Dermatologists reveal how to give that skin below your chin a glow-up

Unless you’ve noticed a suspicious mole on your neck recently, you probably haven’t given the skin there much thought. And you’d be in good company. That is, until a few years ago: The sudden spike in virtual meetings during the pandemic meant many of us spent hours on computer screens, studying our faces and, yes, the skin beneath the chin. This could explain why “a large number of patients are asking about treatments for the lower half of the face, the neck, and the chest,” says David Kim, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. It makes sense when you consider that the neck region “tends to be very delicate, meaning it can show signs of aging much faster than other areas,” says NYC-based dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. Not to mention that, unlike the rest of the face, it’s often forgotten about in terms of a dedicated skin-care routine. Here’s how to give your neck the attention it deserves:

WHY IT NEEDS SOME TLC

Since the skin here is thin, “textural changes and crepiness can be more obvious and show up sooner,” says Dr Garshick. Losses in a plumping protein called collagen—its production naturally declines with age—play a part. So does sun exposure; Dr Garshick notes, “The neck is particularly susceptible to photodamage.” Plus, you may not be applying SPF to the area daily.

Another factor? Your phone…or laptop…or tablet. Repeatedly looking down at these devices can cause horizontal lines to form on your neck, says Dr Garshick—part of what experts are referring to when they use the term tech neck. For these reasons and more, it’s essential to extend your skin-care routine below the jawline.

TOPICALS TO TRY

Retinol, a vitamin A derivative known for its ability to boost skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, can “help with skin tone, texture, and firmness,” says Dr Garshick. “But retinol can be irritating, and the skin on the neck is more prone to that, so it’s important to pick one that’s gentle and to use it a few times weekly, until you’re able to tolerate it more frequently.” FYI: Retinol is a great ingredient to use all over your face—just make sure to spread it onto your neck too.

As for products labeled as neck creams? It may be a good idea to invest in one and slather it on after your retinol. “Many are formulated with ingredients that target specific concerns common to this area and include ingredients at concentrations appropriate for the sensitivity-prone skin there,” says Dr Garshick. 

Both dermatologists like products with plumping peptides—short chains of amino acids that can stimulate collagen production—and antioxidants, which protect skin from environmental damage. As an almost final step, finish with a moisturizer that’s richer or thicker than one you’d use on the rest of your face. “Our neck doesn’t have as many hair follicles, so the skin can be drier,” Dr. Kim says. Humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin—which help draw in and retain moisture—are a good bet. 

Last but not least, it almost goes without saying that sunscreen is essential. “It’s the quickest, easiest, cheapest, and best thing you can do for your neck…and your skin in general,” says Dr. Kim. And you can use the same one on your face and neck.

WHEN DERMS STEP IN 

If you want to go further than what’s in your routine, ask a pro. A dermatologist can offer you a prescription retinoid, which could give faster results but may also be tougher to tolerate. When it comes to in-office treatments, “micro-needling and lasers can help to improve both texture and tone,” says Dr Garshick. These work by creating controlled wounds that stimulate collagen production for a more lifted appearance. There are a few lasers to choose from: “Clear + Brilliant and Fraxel are great for improving skin texture and brown spots,” says Dr Kim. “Clear + Brilliant is much gentler, so it’s better for people with darker skin, while Fraxel is more robust and great for people with sun damage.” Another option is Ultherapy, which uses microfocused ultrasound to heat the tissue under the skin, causing your body to churn out more collagen. “People usually do this to get a gentle lift,” says Dr Kim.

The bottom line: Between supplementing your SPF with a dedicated neck serum and having laser treatments, there’s a lot you can do to get a tighter, firmer neck if you so desire. But many of the things we tend to be hyper-focused on—like neck lines—are rarely noticed by others. So, you know, hold your head high and just do you. 

This piece originally appeared in the Oct-Nov 2023 print edition of Women's Health US