Turkey neck? This is what you can do about it

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid and this can lead to sagging neck skin and wrinkles. Neck muscles also weaken over time, causing vertical bands and horizontal necklace lines to become more prominent. Thinning skin and a loss of muscle tone also mean an increase in sagging jowls, double chins and the dreaded “turkey neck”.

As we age, our neck muscles weaken over time, causing vertical bands and horizontal necklace lines.Credit: Getty Images

In Australia, we are especially susceptible to these effects – not to mention less serious concerns such as redness, blotchiness, freckles and age spots – because of our high UV exposure. For this reason, it’s essential to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin whenever you go outside.

To address the more extreme signs of neck ageing, one option is necklift surgery (platysmaplasty), which entails removing excess skin and tightening muscles to create a smoother neck. This procedure lasts from 10 to 15 years and costs upwards of $20,000.

Less drastic alternatives include creams that target the signs of “tech neck” and damaged décolletage. For a great all-rounder, try Neostrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream ($77), which contains neoglucosamine, an amino sugar that helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For an even more budget-friendly option, try No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum ($60), a multi-tasking blend of peptides, ceramides, amino acids and calcium that boosts cellular repair.

A good night neck cream can also help; we like SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair ($249), which is infused with retinol to boost cell turnover and promote collagen production. Another luxe option is StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus ($148), a protective barrier containing Alpha-3 peptide, which boosts collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines. And if saggy skin is your biggest bugbear, try Alastin Restorative Neck Complex ($318), a peptide-packed formula with a delightful serum-like texture.

A great neck cream for pigmentation and texture is Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced ($230), a lotion that’s absorbed quickly and contains skin-firming and brightening peptides, hyperpigmentation-targeting vitamin C, and moisture-retaining vitamin E. For a brightening neck cream, try rich and soothing Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Sub-D/Neck ($221) with niacinamide, vitamin C and copper peptides.

But remember, all these wonder creams are worth little if you don’t apply the most important anti-ageing product of all over them, sunscreen. Try Aspect Sun Hydrating Face SPF50+ ($59).

Look after it properly and it’s possible to learn to love your neck.

ASK STEPH

What is the best way to use a make-up setting spray?

Try applying a setting spray before putting on your foundation. Holding the can at a 30-centimetre distance, spray over your face in the shape of an “X”, then down the T-zone and under the chin. Post-foundation, apply again to set. Our choice is Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Setting Spray ($62).

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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