As we age, many parts of our bodies change. The neck is one area of skin that often ages more quickly and noticeably. Because the skin on the neck is thinner, moves more frequently, and is frequently overlooked in skincare routines, people can start to see deep lines and drooping skin on the neck earlier than on the face and body. Most people notice their first fine lines developing on the neck in their late 20s or early 30s. As the years progress, those first fine lines and wrinkles can begin to cause skin to sag and droop, creating a crepey appearance. If you’re struggling with crepey skin on the neck, there are numerous products available to address this concern, but most of us have one simple question about them, “Do they work?” In this blog, we take a look at the causes of crepey skin on the neck and discuss some dermatologist-recommended products that help to prevent neck aging and improve the appearance of the neck.

Unveiling the Mystery: Understanding Crepey Neck

Skin that has numerous fine lines and wrinkles coupled with skin laxity can take on the appearance of crepe paper; the stuff used to make party streamers. Crepey skin develops on many parts of the body, but it’s most common on the upper arms, thighs, and neck. The reason crepey skin is common on the neck is that this skin is thinner. That means when fine lines and wrinkles develop, they are going to be more noticeable. The wrinkles are frequently coupled with increased skin laxity on the neck, leading to a crepey neck appearance.

The Power of Ingredients: Key Features for Neck Solutions

When you’re looking for products that meet your skincare needs and improve the appearance and health of the neck, you should consider:

• Hydrating ingredients – You’ll want to keep the thinner skin on the neck moisturized, but not all moisturizers do the same thing. Emollients, like mineral oil or cocoa butter, fill gaps in the skin’s natural barrier to protect the skin and prevent moisture loss. Occlusives, like petrolatum (petroleum jelly), create a barrier over the top of the skin allowing it to heal and trapping in moisture. Humectants, like hyaluronic acid, deliver moisture to the skin and continue to attract moisture to the area.
• Retinols – These products are designed to promote skin cell turnover. As skin cells age, they may appear dull or negatively impact skin texture. When dead skin cells are shed regularly, healthy, new skin is revealed. Retinols dissolve dead skin cells, keeping skin looking healthier.
• Peptides – Collagen, the natural protein that keeps skin smooth, is made up of a polypeptide chain. Including peptides in your skincare routine can stimulate the natural production of greater amounts of collagen for firmer skin.
• Antioxidants – Oxidative damage from the sun and environmental aggressors causes accelerated skin aging, including the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots as well as crepey skin.

Expert Picks: Unveiling Effective Products

Because the neck ages and responds to sun and environmental aggressors differently than other areas of the skin, it’s important to utilize products that are designed with this unique area in mind. Every person’s skin type and skin health needs should be taken into consideration before selecting a specific product, but the dermatologists behind Derm Skincare have selected three neck care products they highly recommend for their efficacy and versatility in supporting a range of skin health needs. Specifically, they recommend two Revision Skincare products, Nectifirm and Nectifirm Advanced, as well as SkinBetter Science Techno Neck Perfecting Cream. Each of these products is gentle, hydrating, and provides support for all skin types and skin health goals. You can learn more about the individual products in the next section.

Deep Dive: Exploring Features & Benefits of Our Top Picks

While the three skincare products that are formulated to improve the health and appearance of skin on the neck are used for essentially the same purpose, they each have unique benefits and formulations that set them apart. Learn more below or consult a dermatologist to get a personalized product recommendation:

• Revision Skincare Nectifirm – This skin-firming neck cream uses peptides to increase collagen production, antioxidants to prevent additional sun damage, ceramides to improve moisture retention, and algae extracts and other botanicals to soothe and calm skin. Revision Skincare Nectifirm is safe and effective for all skin types.
• Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced – The next generation in Revision Skincare Nectifirm offers all the benefits of the original formula with additional ingredients and a more advanced formulation to directly target deeper neck wrinkles and crepey skin. Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced is safe and effective for all skin types.
• SkinBetter Science Techno Neck Perfecting Cream – The innovative NOw complex utilizes the body’s Nitric Oxide (NO) production to maintain the skin’s healthy, protective barrier. Other ingredients work to hydrate, tighten, and brighten skin. Designed specifically for aging skin, it’s gentle and safe enough for most skin types.

Finding Your Perfect Match: Choosing the Right Solution

When you’re looking for a good crepey neck treatment, there are numerous factors to consider, and a dermatologist is always your best resource in making an informed decision. Some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best neck care product include:

• Skin type – Oily, dry, sensitive, and aging skin all have different needs. It’s important to know your skin type and choose products designed to support skin health and meet your individual needs.
• Goal – If you’re looking to prevent crepey skin, your product recommendations may be different than if you are trying to tighten already sagging skin.
• Preference – Products are available in a range of mediums (lotion, oil, cream), and you may like one more than another.

Beyond Products: Lifestyle Tweaks for Enhanced Results

In order to keep skin healthy and avoid crepey skin on the neck, it’s essential to support overall health and vitality. The skin may be the body’s largest organ, but to ensure survival, the body naturally routes essential nutrients to internal organs first. That means if you aren’t getting adequate nutrition or hydration, your skin will suffer. Make sure to eat a nutrient-rich diet and drink plenty of water. Sleep is another important element in maintaining skin health and avoiding negative results like crepey skin. During sleep our body rejuvenates, repairs, and replaces damaged cells. Just like nutrients and hydration, the essential organs will be restored first, so if you don’t get enough sleep, your skin cells may not be as healthy as they could be. Finally, don’t skip the sunscreen! UVA and UVB exposure contribute significantly to signs of skin aging, including crepey skin. Applying sunscreen to the neck minimizes damage and reduces the risk of fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin.

Consult the Experts: Personalized Guidance for Your Skin

While these products have all been reviewed and approved by dermatologists as effective, every person is different. That means what works well for one person may not work for you. If you want to find the right neck cream or create the ideal skincare plan, a dermatologist can help you do just that. The list of products on our site is curated by trusted professionals at U.S. Dermatology Partners. If you’re interested in learning more about skin health, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule a visit at one of their more than 100 locations nationwide.

Get More Anti-Aging Tips & Tricks

If you want to learn more about anti-aging products and other skincare tips, we hope you’ll come back regularly to read our blog. You can also explore the wide range of products available on Derm Skincare’s site that are designed to meet a variety of skin health goals. Each product was hand-selected by dermatologists who recommend them to their patients.