Neck wrinkles, or neck lines, are folds or creases that appear on the skin of your neck. These wrinkles are similar to those found on your face, hands, or forehead. They’re a normal part of ageing, natural and inevitable.

More and more people are looking for effective treatments to reduce or remove neck wrinkles from ageing.

And the good news is, there are products you can try, and lifestyle changes you can make, that will slow this process down and reduce the look of lines on your neck.

Read on to learn what causes neck lines and what you can do to fade them.

What causes neck wrinkles?

Most of how we age is determined by our genetics. However, prolonged exposure to UV rays (staying in the sun too long) and smoking also play a large role in early skin ageing.

The reason why you may be more aware of wrinkles on your neck is because it’s thinner and more delicate than other areas of your body. This makes it more prone to developing signs of ageing.

Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is the number one cause of early skin ageing. UV rays damage the DNA of your skin cells and accelerate the ageing process, leading to premature wrinkles. Though short amounts of time in the sun can benefit your mood and Vitamin D synthesis, too much can cause health risks such as skin cancer, wrinkling and hyperpigmentation.

Genetics
Your genes play a big role in how and when your skin ages. If someone in your family had prominent neck wrinkles, you might be predisposed to developing them too.

Pollution and free radicals
Exposure to pollution and other environmental stressors can lead to free radical damage. At high concentrations in our environment, free radicals generate oxidative stress, which damages our cell structures. This prematurely ages the skin, leading to neck wrinkles.

Natural ageing
As you age, your skin naturally loses collagen and elastin. These proteins are responsible for retaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity. This loss, coupled with gravity, can lead to sagging and wrinkling of the neck skin.

How to prevent neck wrinkles

Preventing neck wrinkles involves a combination of lifestyle changes and skincare habits. These are some preventative measures you can take.

Use sunscreen every day
Regular use of sunscreen can slow the signs of skin ageing. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to your neck daily, and reapply every 2 to 3 hours when you’re under direct sunlight or after swimming or sweating.

Hydrate and nourish your skin
Keep your skin hydrated by drinking at least 2 litres of water per day. Look for products with hyaluronic acid, like our Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid + Vit B5 Serum to help your skin retain water and moisture.

Make sure your moisturiser has ceramides, and it’s a formula that suits your skin type. Our Soothing Centella Gel Moisturiser is great for oily and blemish-prone skin, while our Nourishing Ceramide+Peptide Moisturiser smooths and softens balanced or dry skin.

Make antioxidants part of your routine
Antioxidants can help to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals in the environment. As part of your morning routine, apply products containing antioxidants, like Vitamin C, to your neck as part of your daily routine.

If you’re looking to add Vitamin C to your morning routine, try Vitamin C 15%: Fresh Batch Ascorbic Acid. It enhances the UV protection of your sunscreen, brightens dark spots and boosts collagen production in the skin.

Stop smoking
Smoking damages your skin’s collagen stores and restricts blood vessels, leading to skin ageing and wrinkles. If you’re a smoker, consider quitting to restore your skin’s glow and keep it looking younger for longer.

How to treat existing neck wrinkles

If you’ve already noticed some lines forming on your neck that bother you, try not to worry. There are several treatment options available to help reduce their appearance.

Gear your routine towards retinoids
If you’re just starting to see neck wrinkles, it’s time to add retinoids to your routine. Retinoids are the gold standard skincare ingredient for anti-ageing. Since they’re 20 times more powerful than generic retinol, they quickly get to work targeting fine lines, dark spots and sagging skin. For results in as little as 6 weeks.

A personalised retinoid formula helps boost collagen production, firm up the skin, and improve the appearance of neck lines and wrinkles. Find out how to get a personalised formula for your skin by visiting our website.

Ask a dermatology expert
If over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective, have a consultation with a dermatologist or licensed dermatology expert. They can provide personalised advice and prescribe the right treatment to suit your goals and your skin type.

Conclusion

Neck wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process. However, with the right techniques and treatment, you can keep your neck looking smooth and youthful for longer. Remember, the earlier you start the better your results will be. The key to preventing and reducing neck wrinkles is consistent skincare, a healthy lifestyle, and getting professional help when you feel you need it.

1. D’Orazio J, Jarrett S, Amaro-Ortiz A, Scott T. UV radiation and the skin. International Journal of Molecular Sciences [Internet]. 2013 Jun 7;14(6):12222–48. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3709783/
2. Pham-Huy LA, He H, Pham-Huy C. Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health. International Journal of Biomedical Science : IJBS [Internet]. 2008 Jun 1;4(2):89–96. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/