The neck is one of the first areas to show visible signs of aging—and one of the easiest to leave out of a skin-care routine. Between horizontal lines often dubbed “tech neck,” sun damage, crepiness and loss of elasticity, the thinner skin below the chin can benefit from a little extra attention. The good news: Dermatologists say that usually doesn’t require an entirely separate lineup of products.
Ahead, two dermatologists explain what makes neck skin different, when to start caring for it and which products and treatments are worth considering.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Deborah Longwill is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami
- Sue Ellen Cox, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Chapel Hill, NC
Do You Need a Neck Skin-Care Routine?
“Absolutely. The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging because the skin is thinner, has fewer oil glands and is constantly exposed to the sun,” says Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill. Chapel Hill, NC dermatologist Sue Ellen Cox, MD agrees that giving the area some attention is worthwhile. Neither expert, however, believes it necessarily requires a separate set of products from those you use on your face.
You Can Use Your Face Products on Your Neck
“We live in an era of overconsumption where more is often seen as better, but for most people, simply extending your facial skin care down onto your neck and chest is all you need,” says Dr. Cox. Dr. Longwill agrees, noting that one of the biggest mistakes she sees is stopping products at the jawline.
There is one caveat: Neck skin is thinner and more delicate than facial skin. “I recommend introducing active ingredients like retinoids gradually,” says Dr. Cox.
Neck-specific formulas are also an option, particularly if the area is a primary concern. “Dedicated neck creams are available, and many are excellent,” says Dr. Cox, who often recommends them when the neck is a primary concern or a patient is undergoing in-office treatments.
When to Start Using Skin Care on Your Neck
“Prevention is always easier than correction, so I encourage patients to start caring for the neck in their mid-20s by making sunscreen and moisturization part of their daily routine,” says Dr. Longwill. Dr. Cox agrees that your 20s are a smart time to begin, particularly as frequent phone use can make horizontal neck lines more noticeable.
The Must-Have Steps in a Neck Skin-Care Routine
“Sun protection is by far the most important step because the neck receives significant UV exposure but is often overlooked. A daily broad-spectrum sunscreen should be non-negotiable,” says Dr. Cox. Dr. Longwill agrees that consistency with sun protection makes the biggest difference over time.
Beyond SPF, the essentials are fairly simple. “Cleanse, apply an antioxidant such as vitamin C in the morning, moisturize and use a retinoid in the evening if your skin tolerates it,” says Dr. Longwill. Those looking to build out their routine can also consider growth factors, peptides and DNA repair enzymes, which Dr. Longwill says may “help support collagen production and improve skin quality.”
For more advanced signs of aging, in-office treatments may offer more significant improvement. Dr. Longwill points to microneedling, laser resurfacing and biostimulatory injectables as options to discuss with a qualified provider.
The Best Skin-Care Products for Your Neck
“The best product depends on what you’re trying to address, whether that’s sun damage, fine lines or loss of firmness,” says Dr. Cox. With your primary concern in mind, consider adding one of these targeted formulas to your routine.
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