Ciraldo says to look for products that have glycerin, peptides and botanical antioxidants. Glycerin “is great for all-day moisture,” while peptides assist with filling fine lines and wrinkles (which manifest as tech neck) and antioxidants support collagen, therefore tackling the tightening and toning of the area.
Ideal ingredients include retinols, peptides, hyaluronic acid and shea butter, which is a good hydrator. “The ingredients are similar to those in good face creams, but the concentrations and formula vary, so they're more appropriate for the neck area,” says Day.
Ultherapy®, the most widely used name brand, is FDA cleared to treat the brow, chin, neck, and chest. Best for patients who want to treat early signs of aging on the face and neck.
Use Retinol for Neck Firming
For board-certified dermatologist Roberta Del Campo, Retin-A (or retinoic acid) is a hero product for neck firming. "[Retinol] is a vitamin that helps speed up cell turnover and increases collagen production," she says.
Radiofrequency When you have this type of radiofrequency, a thin tube (or needles), is inserted into your skin to heat up the tissue beneath. This allows your dermatologist to provide heat exactly where you need it to tighten loose skin. Dermatologists often use this procedure to tighten the neck or upper arms.
Collagen and elastin are both proteins that keep skin firm and tight, including the skin on our neck, helping it to stay bouncy and allowing it to spring back easily when stretched.
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.
Elastin and collagen are both proteins found in skin. They work together to give skin its texture and shape. Skin with healthy levels of both collagen and elastin isn't just more youthful; it's stronger.
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.
Firming Creams
Ingredients such as peptides, retinols, or growth factor ingredients, aim to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. A common ingredient used is retinol or Vitamin A, which is the most frequently used ingredient in anti-aging creams.
Unlike non-invasive treatments like exercises, skincare routines, or collagen supplements, plastic surgery is the only neck rejuvenation option that will remove excess neck skin and fat cells for long-lasting results. Neck surgery is an effective and safe way to treat sagging neck skin and muscles.
There are several options for treating sagging jowls or reducing how saggy or droopy they appear. Surgical procedures, such as neck lifts, can tighten your skin and make it look less saggy. Nonsurgical procedures, such as thermage, lasers, and peels, can change the composition of the collagen in your skin.
Lift your chin toward the ceiling while moving your jaw forward. You'll feel a little tightening under your chin. As your neck extends, the muscles in front relax while the side sternocleidomastoid muscles get a workout. Hold for 5 seconds then repeat the movement 10 times.
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.
Yes, you can safely put retinol creams on your neck. “Retinol can sometimes cause redness or irritation as a side effect, but it is worth the effort. Fortunately, there are beginner formulations that can get skin acclimated gradually,” Dr. Schlessinger says.
"Niacinamide is uniquely compatible with all products including retinol, peptides, HA, BHAs and AHAs, vitamin C and other antioxidants," Rhea Grous, aesthetics director and founder of La Suite Skincare at Union Square Laser Dermatology, told us. "It's a one-size-fits-all for the entire face, neck and eyes, too!