As you age, your skin gets less elastic and more prone to sagging and wrinkles. One of the first places you may notice these changes is on your neck.
If you’re worried about the lines forming on your neck, you might be asking yourself “are neck lines normal?” Well, according to experts, there is a high chance that you develop neck lines even if you’re religiously taking your skincare products down to your neck.
What Causes Neck Lines?
Neck lines don’t have any connection to your skincare routine or even your actual age. However, they can be caused by different factors, including the following:
Sun Exposure
You are probably applying sunscreen to your face regularly and reapplying every two hours. However, like most people, you might often forget to put some on your neck.
Although this is a common mistake, it can lead to you developing premature neck lines. This happens because the skin on your neck is just as thin and delicate as the skin on your face. So, it’s just as susceptible to damage from the sun.
Genetics
Some people are simply more prone to developing wrinkles and neck lines due to their genes. If your parents or grandparents have wrinkles on their necks, then it’s likely that you’ll develop them too.
However, this does not mean that you should just accept your fate and let your neck sag and become wrinkly. You can still slow the development of neck lines by having a healthy lifestyle and comprehensive skincare routine.
Repeated Motions
Repetitive motions can cause your skin to form wrinkles. That’s why you must have been told to stop squinting to prevent wrinkles from forming around your eyes.
Similarly, bending your neck down or to the side repeatedly can cause you to develop neck lines. This is because the skin around your neck gets stretched out each time you do these motions.
Smoking
If you’re a smoker, you are more prone to developing neck lines. This can happen because tobacco smoke damages the collagen in your skin, making it look older. Meanwhile, nicotine restricts your blood vessels and prevents oxygen from traveling to your skin, which can cause it to look dull.
How to Get Rid of and Prevent Neck Lines
Neck lines are not pleasant to look at and may even make you look older than your actual age. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent neck lines from developing or worsening. Here are some tips that you should follow:
Use a Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help protect your skin from damage caused by the sun and pollution. It can also help stimulate collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Several studies have also proven that vitamin C is effective in reversing the damage caused by UV rays and other elements on your skin when used for at least three months. It does so by inactivating the free radicals in your body.
Wear Sunscreen
One of the best ways to prevent neck lines from developing is by protecting your skin from the sun. Remembering to apply sunscreen daily will allow you to slow the signs of aging and prevent your neck from developing wrinkles.
To get the most benefit from your sunscreen, make sure to choose a product with at least 30 SPF and apply it generously and evenly on your skin. You should also reapply it every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
You should also consider using a specialized cream for neck lines that offers adequate sun protection. This product will not only protect your neck from the sun’s UV rays but also help you find a way how to get rid of neck lines.
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Since smoking accelerates the aging process and damages the collagen in your skin, quitting it can drastically improve your complexion. One study has even shown that quitting smoking can make you look as much as 13 years younger.
Moisturize Your Skin
Another way to prevent neck lines from appearing is by keeping your neck hydrated. This is because dry skin is more prone to develop wrinkles and fine lines.
To moisturize your skin, use a product that contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin twice a day. These ingredients can help attract and retain moisture in your skin.
Use Retinoid Creams
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They do so by stimulating collagen production and promoting cell turnover.
To get the best results from a retinoid cream, start by using it every other night. If your skin can tolerate it, you can gradually increase its frequency to every night. Just make sure to apply it on dry skin and follow up with a moisturizer.
You should also keep in mind that retinoids can cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun. So, be sure to apply sunscreen when you go outside.
Keep Your Neck Youthful
Neck lines can be a cause for concern, especially if you think they make you look older. But there’s no need to worry as there are several things you can do to get rid of them or prevent them from appearing. Just follow the tips mentioned above, and you’ll be on your way to having a youthful and wrinkle-free neck.
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