One thing my mum taught me from an early age is taking care of my neck and upper chest. Let’s be frank, most of us have been cleansing and moisturizing since we were in high school but how many pay really attention to this delicate area even that the décolletage is often one of the first places to show signs of ageing. I am always amused when I see some perfectly smooth faces treated with botox on top of a wrinkled neck. It doesn’t look young, rather bizarre.
Why is that? The skin on our neck and upper chest is naturally thinner and more prone to wrinkling than elsewhere. It also produces less oil than the face, but also often receives more sun exposure so forgetting to apply SPF and neglecting to nourish it can result in premature ageing quicker than you’d imagine. I know so many women who rely on foundation to provide protection, but they’re not blending it down onto their neck in sufficient amounts to block damaging UVA rays, the same goes for their moisturizing routine that mostly stops at the chin.
Another very important factor are so-called «sleep wrinkles» that can show on your chest. Especially if you are a side sleeper. Try to get off to sleep when lying on your back and use my beloved Beauty Bear™ Age Defy Pillow by Nurse Jamie.
And most importantly, there is the phenomenon of the «tech neck», that can occur from persistent folding of the skin from repetitive motion, like looking down at your phone or laptop computer. This leads to a laxity of the neck skin and causes these terrible horizontal wrinkles. This is not all…
Did you know that the upper chest area is a high histamine response area, and thus red flushing can occur. Most women think skincare stops at the neck. However, the quality of most daily body lotions is insufficient to treat or delay signs of ageing on the décolletage. If you’re serious about treating your chest, shop for décolletage-specific skincare. Personally speaking, I am a total fan of the new LA MER ‘The Neck and Décolleté Concentrate’ cream. Formulated with Miracle Broth™, strengthening ferment and lime tea concentrate, this intensive balm deeply hydrates and plumps to soften fine lines and crepiness.
The product is intended to be used morning and evening. Gently smooth it onto your neck and décolletage with fingertips (my preferred way) or with the brush provided, then massage using upward, circular motions. For optimal results, follow with your favorite moisturizer.
My personal tip to get bad beauty habits literally off your chest. You can tone your skin as you pamper it by doing this exercise I got from a dermatologist: Tilt your head back, relax your upper body, and open and close your mouth, jetting your jaw forward and tensing it as you do it. The platysma on the neck muscles are like cords, you are strengthening them that way. The muscles on the neck are independent from the skin, unlike the face where it’s all glued together. Apply the neck cream first with vigorous upward strokes using your entire palm, and then do the exercise. Repeat the exercise 20 times each night to get great results!
The special skin there has special needs. My best tip is to treat your décolleté like you treat your face. Get cleansing. Get moisturizing.
The Neck and Décolleté Concentrate is available now for CHF 320.- (50ml).
TO SHOP IT ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of La Mer and © Sandra Bauknecht
