Now that you've exfoliated, your skin can easily absorb the ultimate anti-aging neck ingredient: retinol. "It helps unclog pores, boost collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, speed up cell turnover, and reduce uneven pigmentation," Sturnham says.
Collagen levels weaken with age and unfortunately, there's no way to prevent this. The good news is that there are several cosmetic procedures that can rebuild collagen.
Neck lines and wrinkles are a normal part of aging. They're caused in part by skin losing elasticity and being exposed to UV light over time. You may also notice premature wrinkles as a result of repeatedly looking down at the phone, smoking, or not using sunscreen.
“Cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime has always been the main culprit of premature aging on the neck.” On top of that, our cell phone addictions aren't helping the cause. “Between sun exposure and the addition of looking at our phones repeatedly, we are seeing neck changes even earlier,” says Engelman.
Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body as both are important for skin. Foods such as oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C.
“And free radicals are the big culprits that destroy collagen, and therefore, lead to the appearance of lines and wrinkles.” For an antioxidant serum adored by AW – and dermatologists, for that matter – try SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic.
So caffeine is a collagen killer and we should steer clear? Not exactly. "It's worth remembering that coffee doesn't destroy collagen, it inhibits its production," says nutritional therapist at the Pulse Light Clinic, Lisa Borg.
Surgery is still the optimal and most efficacious way to treat laxity in the neck. Neuromodulators and fillers play a limited role in addressing laxity in the neck. Energy based technologies such as Laser or Focused Ultrasound are getting better at correcting excess laxity of skin in the neck.
The process of collagen synthesis occurs mainly in the cells of fibroblasts which are specialized cells with the main function of synthesizing collagen and stroma.
Green tea is full of vitamins B2, E, K, and catechins.
These skin-strengthening antioxidant vitamins play a role in maintaining collagen levels and supporting new skin cell growth.
Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.
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. Retinoid products are available by prescription or over the counter.
Everyone ages differently. For some, as soon as you hit forty, you start seeing neck wrinkles, forehead wrinkles, and “crow's feet.” Some people actually begin seeing these wrinkles in their 30s.
Place your hand on the right side of your head, just above your ear. Gently push your head to the left while tightening the muscles on the right side of your neck to keep your head from moving. Hold for two to three seconds; then relax. Repeat 10 times.
Pollack explains that the neck's skin and muscles become loose once we reach age 40. The skin becomes less able to shrink with weight loss, and weakened muscles can create a banded appearance.
"White tea can help to slow the skin-aging process and prevent collagen and elastin breakdown," she adds.
“Targeted thermal energy in the form of different wavelengths stimulate the fibroblast cells which in return creates more collagen." Neocollagenesis, the fancy word for the new formation of collagen, takes about 12 weeks.
The Bottom Line. Green tea is packed full of health-promoting compounds. Regularly drinking green tea can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of several diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Drinking three to five cups of green tea per day seems to be optimal to reap the most health benefits.