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As we age, it’s natural to become more aware of the subtle shifts in our appearance that mark the passage of time. For many mature women, the delicate skin on our faces and necks often tops the list of concerns, as it tends to sag and lose its supple firmness. Fortunately, there’s a treasure trove of specialized creams designed to help us achieve a radiant and confident glow, perfect for the sunny days of summer.
To uncover the best options for mature skin, we turned to leading dermatologists, skincare gurus, and real-life neck cream enthusiasts. Together, we’ll dive into the latest breakthroughs in skincare technology and find out which products are most effective at tackling wrinkles and fine lines in these sensitive areas.
Read on for suggestions and insight from Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team, Dr. Jenelle Kim, skincare formulator and founder of JBK Wellness Labs, Dr. Ariel Ostad, MD, FACS, triple board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist and Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology.
7 Doctor-Recommended Neck Creams To Combat Wrinkles And Dryness
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 adds.
As a general guideline, she says that neck creams are "typically applied once or twice daily, following the instructions on the product packaging."
4. Dr. Ariel Ostad Medical Grade Skincare Neck Refining Cream
In our mid-to-late 20s and early 30s, "we start to lose about one percent of collagen per year, making the skin lose its firmness," Ostad explains. "Loss of collagen and elastin leads to sagging skin and horizontal creases on the skin," he notes. With that said, Ostad points out that one great way to treat an aging neck is to frequently apply a hydrating neck cream.
"The best ingredient for a neck cream is one that has high concentrations of active ingredients including hyaluronic acid and retinols," he says. He recommends his brand's 'Neck Refining Cream,' a "medical grade anti-aging cream for the neck." This $135 product, he says, has a "combination of unique ingredients including gentle retinoids and growth factors" that help improve fine lines and wrinkles on the neck.
Additionally, Ostad suggests looking for products with "growth factors, vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and retinoic acid" to help smooth wrinkles on the neck area.
5. Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream
This "thick, creamy moisturizer" is a "popular beauty pick" in French pharmacies, and can also be found at your local Ulta, Chacon says. "Its soothing properties aid in the restoration and rebalancing of dry skin, and it prevents skin water evaporation by strengthening cell cohesion," she adds.
Chacon also notes that this $40 product can effectively "remove dehydration lines" to help your skin look younger and more nourished, as its shea butter ingredient "helps to reduce signs of aging, dryness, and dehydration." In general, if you struggle with dry skin, Chacon says to always "select a moisturizer with at least some of the following ingredients," including "hyaluronic acid (HA), ceramides, glycerin, urea, antioxidants, aquaporins, and plant oils and butters."
Without proper daily moisturizing, your skin can be "left dry, sensitive, and dull," Chacon warns. This, she says, is because "as we get older, skin inherently becomes drier," due to less active oil-producing glands, and it "doesn’t retain moisture and healthy fats."
6. Cetaphil Healthy Renew Night Cream
Camp notes that this nourishing moisturizer and night cream has been "shown to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles" since it is "formulated with purified peptides, niacinamide, and botanical extracts." These go-to ingredients provide "intense hydration and keep skin looking rested and revitalized," he advises. You can snag this cream via the brand's website or at stores like Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart and Target.
Chacon stresses that a cream moisturizer like these will be the "best choice" because its "thickness means it will feel relatively heavy on the skin, and will take longer to dry." In addition, she recommends always choosing a "fragrance-free moisturizer that is free of parabens and irritants" this summer.
7. SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair
Using retinol on the neck may be a bit too aggressive for some, as a harsh product on this delicate area can lead to dermatitis or rashes. Luckily, SkinCeuticals has formulated a $136 sumptuous cream (available via its site) that boasts just the right amount of retinol to improve collagen and elastin without disrupting your skin barrier. With 0.2% pure, slow-release retinol, 2.5% tripeptide concentrate, and 5.0% glaucine complex, this luxurious cream is designed to help tighten skin, reduce fine lines, and wrinkles.
It's true, the cost is on the higher end, but according to numerous satisfied users, the results are worth the investment. According to one reviewer: “So far the product has worked marvelously. No burning or itching nor any adverse reactions. I wish I had taken before images! The fine lines are not so apparent anymore…I’m not reaching out for a turtle neck to wear. I am on week 2 of 2x a week use. Next week I’ll use it 3x a week.”
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, taking care of your skin is important no matter your age, but it becomes particularly crucial when it comes to the face and neck. Experts agree that protecting your complexion from the damaging effects of the sun, pollutants, and other irritants can slow down the aging process.
By using these seven neck creams recommended by doctors and practicing a dermatologist-recommended skincare routine, you can effectively address the common concerns associated with aging necks and feel confident in your complexion.
