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With so much attention put on the face — keeping the under-eye area moisturized, blotting the T-zone, etc. — you can’t be blamed for forgetting that the neck, too, craves your undivided skincare attention and a piece of the pie when it comes to your routine. Perhaps you’re already hip to the needs of your neck and show it some love by dragging a bit of your moisturizer, serum, and sunscreen down when you’re applying it to your face. That’s a start.
But many skin experts say the delicate skin on your neck, which can show signs of aging earlier than other places, needs its own routine, complete with its own neck creams that are formulated specifically for this area. If you’ve always raised an eyebrow at the sound of “neck cream” and aren’t convinced, these experts explain why neck cream is important for fighting dry weather and preventing wrinkles — and which one they recommend.
How Are Neck Creams Different?
First, let’s get the why’s out of the way and appeal to our curiosity: why are neck creams even needed? Aren’t regular facial moisturizers enough to get the job done?
“The skin on your neck and décolleté is different from the skin on your face as it is thinner and has less collagen and oil glands so they do require the same amount, if not extra, care as the face,” explains Dr. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group in Manhattan, NY. “Neck creams are similar to facial moisturizers – the only difference is that neck creams tend to have a slightly thicker consistency.”
According to Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, writer at MyPsoriasisTeam, and published author based in Miami Florida, not only are the two products different, but the function of a neck cream cannot be performed by a face cream. “Your facial skin and the skin on your neck and décolleté are inherently distinct from one another,” Dr. Chacon said. “This region is more prone to lax, sagging skin, crepey texture, and chronic dryness because it has less fatty tissue, collagen, and oil glands.”
What Neck Cream Ingredients Set It Apart?
What is it about neck creams that makes them so much more equipped to handle sensitive, dry skin on the neck? The answer is active ingredients blended with nourishing ones. “Hyaluronic acid, peptides, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are some examples of good ingredients to look for in a neck cream as they are ultra hydrating and beneficial for increasing collagen production and protecting against environmental damage,” Dr. Akhavan said.
Dr. Chacon adds that while most facial moisturizers are composed of water as one of their first ingredients, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C are among the components of an excellent neck cream that can help with hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and firmness.
How Often Should You Apply Neck Cream?
Neck creams should be used every day once or twice a day for best results, Dr. Akhavan said. And because the neck is as exposed to UV rays as the face, it’s crucial to apply an SPF to the neck as well as the face if you’re heading out the door in the morning or afternoon.
A Few Great Neck Creams
Product recommendations are always so personal. Depending on your budget and your personal taste when it comes to formulations and texture, you’ll find a cream that works just for you. Dr. Akhavan says that at the Dermatology and Laser Group, the Neocutis Neo Firm Neck & Decollete Tightening Cream is a popular option. “Its extremely hydrating formula contains both peptides and vitamin C to help moisturize, generate collagen, and protect against environmental damage,” Dr. Akhavan says. “This product is great for winter weather to keep skin hydrated without feeling sticky.”
If Neocutis is out of budget, no worries: RoC Derm Correxion Neck Cream contains both retinol and hyaluronic acid and is free of irritating fragrance and parabens.
