As you approach 50, you may begin to notice that your neck is no longer as firm or smooth as it once was. Nobody likes the idea of getting old, but sticking to a few simple habits can help maintain (or even improve) the condition of the skin and muscles in the neck area. In this blog post, we’ll cover nine good habits for maintaining healthy-looking neck skin. Stay connected!
Use a daily moisturizer on your neck and décolletage.
After age 50, the skin tends to become drier and wrinkles may start to form. That is why it is recommended to use a moisturizer daily on the neck and décolleté to nourish the skin and keep it hydrated. Doing so will help your skin resist environmental damage, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes, and retain its suppleness and radiance.
Avoid sleeping on your side or on your stomach.
Sleeping on your side or on your stomach can cause deep expression lines on your neck over time. Instead, try sleeping on your back, which keeps the face in a neutral position and encourages muscles to relax without bunching or wrinkling.
Protect your neck and décolletage from the sun.
Protecting the neck and décolleté from the sun’s rays is essential to maintaining smooth, youthful skin well into your 50s. Ultraviolet damage is responsible for visible signs of aging like skin spots, wrinkles and even skin cancer. That’s why it’s so important to keep this area well covered by wearing a turtleneck, scarf or hat when you’re outdoors, especially when UV rays are on the wane. You can also put sunscreen on your neck and décolleté for extra protection.
Avoid losing weight quickly.
Good nutrition and some type of exercise are key to having a smooth neck even at age 50. To maintain muscle tone and a more youthful appearance, avoid diets that require rapid weight loss. These diets not only contribute to muscle wasting, but they can also hamper your ability to absorb important nutrients needed to keep skin smooth and wrinkle-free. Instead, eat a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants to support healthy skin, and engage in moderate cardiovascular exercise to tone your muscles and prevent them from slackening as you age.
Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from within.
Staying properly hydrated is key to maintaining a smooth, supple neck after age 50. Without adequate hydration, skin can become dry, dull and wrinkled. Filling up on water is the best way to ensure that your skin stays healthy and youthful looking. Water helps flush toxins from the body while providing healthy doses of electrolytes and other nutrients throughout the day. In addition, drinking plenty of water promotes cell renewal and improves collagen production. When considering whether you are getting enough water, remember that only about 20% comes directly from drinking; the remaining 80% must come from other sources such as fruits, vegetables, teas, soups, etc. With a little effort and dedication to proper hydration practices, you can help maintain a beautiful neck despite your age.
Exfoliate your neck and décolleté twice a week.
Exfoliating your neck and décolletage is essential if you want them to stay smooth and glowing well into your 50s and beyond. With weekly exfoliation, you can help remove dead skin cells before they build up and become more visible. In addition, this process promotes blood circulation, which helps oxygenate the delicate skin of your neck and décolleté and fights the signs of aging. Be sure to apply a gentle scrub or facial cleanser twice a week for best results.
Gently massage your neck and décolleté with upward strokes.
This simple technique of manipulating the skin of the neck and décolletage has been proven to help tone the area and reduce wrinkles over time. Not only does this massage increase blood circulation, but it also promotes the production of healthy cells, which helps keep your skin looking vibrant.
Stop smoking.
Keeping a smooth, wrinkle-free neck after 50 can be a challenge, but it’s possible if you quit smoking, as cigarettes are known to cause wrinkles and dark spots on your skin. The effects of tobacco can manifest as a grayish tint or discoloration of the neck. Not only does it destroy collagen, which generally prevents the skin from sagging and wrinkling, but it also dehydrates the skin. Protecting your neck from the harmful effects of tobacco is key to maintaining healthy skin well into your 50s and beyond.
Avoid wearing heavy necklaces and jewelry.
It is important to be careful with heavier accessories which could accentuate deeper wrinkles and sagging skin. A stylish scarf makes a great lightweight alternative; the fabric won’t pull on the delicate skin of the neck like a chunky necklace would. For those who like bold pieces, opt for smaller, choker-style necklaces that won’t stretch or irritate your skin. Sprucing up your look with hues and patterns can also create a beautiful effect.
