Our skin begins to sag as we age, and while this is completely normal and inevitable, there are still ways to preserve a youthful look while practicing a skincare routine. If you’ve been noticing wrinkled, sagging skin on your neck and chest and want 4 non-surgical, simple tips for skincare to do at home yourself, read on. We spoke with Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai all about the aging skin on your neck and chest— and the best ways to care for it.
Tip #1: Look for Products with Retinol & Peptides
Jaliman notes that two important ingredients in your skincare products are retinol and peptides. “You can apply products with retinol on the neck and chest area,” says Jaliman. “A serum or moisturizer with retinol is a good idea if you’re trying to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or trying to prevent future ones and for firmer skin.”
Retinol, Jaliman says, stimulates a quicker renewal of our skin cells. When using retinol, the outer layer of the skin is sloughed off and the newer skin underneath is revealed. Peptides are also crucial because “products containing peptides can lead to firmer, tighter skin,” adds Jaliman.
One product she recommends is a hyaluronic acid face serum and retinol serum. Neutrogena, for example, offers a “Rapid Wrinkle Repair” serum containing retinol, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. “The hyaluronic acid plumps the skin,” says Jaliman. “It’s super hydrating and has anti-aging properties. It’s a natural humectant. Glycerin really moisturizes the skin. This serum is great for mature skin.”
#2: Use Micro-Sculpting Cream
For the skin on your neck and chest, hyaluronic acid can plump the skin and hydrate it, while vitamin B (niacinamide) can help even skin tone. Jaliman recommends using a cream every morning and night, like Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, due to its hyaluronic and niacinamide ingredients.
“Niacinamide is a potent antioxidant with numerous benefits,” says Jaliman. “Niacinamide improves the appearance of enlarged pores and dullness, and amino-peptides which are ideal for firming the skin.” Jaliman says it also contains carob extract which is “great for fine lines and wrinkles by boosting cell regeneration.”
#3: Exercise Regularly
As you probably already know, exercise has numerous benefits for your general health and well-being, and it also can promote healthier, firmer skin too! “Exercise can help if you make it part of your daily routine,” says Jaliman. “Exercise helps increase our blood flow, which then helps to nourish skin cells.”
“Research studies show that when you exercise it makes your skin look younger,” Jaliman continues. She explains that exercise stimulates substances called “myokines, specifically I L-15.” This increases the thickness of the deeper layers of the skin and decreases the thickness of the outer layers of the skin.
#4: Try Collagen Peptide Supplements
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it promotes healthy skin elasticity. Considering taking a collagen-boosting supplement is another idea for a firmer neck and chest. “Collagen peptide consumption can increase skin elasticity and can help your body’s skin repair process, thus encouraging your body to form new collagen,” says Jaliman. She recommends a supplement like Neocell Super Collagen C supplement, at a recommended dose of 6000 mg, up to 6 tablets daily.
Ultimately, there is no reason to feel ashamed of natural, aging or sagging skin, but if you want to preserve that youthful glow and support a firmer look, these tips can help. For more information, visit your local dermatologist for a skincare routine that works best for you.
