As an esthetician and skin specialist in Chagrin Falls, OH, I have become very familiar with aging in the neck and chest area. The neck and aging is on the minds of many women and men, looking in the mirror reminds us of this occurring process. There are many who want to have treatments and use products to improve the appearance of these damaged areas which can be very difficult to disguise and conceal.

In my facials in my studio in Chagrin Falls, OH, I have seen that these areas seem to be the first to show signs of aging, and some of the hardest to improve with treatment. The skin of the neck is not supported by other structures like your facial skin. Skin on the face has fat layers and layers of multiple muscles under it to serve as a “Foundation and Anchor”. Unfortunately neck skin does not have the same support.

Neck skin is physically thinner than facial skin, making it more sensitive than any other facial areas. It also has fewer sebaceous glands, making it more susceptible to dehydration and potentially impaired barrier function which can be challenging to correct.

INTRINSIC (internal) AGING OF THE NECK

Intrinsic signs of skin aging are those that are caused by the natural aging process, of which we have little or no control. Genetics and hormones can vary by person and can also effect skin cellular function and repair of the tissues. Gravity constantly pulling downward slow the skin renewal process, stretching the skin due to natural movement and repeated motions are all examples of what is referred to as INTRINSIC aging.

Because of the constant mobility in moving the head, the neck is definitely one of the most worked areas of the face and body as well as the gravity pull.  The neck skin is in constant movement making it the most susceptible area of expression and aging. Moving and positional sleep patterns also contribute
to neck aging.

Muscles of the neck have a part also, sternocleidomastoid muscle or the cordlike muscles in the front of the neck are most noticeable when the head is turned. With age, they become more pronounced, and including damaged skin that surrounds them the skin can hang making the appearance worse.

The platysma muscle is a large flat muscle running from upper Chest to lower face and mouth. This muscle stretches the skin as it moves and eventually is responsible for the “turkey neck”. This is a difficult treat
 and may need surgical correction.

EXTRINSIC (external) AGING FACTORS

Being constantly exposed to the sun in this area is often the cause for damage more than the face because it is less likely cared for. The barrier function of the skin is likely impaired due to non protection which leads to wrinkling and poor skin texture, hyperpigmentation, hypo pigmentation, creepy sagging skin. Dryness from exposure to extreme temps and wind dries out the skin surface causing more damage which can show up as soon as your 20’s.
The neck and dec is more delicate and thinner.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Sunscreen on a daily basis.  It should be at least a SPF 30 broad spectrum and applied at least 20 minutes prior to going out and re-apply every 1-2 hours. Antioxident serum can be applied before to help combat free radicals that are triggered by the sun. Examples are vitamin c, vitamin e, green tea, grapeseed extract, niacidamin etc…
Ceramides are very effective fatty structures to retain moisture, helps to smooth texture and promotes healthy function of the skin.

Alphy hydroxy acids in a gentle form help to resurface the skin for a smooth appearance and elasticity.
In salon treatments are a must in helping to reverse damage using professional peels, LED light therapy, micro current and on going targeted skin products.

Being realistic and having the proper expectations are key, knowing the process may take some time. Remember the skin didn’t get this way overnight!