The first appearance of neck wrinkles is one of the most telltale signs of the aging process. However, that doesn't mean you have to accept their appearance. Fortunately, there are many products available to help get rid of neck wrinkles.
Read on to learn how to prevent, and how to get rid of neck wrinkles.
What Are Wrinkles?
Wrinkles are defined as the folds and creases in the skin. These lines begin to appear as a result of the aging process and are first evident as a result of dynamic facial expressions and movements. Although wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process, there are a number of other external factors that can influence the formation of these lines and creases.
What Causes Neck Wrinkles?
There are many factors that cause neck wrinkles. In no particular order:
- Aging - Collagen and elastin are two proteins that decrease dramatically as we age Without these crucial building blocks, the skin begins to lose its natural elasticity and firmness, making the way for wrinkles to begin to appear. The skin also begins to thin, making it more susceptible to harmful environmental elements. As the skin begins thinner, sagging also begins to occur with more regularity.
- Sun Exposure and Tanning - It is no secret that too much sun exposure can bring about premature skin aging. Excessive UV ray exposure dehydrates the skin and leads to a loss of elasticity. Although people may be diligent about applying sunscreen to the face and shoulders, the neck is often neglected in the application process. In addition to premature wrinkling, too much sun exposure without adequate protection also causes blotchiness and skin with a leathery appearance.
- Excessive Smoking and Drinking - Too much smoking and drinking is the prime enemy in the fight against wrinkles. Both of these bad habits accelerate the aging process and speed the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Smoking steals crucial moisture from the skin, slowing down the normal skin regeneration process.
- Gravity - As we begin the age, the effects of gravity make themselves known in the form of wrinkles. This is most noticeable once you hit the age of 50. Although gravity can affect all areas of the body, the neck is the most susceptible to its pulling effects because the skin is more prone to become looser more quickly.
- Genetics - Unfortunately, this is just one of those factors that you will not have control over. Genetics is a major determiner of the skin's structure and texture. Looking at the skin tone of your aging parents will provide some clues as to how you should expect to age. Your genetic predisposition to wrinkles is not something that you can control, but taking steps to control the external causes of wrinkles can help to delay the process.
How to Get Rid of Neck Wrinkles (At Home)
Fortunately, there are many avaliable options to get rid of neck wrinkles at home. Here are some things to try:
- Stop Smoking - While drinking is fine in moderation, smoking is never good for the skin. The term "smoker's face" is not based on myth. Smokers are more likely to develop permanent creases around the mouth from the movement associated with puffing on a cigarette. In addition to jumpstarting the aging process of the skin, smoking also causes the color of the skin to turn yellowish or gray.
- Avoid the Sun and Wear Sunscreen Everyday The harmful effects that sun exposure has on the skin has been scientifically proven time and time again. Making it a daily habit to wear a sun protecting sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher will ensure that you are protecting your skin from premature wrinkling as a result of the sun.
- Daily Use of AHAs - Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a leading defense in the fight against wrinkles. By working to lift off dead skin cells, AHAs promote new skin cell generation and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Daily use of AHAs can also improve the overall firmness and tone of the skin.
- Vitamin C, Retinoids and Peptides - When looking to minimize neck wrinkles and fine lines, these well researched ingredients can all help get rid of neck wrinkles at home. They all work in different ways, vitamin c and retinoids work to increase collagen production to firm and plump skin. While peptides revitalize the building blocks of the skin, these proteins give aging skin an extra boost. Studies show that peptides are most effective when used with other supportive skin care products.
Best Products for Neck Wrinkles
According to research, these are the best products fore neck wrinkles available on the market.
1. Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel
Best for: getting rid of neck wrinkles
As discussed earlier, AHAs are a critical ally in the battle against skin aging. With a formulation of eight percent glycolic acid, this leave-on exfoliant peels away the dead cells that can weigh down the skin. By revitalizing the surface of the skin, wrinkles will be minimized and skin tone will be brightened and tightened.
How to Use: After cleansing, wait for skin to dry and dispense a quarter sized amount. Apply the product all over the face and neck area. Allow to dry, follow-up with your favorite moisturizer. Use at night, as AHAs can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
2. Timeless 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum
Best for: getting rid of neck wrinkles
This premium vitamin C serum boasts a powerful concentration of 20 percent L-ascorbic acid. Providing a host of protection from harmful environmental elements, this serum boosts the firmness of the skin to reduce the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This serum remains effective for at least 72 hours after each application, giving you an exceptional bang for your beauty buck.
How to Use: After cleansing and exfoliating, dispense a quarter sized amount to the palm of your hand. Apply the product all over the face and neck, allow to dry. Lastly, follow-up with your favorite moisturizer. Can be used both at night and morning.
