I've discovered the secrets to banishing those unsightly 'tech neck' lines and wrinkles... and they start from $10: POLISHED with Elise Wilson
The beauty industry is heading south, and I don't mean that figuratively.
Somewhere between the rise of (awful) HD Zoom calls and the constant tyranny of front-facing cameras, we all collectively looked down and went, 'Wait... when did my neck start ageing faster than my face?'
It's true. From our mid-30s onwards, and definitely by the time we're staring down 60 (Kris Jenner, we're looking at you and your impossibly taut jawline), the neck becomes ground zero for the signs of ageing.
And while we've all been lovingly slathering serums and SPFs onto our faces for decades, many of us have completely neglected the delicate, often-forgotten terrain just beneath it.
As a long-time beauty editor and anti-ageing obsessive, I've become mildly (okay, majorly) fascinated with neck rejuvenation, and I'm not alone.
The global neck-care market is projected to hit a staggering $43billion by 2032, and is currently growing at a rate of 10 per cent each year, according to Who What Where. Yes, billion. With a B.
So, what's driving our new neck fixation? Experts I've chatted to say it's a few things, but in particular new celebrity surgery's and a flood of new treatments promising to firm, contour and de-crease the neck and jawline.
We are officially in the era of facial geometry, from lasers to fancy lights, targeted skincare to clever contouring, I've found all the neck-focused tweaks the pros are buzzing about.
TOP TREATMENTS:
Treatment 'cocktails' (Bio stimulators + Antiwrinkle injections)
When it comes to targeted neck treatments, one size doesn't always fit all, according to Cosmetic & Skin Cancer Doctor Dr Adam Brown, who prefers a more multifaceted, cocktail-style approach for the best results.
Rather than relying on a single treatment, Dr Brown said he 'combines collagen stimulation with topicals like Morpheus8 laser, biostimulating injectables like Radiesse, and anti-wrinkle treatments for underlying muscle activity'.
Muscle-relaxing injections can be used to soften the activity of the platysma - the thin muscle that pulls down on the jawline and neck.
'By carefully targeting this muscle, we can reduce neck bands and achieve a subtle lift in what's known as the Nefertiti Lift,' he said.
Undoubtedly my favourites of the Kar-Jenner clan, Khloe and Kris recently agreed that this blended-treatment approach really works.
KK, aged 41, admitted her taut jaw was thanks to lasers and 'collagen baby Threads underneath my chin and neck,' whereas Kris, 69, is all down to a deep plane facelift and Botox.
'Who doesn't love Botox? For me, it's been really great,' Kris told PEOPLE.
Morpheus8 (Microneedling + Radiofrequency)
This skin-tightening treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate deep collagen production and tighten sagging skin on the neck and jawline.
It's a celebrity go-to, and delivers serious firming without surgery according to Medical Director & Founder Contour Clinics, Dr Josh Wall.
Although it can be used on the whole body, Josh said it's most common on the full-face and neck for overall best lifting results.
'Downtime is one-to-two days of redness and mild swelling,' he added.
'This treatment is a bit "spicy" as Josh puts it, so numbing cream [and a bit of gas] is needed for this one.'
Profhilo (Regenerative Injectables)
You've probably have heard of it, but this regenerative injectable treatment is loved by experts like cosmetic doctor and skincare founder, Dr Naomi McCullum, for its ability to hydrate, firm and rejuvenate the skin without adding volume or altering your facial structure.
Think of it as 'injectable skincare', ideal for boosting texture in the neck where skin is thinner and more delicate.
There are two types: one hydrates and stimulates collagen and elastin; the other, a newer lipolifting version, targets sagging by restoring fat loss and facial support.
Both are showing promise in the neck area, particularly when combined with treatments to relax tight platysmal bands (those vertical neck lines).
Cost: Treatments start from $1100 with three sessions needed for best results.
LIGHT-SAVERS
Tech gadgets have come a long way, and at-home devices like microcurrent tools (think: NuFACE that all the celebs use and love), and red LED light therapy can help tone muscles, combat pigmentation, reduce fine lines and stimulate collagen on the neck with consistent use.
These work best when used regularly (think three-to-five times a week) and paired with great skincare too.
The new Foreo FAQ 211 Neck & Décolleté Mask will set you back a cool $659, however with just 15 minutes per day, studies have shown this bad boy will reduce neck wrinkles by up to 32 per cent.
I usually put mine on while I clean the house, cook dinner, or take a little nap.
NuFACE® Mini+ Starter Kit ($429) - The microcurrent technology in this delivers low-level electrical currents that mimic the body's natural signals to stimulate muscle tone and cellular energy
MAKEUP HACKS
Makeup isn't just for cheekbones and brows anymore.
When used cleverly, contouring the neck and jawline can create the illusion of firmer, tighter skin, a sharper profile, and a more youthful silhouette - all in under five minutes. No needles. No downtime. Just a few strategic sweeps of product.
1. Shade and Sculpt Your Jawline
Using a cool-toned contour liquid or cream, run a soft line just under your jawbone, from the edge of your ear to under your chin. Then blend downward toward your neck with a fluffy brush or damp sponge. This creates depth and instantly sharpens the jawline.
If you want to go the extra step, contour down your neck and across your collarbone like I do to elongate and define.
TIP: Avoid any bronzers with shimmer for this - you want a matte, shadow-like finish.
2. Lighten Up the Centre of the Neck
Apply a subtle highlighting concealer or light-reflecting powder down the centre of your neck.
This brings the area forward and contrasts with the shadow under the jaw, giving the illusion of lift.
TIP: Think of it as highlighting your collarbones... but vertically.
3. Blend, Blend, Blend
The key to natural-looking contour on the neck is seamless blending. Harsh lines will only draw more attention to sagging or texture.
TIP: Use a damp sponge or soft kabuki brush to diffuse edges and avoid tell-tale makeup marks on collars.
4. Don't Forget Your Décolletage
A light dusting of bronzer or illuminator on the collarbones and chest can draw the eye away from fine lines or crepey skin on the neck.
It creates a more harmonious look, especially if you're wearing a low neckline.
SKINCARE
Not all skincare is created equal, and considering the skin on our neck is thinner, has fewer oil glands, and is often more vulnerable to creasing from tech-neck and sun exposure, we need ingredients to be more targeted.
Look for products specifically formulated with peptides for firming, retinol/retinal for gentle resurfacing, and SPF 50+ for daytime - because sun is the No.1 ager, especially on this often-exposed area.
Image Skincare The MAX Neck Lift ($169.95) – This (rather expensive) skin firmer, has a maximum concentration of peptides and plant stem cells help to uplift the appearance of sagging skin.
Skin Control Wrinkle Reset Smoothing Neck Patch ($10.39) – This skincare alternative to neck lines is a medical-grade silicone placed on the neck as you sleep to smooth the look of neck wrinkles. It's reusable up to 20 times making it a great budget-buy at $0.50 per use.
Nivea SPF 50+ Sun Protect & Moisture Sunscreen Lotion ($16.69) – This exact sunscreen got one of the highest SPF ratings in a recent random test by consumer advocacy group CHOICE. It's a yes from me too.
So, whether you're into lasers, injectables, light therapy, luxe creams or simply a clever contour trick, there's never been more ways to care for the neck, and every reason to start.
From the high-tech to the high-street, and subtle tweaks to full treatment plans, we're officially living in the golden age of neck care.
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