7 Proven Ways to Firm and Tighten Neck Skin
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Aging is an inevitable part of life, but not everyone loves every aspect of it. Dealing with the skin changes that come with growing older can be particularly challenging, and perhaps the most stubborn area to manage is the neck. 'In addition to variables like gender and genetic predisposition, certain lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking, and sun exposure all contribute to how the neck ages,' says board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Ordon of Visthetic Surgery Institute and Medspa.
However, there are plenty of ways to tighten neck skin while reversing signs of aging. To answer all your questions, we consulted Dr. Ordon along with Paula's Choice skincare expert and cosmetic chemist, Julio Lamberty. Whether you'd prefer to stick with an effortless solution, such as using creams and serums, or opt for a more invasive procedure, ahead you'll find a range of options and expert tips.
Let's begin with the most practical preventative measure—applying sunscreen. It's important to remember that when slathering sunscreen onto your face, you should also make sure you're spreading the product downward, as the neck is often neglected.
Sunscreen helps to protect skin from exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can damage skin cells. However, what many people fail to realize is that this damage can also lead to premature aging, such as wrinkles and saggy skin. 'Daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater is fundamental to protecting the skin's appearance; cumulative unprotected exposure to UV light causes the breakdown of every part of the skin, including its supportive proteins (collagens and elastins), its natural supply of protective antioxidants, its moisture barrier, and even its immune system,' says Lamberty.
That said, make sure to show your skin some TLC by applying sunscreen on a daily basis.$37.00 at sephora.com$38.00 at amazon.com$38.99 at amazon.com$40.00 at sephora.com
There are plenty of skincare products on the market that are formulated to treat wrinkles. Although many of these products won't completely erase all of your fine lines and creases, many of them do an excellent job of rejuvenating your skin with potent and/or hydrating ingredients that improve signs of aging. We would recommend using a wrinkle treatment in tandem with your sunscreen of choice. Take a look at some of our favorites below, which can be used on your face as well as your neck.$135.00 at zoskinhealth.com$215.00 at amazon.com$98.00 at sephora.com$190.00 at sephora.com
Sunscreens and wrinkle treatments are great options, but sometimes, you need to take things a step further. If you hit a wall, Dr. Ordon shares that microneedling could be an effective alternative to topical treatments. 'Other options for improving the neck in younger patients include microneedling of the neck, which can be combined with platelet-rich plasma or the use of stem cells,' says Ordon. Ordon also adds that microneedling can help patients who are looking to improve their appearance, but aren't yet qualified candidates for more invasive procedures.
So, what exactly is microneedling? In short, it's a procedure that repeatedly punctures the skin with tiny, microscopic needles. 'When skin is wounded, it quickly summons collagen to help shore up the damage; however, this wound-healing collagen is inelegant and stiffer than normal collagen,' explains Lamberty. 'As part of the natural healing process, the skin quickly makes this less-elastic collagen, then seamlessly segues to making plump, beautiful collagen that we want,' he adds.
However, you should keep in mind that there is a caveat that comes along with microneedling. Lamberty states that when done too often, micro-needling can potentially wound the skin. 'Frequently injuring our skin with micro-needles keeps skin in a state of making inelegant collagen, which can create a tightness and a potentially stiff feeling that doesn't look or feel great,' he adds.
Retinol is the holy grail ingredient for skin tightening. 'Along with helping skin to make collagen, retinol also inhibits matrix metalloproteinases, which are destructive enzymes that 'eat' collagen and chip away at its ability to support skin's shape and resilience,' says Lamberty.
Retinol also triggers the skin to make more hyaluronic acid by stimulating hyaluronic acid-creating enzymes. And if that wasn't enough, you should also know that this powerful compound helps to remodel reticular fibers. Lamberty shares that reticular fibers are 'thin strands of collagen III found in the dermis that give skin strength and support.' These fibers are directly correlated with the elasticity of our skin. 'When reticular fibers weaken, skin's firmness suffers, but when strengthened and renewed, skin's firmness rebounds,' Lamberty adds.$78.00 at skinceuticals.com$48.75 at paulaschoice.com$55.00 at amazon.com$28.99 at olay.com
'By using a fractional CO2 laser on the skin, one will experience tightening of the skin as well as diminished lines and reduced discoloration,' explains Dr. Ordon. This specific type of laser treatment involves targeting light into deep layers of the skin to initiate collagen production, which subsequently helps to give rise to a more flawless appearance.
As for other non-invasive treatments, Dr. Ordon mentions that Ulthera and Thermage are technologies that use heat energy to stimulate collagen production. Ulthera requires ultrasound heat, while Thermage utilizes radiofrequency energy, and both involve minimal discomfort and little downtime. 'Some improvement will be apparent immediately, while further improvement occurs over time,' Dr. Ordon shares.
Although surgery is an alternative, it's truly a last resort because, let's face it, not everyone looks forward to going under the knife. Still, if you're keen on exploring this route, Dr. Ordon shares a couple of surgical procedures that are commonly given to those seeking to tighten their neck skin. 'If your neck has dramatically aged, then the classic deep plan neck lift in conjunction with a facelift is the best option,' says Dr. Ordon. 'For younger patients who do not have extreme laxity of the neck, then liposuction with a technique called Renuvion is a great alternative,' he adds.
