Take Care Of Your Neck
Tired of hiding your age underneath a turtleneck? Thank the hierarchy of skincare. Most of us have spent decades pampering the face, only to have the wear and tear on the neck give us away. Of course most of us didn’t know then, that the skin on the neck is the thinnest on the body, making it more susceptible to damage. Fret not. Some of the very anti-aging products you use on your face can help your neck look younger too. We’ve also uncovered the newest in-office treatments that, although expensive, are proven to give your face a prettier pedestal. Follow this guide and say, goodbye turtlenecks, hello v-necks!
Neck Problems:
1. Dark Splotches: UV exposure over-stimulates pigment-producing cells, causing blotchiness.
Solution:
Bleaching: A bleaching or skin-lightening cream can lighten dark spots. Look out for whitening agents in the ingredients list like kojic acid or lactic acid or hydroquinone. The L’Oreal Paris White Perfect range has products like Whitening Toner and Spot Corrector that contain lactic acid. But be patient: results may take months. Use products made with hydroquinone cautiously; the fading agent in the formulation can irritate the skin. The neck area is drier and more sensitive because it contains fewer lubricating oil glands.
Creams containing anti-aging agents such as retinol or alpha hydroxy acid also help to drive the lightening agents deeper into your skin, making them more effective. Give your skin time to adjust to the new application. To reduce irritation, use them on your neck every third evening and slowly work up to nightly application.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 (VICHY’S Capital Soleil range and Neutrogena’s Fine Fairness UV Block) worn daily can prevent more spots. For the best protection, look out for avobenzone or oxybenzone in the ingredients list.
2. Wrinkles:
Years of exposure to sunlight break down collagen fibres responsible for keeping skin young and firm.
Solution:
Skincare Products: Products including those containing retinol and peptides, can build collagen and smoothen the skin.
Resurfacing Lasers: You can also opt for resurfacing lasers like IPL (intense pulse light) and NdYAG laser. They are better suited for the Brownish – Darker complexions as opposed to the Affirm and Fraxel lasers commonly used on Fairer – Pale complexions. The cost per sitting done at monthly intervals is between 60$ and 100$ and it requires 5 to 6 sittings.
3. Turkey Whattle:
This fleshy flap of skin forms underneath your neck as a result of excess fat, loose skin, and weak muscles.
Solution:
Liposuction: Performed under local anaesthesia, liposuction is a quick fix. In this procedure small incisions are made behind the ears or below the chin. Excess fat is vacuumed out through tiny suction tubes.
Ultrasound-assisted Lipo: This employs sound waves that liquify fat before it’s suctioned out. It is an option that reduces bruising and swelling that can last upto 2 weeks. With both lipo and ultrasound-assisted lipo, you’ll need to wear a neck sling for 2 weeks to help the skin re-drape properly.
Pair Lipo with a neck lift if you have excess skin. You will need it to completely regain firmness of the tissue. During the half-hour procedure, that involves small incisions that are made behind the ears, or under your chin, and then excess skin is trimmed, lifted and sutured into place.
4. Banding:
These vertical cords appear when the platysma, the thin sheet of muscle that covers the neck, begins to stretch out of shape.
Solution:
Botox: Injected directly into the platysma temporarily smoothes the cords by relaxing the muscle. Each treatment needs to be repeated every 6 months.
Surgery: Surgery is a more permanent option. In platysmoplasty the muscle is tightened and anchored through a small incision under the chin. Then your age will be your secret to keep or reveal.
