If you're reading this article, you probably already have a good skincare routine. From active serums to moisturisers, sunscreens and body lotions, high-quality skincare products can make a dramatic difference to your skin’s health and appearance. But you might wonder whether you can apply your face and body products to this delicate area. The answer is yes, when you look for specific ingredients within your already existing skin care routine. 

According to a 2020 survey, 65% of skincare users over age 30 actively seek products that target neck concerns. And with good reason. It's a myth that using a product on this area is unnecessary. While it's true that someone in their 20s likely doesn't need a neck cream, many people over 35 can reap benefits from focusing on the neck and decolletage area. 

The skin on our necks isn't quite the same as facial skin. It's thinner and more prone to collagen breakdown, sun damage, and the resulting wrinkles and sagging skin as we get older. One telltale sign of ageing neck skin is the so-called necklace wrinkles that form horizontally across your neck. Another is skin that's losing firmness. Fortunately, using a product here can help reduce these signs of ageing. 

The Benefits of Focusing on Your Neck and Decolletage 

One of the main benefits of focusing on your neck is the opportunity to deliver targeted hydration to this delicate area.  The skin in this area is prone to being fragile, dry and "crepey” as we age. 

Another benefit to look for in products for the neck area are the anti-ageing properties of the active ingredients. We’ll discuss the best anti-ageing neck ingredients to look for in a bit, but as a rule, you should always choose a product that's more than just a moisturiser. These days, there are plenty of excellent formulas that deliver both intense hydration and anti-ageing ingredients. All these combined will give you improved skin texture and tone in the neck area. 

Key Ingredients to Look For 

So, what ingredients should you look for in an anti-ageing product for your neck area? If you only look for one ingredient, let it be retinol. Retinol is a synthetic form of vitamin A and one of the only skincare ingredients clinically proven to reduce lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture. According to dermatological reviews, retinol-based creams and lotions can reduce fine lines by 15% within the first month of use. 

The great news is that if you already use a retinol face cream, you can just start taking the application down to your neck and décolleté. Any high-quality anti-ageing cream for the face will be suitable for your neck, although some of the better-formulated body lotions can be useful too. 

Let’s take a deeper dive into the best ingredients for keeping the skin on your neck supple and bright. 

Retinol 

Retinol is easily the most beneficial anti-ageing ingredient for your neck. And, contrary to popular belief, retinol doesn't always cause skin irritation. Depending on the formula and strength of the retinol product, it can usually be used without worrying about redness or irritated skin. That said, retinol makes your skin more sun-sensitive, so you’ll need to use sunscreen religiously if you're using a retinol product. 

If you've never used a retinol product before, start with a lower concentration and gradually build up use over several months. You can also try a gentle retinol body lotion like the Neutriderm Illuminating Body Lotion, which is designed to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. 

Peptides 

Peptides are another great ingredient to look for that help with firming. Peptides are short-chain amino acids that help regenerate skin due to their anti-inflammatory and firming effects. Studies have shown that peptides can increase skin firmness by 30% within 8 weeks (about 2 months) of consistent use. Many different peptides are used in anti-ageing creams, and any peptide-containing face serums will be good for your neck. 

The Neutriderm Copper Activator Serum contains copper peptides, which are known for helping to reduce wrinkles, smooth out uneven skin tone, firm skin, and stimulate collagen production. 

Vitamins C (Ascorbic Acid) and Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) 

Vitamin C is an antioxidant powerhouse that helps reverse the effects of sun damage, such as hyperpigmentation. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and brightens the skin. Panthenol, on the other hand, is deeply hydrating and soothes the skin while supporting regeneration and repair. 

The Neutriderm Foaming Cleanser contains Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), which promotes collagen synthesis and revitalises the skin. The cleanser also includes Panthenol, which deeply hydrates and calms the skin. 

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 

Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is a popular skincare ingredient for good reason. It brightens and firms the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and calms irritation and redness. Niacinamide is a great ingredient to incorporate into your cleansing routine. 

The Neutriderm Foaming Cleanser features niacinamide, which strengthens the skin barrier, promotes even skin tone, and helps to reduce signs of ageing around the neck. 

How Neutriderm Products Can Help 

Neutriderm offers a range of products that can help address the common issues related to ageing in the neck and decolletage area. With active ingredients like retinol, peptides, niacinamide, Vitamin C, and Panthenol, these products work to reduce wrinkles, firm the skin, and promote a youthful, radiant appearance. 

• Illuminating Body Lotion: This retinol-based product is ideal for targeting fine lines and wrinkles on the neck area. It works by increasing cell turnover, boosting collagen production, and smoothing the skin. 

• Copper Activator: Containing copper peptides, this product helps improve skin elasticity and firmness while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. 

• Foaming Cleanser: Featuring niacinamide, Vitamin C, and Panthenol, this cleanser gently brightens, strengthens, and hydrates the skin on the neck. 

How to Use Neutriderm Products for the Neck Area 

Incorporating Neutriderm products into your neck care routine is simple. Here’s how you can make the most of these products: 

• Cleanse: Start by using the Neutriderm Foaming Cleanser. Whilst cleansing your face, extend the area of usage further down to your neck and decolletage, then rinse thoroughly. This will remove impurities while brightening and firming the skin. 

• Apply Treatment: After cleansing, apply the Neutriderm Copper Activator Serum to your neck. Use upward strokes to massage the product into the skin, focusing on areas where wrinkles and sagging are most visible. 

• Moisturise: Finish by applying the Neutriderm Illuminating Body Lotion to the neck and decolletage area. You can also apply this to your shoulders and the tops of your arms.  Use gentle, upward strokes to ensure the product is fully absorbed. This will help smooth out fine lines and improve skin texture.  Great to use at night before bed. 

• Sunscreen: As with any retinol-based product, it’s important to apply sunscreen if you’re using the Neutriderm Illuminating Body Lotion during the day, as retinol can increase sun sensitivity. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does it take to see the results? 

This depends on the ingredients in the product and your skin, but most people see positive results after 6-8 weeks of consistent use. With retinol, you may see results sooner, after about a month. 

Can I use face cream on my neck? 

Absolutely. Just apply your favourite face cream down to your decolletage area. You can also use body lotion. 

What is the best time of day to apply neck cream? 

This depends on individual preference. Many people prefer applying products to their neck and decolletage in the evening so that it can sink in and help to prevent or reduce the lines that form while we sleep. However, that doesn't mean you can't apply your neck cream after showering in the morning. Just be sure to follow with sunscreen. 

Conclusion 

Applying skin care to your neck can do wonders for the delicate skin around this area. From deep hydration to increased cell turnover and reduced hyperpigmentation, a good anti-ageing product will tackle all the major issues you may encounter as the skin around your neck ages. In fact, you don't have to wait for the first signs of ageing to start using skincare products on your neck and decolletage. 

The sooner you take action to protect and nourish the skin around your neck, the better your skin will look over time. Whether you're younger or older, it’s never too soon or too late to create your neck care routine with Neutriderm.