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CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
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New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
This Liquid Exfoliant Has Been My Holy-Grail Skin-Care Product for Years. Here's Why.
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(The other exfoliant with green tea extract in our guide, Shani Darden Lactic Acid Serum, costs about $89 an ounce, whereas the Paula's Choice exfoliant, depending on the size of the container, is roughly $9 an ounce.) Paula's Choice 2% BHA also contains methylpropanediol, 'a humectant that will help retain moisture and help to combat any potential dryness from the BHA,' Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm, said in a phone interview. Combined with the green tea extract's soothing properties, she added, 'This product is really beneficial for those dealing with breakouts and redness.' And though I don't have definitive proof, I swear that I can actually feel all of those benefits in real time after I apply the exfoliant. Initially, it delivers a temporary flush to my skin along with a warming tingle — but never an uncomfortable burning or stinging sensation, which 'could be a bad sign of increased risk of skin-barrier damage,' Rambhia said. After a few minutes, my skin is calm and feels replenished and hydrated, which is why, even though I know I shouldn't, I occasionally skip moisturizer before bed. Even without that final layer, I'm pleased with how my skin feels when I wake up the next morning. Swiping a liquid exfoliant onto your skin with a cotton pad (as I'm doing in the first pic) helps get all that gunk off your skin. However, I also love how the product feels and performs when I pat it into my skin with my fingers or when I press it in with a jade roller. Rose Lorre/NYT Wirecutter Though I love my Paula's Choice 2% BHA, on paper I should prefer AHAs over BHAs. This is because AHAs are known to improve skin texture, address uneven skin tone, and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (So, you know, old-people stuff.) These two types of acids are sometimes discussed as if they're opposites that serve different demographics: BHAs are usually said to be best-suited for younger people who worry more about acne and clogged pores, while AHAs are better for more-mature skin-care issues. In my experience, though — and according to the known science behind these acids and the experts I spoke to — your age shouldn't stop you from incorporating a good BHA into your skin-care routine, since clogged pores can be an issue at all stages of life. (In your later years, they may be more likely due to a pile-up of dead skin cells, as opposed to an overproduction of sebum in your earlier years.) Plus, if you use a BHA, you can still use an AHA, as I do. The serum I use after Paula's Choice 2% BHA in my skin-care routine contains AHA in the form of lactic acid. There's nothing that says you can't use the two in tandem, or even simultaneously, so long as they're not too irritating to your skin. 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As with any skin-care acid, the only trick to using Paula's Choice 2% BHA is to make sure you're not using too much of it. Both experts I spoke to recommend applying it twice a week to start, to ensure your skin isn't irritated by it. If your skin can tolerate it, feel free to gradually start using it more often. The brand recommends up to twice daily, which is how often I use it, because sometimes, you really can't have too much of a good thing. I purchased my first bottle of Paula's Choice 2% about two and a half years ago in a trial size. Now I buy it in bulk, in the biggest size available, when it's on sale. I always have multiple bottles stashed away, waiting for their call of duty. Each one will get its turn atop my sink vanity, I know, because I am not moving on from this product anytime soon — quite possibly never. For smoother, glowier, healthier skin, it's the choice I make again and again. This article was edited by Megan Beauchamp and Hannah Rimm. For clearer, brighter skin, there's no quicker route than a few swipes of an exfoliant. We tested 22 and found five standouts in a range of effective concentrations and textures. If you're new to exfoliation, start with just once a week for one month. Then consider bumping that up to twice a week if your skin can tolerate it. The dermatologists we spoke with give hypochlorous acid the green light for face and wound care. We tested seven popular brands, but only three won us over. Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for skin care. We tested 28 over-the-counter contenders to find five true standouts.
CBS News
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- CBS News
Shark likely caused swimmer's injuries at Jones Beach, officials say
Video shows crowd push shark in distress back into water at Rockaway Beach Video shows crowd push shark in distress back into water at Rockaway Beach Video shows crowd push shark in distress back into water at Rockaway Beach A woman injured while swimming at Long Island's Jones Beach was likely bitten by a shark, New York State Parks officials concluded. The 20-year-old beachgoer reported getting bitten by an unknown marine animal in waste-deep water at the Central Mall beachfront, State Parks officials said. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation concluded a juvenile sand tiger shark was the most likely culprit after reviewing pictures of the woman's injuries and other information about the incident. Swimming suspended at Jones Beach after suspected shark bite The woman was treated for minor cuts to her foot and leg before being taken to Nassau County University Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries late Wednesday afternoon, officials said. Swimming was immediately suspended and a subsequent drone search for "dangerous marine life" was unsuccessful, they added. Another drone search for sharks came up empty before swimming resumed Thursday morning. Lifeguards also scanned the water from shore and watercraft before declaring it was safe, officials said. Ways to steer clear of sharks at the beach New York State Parks says swimmers can do the following to minimize the risk of shark interactions: Avoid areas with seals Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds Avoid swimming at dusk, night, and dawn Avoid murky water Swim, paddle, and surf in groups Stay close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and Parks' staff