3. Eau Thermale RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
Best for: getting rid of neck wrinkles
This topical cream contains a variety of active ingredients that work in tandem to tighten skin tone and reduce wrinkles. The patented Relastide is a pro-elastin peptide that plumps up the skin while the Retinaldehyde smoothes the skin and brightens the tone. As the most researched compounds in the fight against skin wrinkles, there is no shortage of data on the effectiveness of retinoids. Although retinoids were first introduced as a treatment for acne, it quickly became apparent that the product helped to speed the turnover of skin cells, leading to skin tightening and less sagging.
How to Use: After cleansing, exfoliating, dispense a quarter sized amount. Next, apply to face and neck area, allow to dry, and follow-up with your favorite moisturizer. Best used at night.
4. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Best for: preventing neck wrinkles
By now, the importance of an effective sunscreen routine in the prevention of wrinkles should be obvious. This oil-free product will protect your skin from the dangers of UVA and UVB rays without clogging pores. Specifically designed for the face, this sunscreen will guard the neck against premature aging.
How to Use: After cleansing, apply a quarter sized amount of product to sufficiency cover face and neck area. Can be used after moisturizer, as moisturizer may help prevent the sunscreen from piling.
5. Paula's Choice Peptide Booster
Best for: getting rid of neck wrinkles
This unique formulation combines the power of eight targeted peptides with a variety of hydrating ingredients to deliver a serum that is engineered to provide the highest level of peptide boost. This serum erases fine lines and dullness to both brighten and smooth out the skin. This product works best when used in conjunction with a comprehensive skin care routine.
How to Use: After cleansing, exfoliating, apply a quarter sized amount of product to the entire face and neck area. Can be combined with other serums (HA, vitamin C, etc). Lastly, follow-up with favorite moisturizer.
How to Get Rid of Neck Wrinkles (Professionally)
If over the counter options aren't working for you, consider getting rid of neck wrinkles with these professional options:
- Chemical Peels - Using a series of chemical peels on the neck can help to reduce wrinkles. Chemical peels work by gently peeling away old layers of cells to reveal a tighter and brighter new layer of skin. By creating a controlled wound on the outer layer of skin, new skin that is free of wrinkles can grow back in its place.
- Botox/Fillers - Both of these treatments are delivered as injections on the face with the goal of reducing wrinkles. Botox is used mostly to treat wrinkles that occur naturally by relaxing the muscles around the problem area. Dermal fillers are used to plump up sagging skin, smoothing out the tone. Ultimately reducing the appearance of wrinkles and jowls.
- Laser Treatments - Laser treatments use light therapy to deliver productive photons into the surface of the skin. This process increases the production of healthy cells, promotes collagen development, and boosts enzyme growth. One of the primary benefits of laser treatments is that it is less likely to lead to negative side effects because of the non-invasive and non-toxic delivery method.
- Topical Retinoids - Retinoids work by boosting the body's natural production of collagen. Therefore improving skin appearance and tightness. Over time they thicken the outer layers of skin and improve elasticity. As one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for wrinkle reduction, Tretinoin has an immense ability to prevent critical collagen from breaking down.
- Microdermabrasion - Microdermabrasion uses a mechanical tool to deliver small rough crystals to the surface of the skin in an effort to slough away the upper layers of skin cells. Described as a polishing process, microdermabrasion works to remove dead skin cells to reveal a smoother and less wrinkled surface. Although the effects of microdermabrasion are not permanent, most patients can expect the treatment to last for about six to twelve months.
Consult a Dermatologist
If you have exhausted OTC options in your fight against neck wrinkles, consider consulting a dermatologist. A professional will determine the most effective treatment protocol so that your self-esteem is not negatively affected by the presence of wrinkles.
Take Before and After Pictures
Before and after pictures are a great way to document the journey of treating your neck wrinkles. Additionally, this photographic evidence is also a helpful tool for your dermatologist to assist your personal needs better.
FAQ
Do neck wrinkle exercises work?
Although you might see temporary results from neck wrinkle exercises, this practice will prove futile in the long term. In fact, spending too much time purposely moving these muscles can actually exacerbate the wrinkles because of the repetitive muscle contractions.
How you can remove neck wrinkles at home?
Neck wrinkles are a complicated skin care issue. Because of this, it is not reasonable to expect home remedies that will produce noticeable and permanent results.
Can you get rid of horizontal neck wrinkles naturally?
Like any type of wrinkles, there is not substantial evidence that demonstrates that home remedies can be successful in reducing the visible appearance of horizontal neck wrinkles. In short, you are better off investing your time and money in proven solutions.
Does coconut oil help neck wrinkles?
Like using coconut oil for acne scars, there is no supporting evidence that coconut oil helps wrinkles. In fact, the product can actually negatively affect the skin's appearance because it can clog pores and lead to blemishes.
The Bottom Line
For many, neck wrinkles are a very frustrating sign of aging. Fortunately, there are many options available to get rid of neck wrinkles both at home and professionally. Begin your journey with at-home options and give it some time to determine improvements. If you're not satisfied with results, consider speaking with a licensed skincare professional.
