you’re targeting a specific problem. “Your face creams will work for your neck, except that you need to use a lower concentration of retinoids and hydroxyl acids, which can be irritants on more sensitive skin,” elaborates Dr Sharad. Dr Sheth concurs. “Retinoids are the gold standard, when it comes to delaying the ageing process, but I would recommend these for older people (over 60) and under supervision,” she says. “If you’re younger, AHAs like glycolic acid work really well, as do Vitamin C and niacinamide, for both anti-ageing and anti-pigmentation.”
“Use hyaluronic acid, glycerine and ceramides. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids help exfoliate, while Vitamin C prevents pigmentation. Using a retinol-based cream twice a week will delay lines and wrinkles.” Your neck has fewer sebaceous glands, making it more prone to irritation, dryness and scarring. So, you have to moisturise well. “Whether it’s turkey neck you’re fending off or tech neck, the trick is hydration,” Dr Sethi says.
Published - July 08, 2019 04:49 pm IST
