Strategies Endorsed by Experts for Maintaining and Enhancing Skin Health Through the Aging Process
In the quest to maintain a youthful appearance, one area that often requires special attention is the neck. Known as 'turkey neck', this condition is characterised by sagging skin and wrinkles, primarily due to collagen loss with age. However, fear not, for there are numerous ways to prevent and treat this issue.
Sleeping with support is crucial for maintaining the natural curve of the neck and reducing stress. Back sleeping is said to be best for the neck, but if you prefer sleeping on your side, a supportive, ergonomic pillow is recommended. Effective exercises for preventing and treating turkey neck primarily involve neck and chin movements that strengthen the platysma muscle and improve muscle tone. These exercises boost blood circulation, stimulate collagen, and can delay the progression of sagging or loose neck skin if done consistently a few times a week.
Skincare remedies include daily neck-specific routines using products with retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants to support collagen production, improve skin hydration, and promote cell turnover. Regular exfoliation and moisturizing are important since neck skin tends to be drier. Broad-spectrum sunscreen application on the neck is critical to prevent UV damage that causes premature sagging. Avoiding smoking, excess sugar, and environmental pollutants also helps maintain skin elasticity.
A study in 2023 found that consistent use of retinol significantly improved skin texture and firmness in the neck area. Isodonis Japonicus, a plant extract, is used in Trinny London's The Elevator, a product specifically formulated for the neck area. Padina Pavonica, a moisture-boosting brown macroalgae, is found in Elemis' Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, primarily used to combat uneven skin tone and improve radiance, also strengthens the skin's lipid barrier and reduces water loss, minimising fine lines and wrinkles.
For more advanced cases, medical interventions should be considered. A non-surgical neck lift, such as the one offered by Dr Leah at Dr Leah Clinics, can provide face and neck tightening and an overall lift through a combination of ultherapy and thread lift treatments. Thermage FLX is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and improve skin elasticity in the lower face and neck. A surgical neck lift, such as the one offered by The Plastic Surgery Group, can improve the appearance of a sagging neck and address excess skin and volume under the chin.
In summary, a combination of targeted neck exercises, a consistent skincare regimen emphasizing collagen support and sun protection, healthy lifestyle choices, and posture awareness constitute the best approach to prevent and modestly treat turkey neck. For more advanced cases, medical interventions should be considered. Staying hydrated, maintaining a strong posture, and practicing good tongue posture, known as 'mewing', are also essential in the fight against turkey neck.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Turkey neck: Prevention and treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/turkey-neck/art-20048101 [2] WebMD. (2021). Turkey neck: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/turkey-neck [3] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Skincare and Aging: Neck Care. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/neck-care [4] Healthline. (2021). Turkey neck: Causes, treatments, and prevention. https://www.healthline.com/health/turkey-neck [5] Aesthetics Today. (2021). Non-Surgical Neck Lift. https://www.aestheticstoday.com/non-surgical-neck-lift/
- Incorporating retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants into a daily neck-specific skincare routine can help improve skin hydration, promote cell turnover, and support collagen production.
- A study in 2023 discovered the consistent use of retinol significantly improves skin texture and firmness in the neck area.
- For advanced cases of turkey neck, medical interventions like a non-surgical neck lift or a surgical neck lift may be considered to address excess skin and volume under the chin.
