As we age, one common problem area when it comes to sagging, wrinkling and dryness is our necks. Thankfully, it’s possible to soothe and hydrate with neck creams that are specifically designed to nourish skin in this area.
Dermatologists and skincare experts often recommend using creams that are formulated with ingredients like collagen, niacinamede, hyaluronic acid, peptides and retinol for a smoother, firmer complexion.
With that said, we reached out to doctors and experts for three drugstore cream suggestions, as well as which smoothing product ingredients to look out for. Read on for tips and insight from Dr. Jenelle Kim, skincare formulator and founder of JBK Wellness Labs, and Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team.
3 Expert-Approved Drugstore Neck Creams For Aging Skin
1. CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
This cream (which you can pick up at countless drugstores like Walgreens, CVS and Target with prices ranging from $19.99 to $21.79) contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides, Kim explains, which help "hydrate and strengthen" the skin barrier. "It also includes peptides, that may support collagen production, promoting a smoother look over time," she notes.
Chacon points out that peptides are powerful "amino acids that combine to form particular proteins required by the skin." Because collagen is composed of three polypeptide chains, "introducing peptides can boost your skin's production of collagen," she continues.
2. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
This neck cream (which you can find on the brand site, Ulta or Target with prices ranging from $27.49 to $36.99) is known for its anti-aging properties, Kim says, and it contains niacinamide, amino-peptides, and hyaluronic acid. "These ingredients help moisturize, firm the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," she adds.
Kim notes that ceramides "help strengthen the skin barrier, leading to improved hydration and a smoother texture." Chacon explains that hyaluronic acid helps "replenish and lock in moisture" to the skin. "Hyaluronic acid is also generally safe for all skin types," she stresses. "It rarely has adverse skin reactions as it is a natural substance in the skin."
3. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer
You can find this hydrating, nourishing cream at stores like Ulta, Walmart or the brand's official site with prices ranging from $18.66 to $21.99. This product, as Kim points out, combines retinol and hyaluronic acid to "target fine lines and improve skin texture." It can help "promote skin renewal and create a smoother, more youthful appearance," she explains.
As noted before, Kim reiterates that its ingredients like hyaluronic acid help "attract and retain moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and reducing dryness." When this acid is used together with retinol, together, "these ingredients work to soothe the skin, promote a more youthful appearance, and support graceful aging," Kim concludes. As a general guideline, she says that neck creams are "typically applied once or twice daily, following the instructions on the product packaging."
