For an especially crepey neck, your doctor may recommend: Prescription retinoids – Topicals like tretinoin or adapalene can trigger skin cell turnover, encourage production of collagen and elastin, and thicken skin below the outermost layer.
Use a Retinol Serum Nightly – Retinol when applied topically to the skin helps exfoliate and resurface the neck area. Since the skin of the neck can be more sensitive than the face, try starting with a small amount of product.
When applying a retinol-infused elixir, don't neglect your neck or décolletage, which are areas notorious for showing the signs of aging, yet often overlooked.
Known as a “Holy Grail” of anti-aging, retinol supports natural surface skin cell renewal, working to smooth the skin's texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Apply once a week to the neck to help get rid of the appearance of neck lines.
As for the claim that a cream or lotion can lift sagging skin, dermatologists say that's not possible. A cream or lotion cannot penetrate the skin deeply enough to do this. Still, you may see a small change if a product contains a retinoid, such as retinol, which can help your body make more collagen.
Engelman agrees: "Retinol is the most potent ingredient that helps build collagen and elastin, which leads to tighter, smoother skin." This mixture has the added bonus of hyaluronic acid, which "can smooth, firm, and tighten the appearance of the skin," Dr. Bowe says.
After 6-9 months of regular Tretinoin use, you may notice firmer, less saggy skin around the eyes and jawline and fewer wrinkles. Be sure to use a good sunscreen every day (SPF 30 or higher) when using Retin A.
Is it safe to use retinol every day? For most people, yes — once your skin is used to it, that is. That said, there are some people who may not want to use it frequently or at all.
To be specific, you cannot mix retinol with AHAs (Glycolic Acid Toner, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid Treatment, Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, C-50 Blemish Night Treatment), PHA Toner.
There are no set rules on how old you should be to use retinol. For anti-aging purposes, you can start preventatively in your 20s. While over-the-counter retinol can help mild acne, many people with breakouts will need a prescription.
If you use too high a strength or apply retinol more frequently than you should, you may experience further irritation, like itchiness and scaly patches. Some people have noticed acne breakouts after using retinol, though this is a rare side effect.
Ultherapy® is the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive and revolutionary technology device for lifting the skin on the neck and chin. It uses ultrasound technology to deliver heat to the deeper layers of the skin right down to the neck muscles (platysmal muscles). This stimulates remodelling and tightening of collagen.
Apply topical retinoids
Retinoids, which are topical vitamin A-based derivatives, may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production. If you use retinoids on your face, extend the treatment area to your neck and chest at night.
"You can improve tone on the neck, but the amount of collagen and elastin in the neck skin is less than most other areas on the body. You can't really tighten that area up that much, unless you move to the more surgical end of the spectrum."
You can do this by placing your hands on the back of your head, and gently pushing your head backward. Once you feel resistance in the neck, hold that position for up to 10 seconds. Then, release and relax your neck. Repeat 5 times, making sure not to overdo it and cause unnecessary neck pain.
Place one hand on your forehead. Push your head against your hand without allowing your head to move forward. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Then, hold both of your hands behind your head, pushing backwards with your neck, and hold for 10 seconds.
First, the answer is yes, retinol can make wrinkles worse, especially when you first start using it. What is happening is a drying effect, and one can get epidermal sliding from separation from the dermis.
Regardless of your skin type or which product you use first, a layer of moisturizer should always be applied after retinoids.
Retinol works for acne by preventing clogged pores. You may still see pimples for the first couple of months of treatment – your skin might even look worse (this is sometimes referred to as the retinol purge). But if you stick with it, you'll see clearer skin.
So what can we do to prevent jowls? Prescribe a topical Retinol cream to stimulate your collagen production to give support and structure back into your skin.
“If you're overusing your retinol, or if you're using a retinol that's too strong for you, it can lead to peeling, irritation, and excessive dryness, which may have led to retinol's association with skin thinning,” she says.