You might have a finely tuned skincare routine for your face but are you – like many of us – neglecting your neck? According to Elizabeth Arden, only a third of women between the ages of 30 and 59 use a neck or chest treatment, yet the skin in this area is thinner than the skin on your face and loses firmness with age.
A recent survey by Mintel found that 32% of UK women are concerned about the look of their neck, rising to 44% of women aged 55 and over.
READ: Commuter skin SOS: Your ultimate guide to sorting stressed skin
According to Nathalie Broussard, Shiseido’s scientific communication director: "The neck doesn’t produce as much sebum as the face, making the skin prone to dryness. It’s also exposed to constant movement and, unlike facial skin, the neck does not adhere directly to subcutaneous tissue or muscles. Therefore, as it loosens, lines increase in number and become deeper and broader."
Dermatologists point out that, in addition, we often forget to apply SPF below the chin. "The precautions we take to protect and correct on the face aren’t necessarily as habitual on the neck and chest,” explains Dr Howard Murad, dermatologist and founder of Murad skincare.
"And these areas are actually more exposed to environmental factors than other areas of the body. This leads to visible signs of ageing." Brits, on average, also look down to check their phones every 12 minutes, leading to a rise in so-called "tech neck" – increased horizontal lines and sagging.
With this in mind, the rise in products formulated for the neck is no surprise. But why do we need a targeted treatment for this area? "While there is a crossover with face and body treatments," says Dr Murad, "formulations that focus on retexturising the surface, replumping the skin barrier and firming can specifically address the needs of the neck and chest areas."
Back in 2019, The Light Salon, known for its express LED skin treatments in London, launched an innovative at-home LED "bib" (above) which emits deep, penetrating wavelengths designed to renew tissue and stimulate collagen around the neck and chest.
Here are some of our hero neck creams from high-street to high-end...
Tri-Active™ Lift & Firm Face and Neck Balm, £52, ESPA
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This deliciously-scented balm promises taut, moisturised skin. Tackling fine lines, wrinkles and crepiness, it helps the neck to look more sculpted and defined whilst firming and lifting too.
Cold Plasma Plus+ Sub-D Neck Treatment, £119, Perricone MD
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The grand dame of neck treatments, Perricone MD's results-driven Cold Plasma Plus+ Sub-D neck moisturiser is something of a powerhouse - it visibly sculpts, firms, tightens and contours the neck and jawline, while targeting and improving the appearance of lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, and crepiness. All while smoothing the skin and improving elasticity.
It's even been proven to minimise a double chin! It's magical powers are all down to caffeine, amino acids and a patented formula. Use morning and night to see the best results.
Dermalogica Neck Fit Contour Serum, £79, John Lewis
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Think of this as your neck’s best personal trainer. This lightweight, roll-on serum immediately tightens skin, and tones it over time, for a more visibly lifted and sculpted appearance. The high-performance Flex Lift Contour Technology acts like invisible mesh to provide a visible lifting and tightening effect. It also smooths fine lines and helps protect skin against pollution, which can lead to premature signs of skin ageing.
Extra-firming Neck & Decollete treatment, £53, Clarins
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Clarins' sculpting, firming and smoothing treatment is a non-greasy formula that literally lifts the neck and décolleté. The more you use it, the firmer and smoother this area becomes!
Exalt Firming Neck Gel, £30, TempleSpa
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Exalt is a divine neck gel that powerfully performs, and has been clinically proven to significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with the addition of Electric Daisy (or Acmella Flower Extract) to relax muscles and diminish fine lines, as well as improve the elasticity of skin via Red Bell Pepper and brighten skin tone as a result of its Vitamins C, E and A properties.
The Neck and Décolleté Concentrate, £215, La Mer
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This intensive balm delivers plumping hydration and concentrated cell-renewing Miracle Broth™ to help create a more youthful-looking neckline.
Pro-Collagen Definition Face & Neck Serum, £95, Elemis
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A blend of plant stem cells targets loss of density to nurture more supple skin.
Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Neck Gel, £35 for 4, Sephora
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Apply for ten minutes weekly to brighten skin and blue the appearance of horizontal lines.
No7 Laboratories Firming Booster Serum, £34.95, Boots
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Target a slack jawline and the contours of your neck by massaging in with the applicator.
Prevage Anti-Aging Neck and Décolleté Firm and Repair Cream, £90, Elizabeth Arden
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An antioxidant blend fends off free radicals to protect against future skin damage.
Vichy Neovadiol Phytosculpt Neck & Face Contours, £34.95, Boots
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This balm works to instantly brighten and tighten and then strengthen the skin barrier long-term.
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Neck Cream, £44, Look Fantastic
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A nourishing, smoothing cream packed with elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid.
Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Décolleté, £68, Murad
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This treatment aims to smoothe and refine texture and tackle age spots and discolouration.
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