Age takes its toll on the delicate skin of the neck.
As we age, the skin under our chins may begin to sag and create an unattractive fleshy flap. This condition is a result of the loosening of the muscles and skin of the neck, or "turkey neck," and excess fat can contribute to developing a wattle. Aging is inevitable, but there are a few measures you can take to avoid turkey neck.
Instructions
1. Moisturize your neck just as you moisturize your face. It isn't necessary to purchase special creams and lotions, but it is important to slather the lotion you already use for your face onto your neck at the same time. Night creams are especially useful, since your skin is most receptive as you sleep. If you are using a wrinkle-fighting retinol product on your face, by all means, use it on your neck as well. If you'd like to try some new skin products, look for creams with ingredients that help the skin to generate collagen and elastin.
2. Prevent turkey neck and future skin damage with sunscreen. Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is the most effective way to protect your skin. Apply sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin--especially your neck--even on days that aren't sunny.
3. Try exercises to tighten the platysma and sternomastoid muscles of the neck. While sitting or standing, bring your lower lip up over your top lip then tilt your head back as far as you comfortably can. Or press your tongue against the roof of your mouth and tuck your chin down toward your neck as far as you comfortably can. Hold either of these positions for 10 seconds, and you'll feel tightness in your chin and along the front of your neck that lets you know the exercise is working.
4. Try a facial massage. A facial massage will provide anti-aging benefits such as increased circulation and tightening of the skin, but will also extend to the neck and chin areas to help strengthen weak muscles that may be causing the sagging tissue.
5. Schedule a surgical neck lift. Surgery is a surefire, albeit expensive, way to cure turkey neck. In some cases, preventive measures have been neglected or weight loss has been significant. Despite a lack of underlying fat and tight platysma and sternomastoid muscles, the skin of the neck still sags. In these cases, a neck lift, or Cervicoplasty, can do wonders. A neck lift involves removing the excess skin and tightening it up. If excess fat is a concern, a Cervicoplasty may also include liposuction to remove fat.
Tags: your neck, neck lift, skin neck, turkey neck, your face, facial massage