While most of us are committed to taking care of our faces, it’s easy to forget that our neck and décolletage need the same level of attention. These areas are constantly exposed to the same environmental stressors as our faces, yet they often receive far less care. The result? Premature ageing, sun spots and uneven skin tone that can become more pronounced over time. And despite what some brands may want you to think, you don’t need specific skincare for this area, you just need to know how to incorporate them into your daily face routine.
The Impact of Sun Damage on the Neck and Décolletage
Sun damage doesn’t only affect the face; it can be just as harmful to the neck and décolletage. The skin here is thinner and contains fewer sebaceous (oil) glands, making it more susceptible to UV radiation and damage. This can result in various issues, from premature ageing to significant texture and pigment changes.
Photoageing, caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. Over time, this leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone on the neck, which is often exposed as much as the face.
Signs of Sun Damage on the Neck and Décolletage
It’s important to recognise the early signs of sun damage in these areas so you can take action. Here’s what to look out for:
Texture Changes
The skin may become rough or leathery, often thickening in response to ongoing sun exposure.
Discolouration
Uneven pigmentation, such as dark spots, freckles, or hyperpigmentation, are common indicators of sun damage. These can come up first on the collarbone area and upper chest where our clothing necklines often end.
Premature Ageing
Fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin on the neck can appear sooner than on other areas of the body due to collagen breakdown.
Redness and Irritation
Persistent redness or irritation can also be a sign of sun damage, especially after long-term exposure.
How to Prevent Sun Damage to the Neck and Décolletage
Prevention is key to keeping your neck and décolletage healthy and youthful. Here are some simple yet effective strategies:
Apply Sunscreen Religiously
A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 should be applied daily, regardless of the weather. Make sure to reapply every two hours when you're outdoors or after swimming or sweating.
Choose Protective Clothing
When possible, wear high-collared tops or scarves to shield your neck from direct sunlight.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Stay hydrated, follow a diet rich in antioxidants, and avoid smoking, which can worsen skin damage.
Focus on a Targeted Skincare Routine
Use skincare products with ingredients like antioxidants and retinoids to protect and repair the skin on your neck. No need for separate neck creams – the products you use for your face work just as well on your neck and décolletage.
Building a Skincare Routine for the Neck and Décolletage
Morning Routine
Start your day by applying your antioxidant-rich AM Serum from your face down to your décolletage, followed by a SPF50+ sunscreen. If you have oily skin on your face, consider using a separate SPF with more moisturising ingredients, as these areas can benefit from the extra hydration that may otherwise be too heavy on your face.
Evening Routine
At night, extend your retinol or peptide products down to your neck and décolletage, followed by your moisturiser. These ingredients help with cell turnover and skin repair, which are key in these areas. If you only wear a moisturiser at night, extend this down.
Taking care of your neck and décolletage should be as integral to your skincare routine as caring for your face. By recognising the signs of sun damage and taking steps to protect and nourish this delicate skin, you can maintain a more youthful appearance across these often-overlooked areas.