Caring for your neck and décolletage

The neck and décolletage are often the first areas of the body to show visible signs of age. This is simply because the skin in this area tends to be thinner and therefore less able to retain moisture, produces fewer protective lipids so prone to dryness, and has greater exposure to the elements. 

What is the best time to start caring for my neck? 

Although many of us are guilty of neglecting this area until we start seeing visible changes, as with all ageing of the skin it’s never too late to start and preventative measures work best, so we advise caring for your neck area as early as possible.  

Changes to the neck and decolletage vary also, depending on genetics, the amount of unprotected sun exposure, and your age. Many people do not note visible changes until around the age of 40, when loss of elasticity and pronounced wrinkles become more apparent, however others may see signs of dehydration and/or uneven skin tone as early as the late twenties.  

Do I need specific skin care just for my neck? 

Caring for your neck and decolletage need not be complicated and can often be as simple as extending your current skincare regime to this area. This includes serums and products that help to accelerate skin turnover, such as Liquid Gold,  which are all suitable to extend to the neck and décolletage areas.  

If your skin is more on the oily side, it is important to note that the neck and décolletage have less sebaceous glands than the face and tend to be on the drier side. For this reason, products in your regime specifically targeted towards controlling excess sebum may not always be ideal.  

Products that are particularly beneficial work by mimicking the skin's own natural lipid protection, which the neck and decolletage area lack. We suggest Golden Haze Face Oil. Applied to the neck and decolletage of an evening, this luxurious oil rich in barrier-fortifying essential fatty acids will help transform dry, dehydrated skin and help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Are there any other tips I should take note of when caring for my neck and décolletage?  

The first step is to ensure that you apply sunscreen daily. We recommend Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+ for the face, neck, decolletage every morning as non-negotiable insurance against the damaging effects of UV, which include lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dilated capillaries particularly across the décolletage 

Avoid having your shower too hot and extend your morning and evening cleansing ritual to the neck and décolletage area. Avoid foaming or stripping cleansers or soap in this region, and instead choose a creamy pH balanced cleanser such as Balancing Cleanser or a hydrating balm to oil cleanser such as Melting Moment Cleansing Balm. 

Still unsure which products would be best for your skin? Click here to book in for a virtual Skin Consultation with one of our qualified Skin Specialists, to find your bespoke routine tailored to your individual needs.