How To Prevent Neck Wrinkles

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rinky Kapoor, MBBS, DDV, MD

Dr. Rinky Kapoor is the co-founder and director of The Esthetic Clinics and has 12 years of experience as a cosmetic dermatologist. She is also the co-founder of a patented FDA approved hair rejuvenating therapy - QR678 Neo. She is fellowsh... more

Written by Shaheen Naser, Health & Wellness Writer Experience: 3 years

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistr... more

• Jul 15, 2022

Regardless of their age, no one likes the sight of wrinkles on their neck and face. Neck wrinkles are fine lines that appear along the front and back of your neck. They can eventually become furrows or deep crevices if not treated on time. These wrinkles are challenging to hide and may even hurt your aesthetics and self-image.

Here, we have listed the various causes of neck wrinkles and the treatment options available. Keep reading to know more.

In This Article

What Causes Neck Wrinkles?

The wrinkles on your neck can be caused by one or a combination of the five reasons listed below:

1. Your Age

As the body grows older, the skin tends to lose its elasticity. The skin’s elasticity refers to its ability to stretch and bounce back into shape. With its elasticity lost, your skin can find it difficult to retain its tightness, resulting in a wrinkled neck.

Additionally, the skin’s ability to produce natural oils decreases with age. This can make the skin appear dry and saggy, leading to wrinkles.

2. Extreme Exposure To Sunlight

The harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun can damage the skin and break down the connective tissue in the dermis (1). This connective tissue consists of elastin fibers and collagen, without which the skin can lose its elasticity and form neck lines and wrinkles.

3. Smoking

Smoking can lead to several physical changes, including neck wrinkles. Smokers may have more wrinkles than those who do not smoke (2).

The tobacco in cigarettes can reduce the skin’s collagen (3). The nicotine may reduce the amount of oxygen being delivered to the skin and affect its elasticity. Both these ingredients can drastically accelerate the aging process and cause wrinkles to form on the neck.

4. Genetics

Your genetics also could play a major role in determining the speed at which your skin ages (4). If one or both of your parents had experienced neck lines and wrinkles at a young age, chances are you may too.

5. Repeated Motions/Movements

Frequent motions or movements, such as looking down to use your phone, may lead to neck wrinkles. However, there is less information in this regard.

Now that you know why the wrinkles on your neck occur, let us discuss the different modes of treatment.

What Are The Best Treatment Options Available For Neck Wrinkles?

1. Use Products Rich In Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a common ingredient used in anti-wrinkle products. It is an antioxidant that inactivates free radicals and slows down skin aging (5). Using vitamin C-rich serums and skincare products every day may help reduce or delay the onset of neck wrinkles.

Also consume foods rich in vitamin C, including oranges and lemons.

2. Quit Smoking

Tobacco and nicotine in cigarettes can hamper the skin collagen and accelerate the formation of neck wrinkles. Hence, quitting smoking helps. It also makes your skin healthier and brighter.

3. Start Moisturizing

Moisturizing is a great way to reduce wrinkles. Most face and neck creams consist of several moisturizing ingredients that hydrate the skin and boost elastin and collagen levels. Regular moisturization enables the skin to remain taut and may help reduce neck wrinkles.

You may select products rich in hyaluronic acid, an ingredient with strong moisturizing properties (6). Preliminary research suggests that hyaluronic acid may reduce neck lines and wrinkles (7).

4. Get A Botox Injection

Of late, botox injections have become a popular treatment for wrinkles. From a cosmetic standpoint, these injections work by blocking the chemical signals that make the skin muscles contract. This results in an overall smoother appearance.

Research suggests that botox injections could be a safe and therapeutic way to reduce wrinkles (8). However, the effects seem to last for about 3 to 4 months, depending on your skin elasticity and age. This could mean one needs to repeat the treatment several times to minimize their neck lines and wrinkles.

5. Apply Sunscreen Daily

Studies show that regularly applying sunscreen can slow down the signs of aging (9). Not only does sunscreen moisturize your skin and boost its elasticity, but it also protects it from harmful UV rays. Use sunscreen at least 2 to 3 times a day and before leaving the house.

6. Use Retinoid Creams

Many studies have concluded that applying retinoid creams to the skin can drastically reduce aging signs, like fine lines and wrinkles (10).

Since retinoid creams are created from vitamin A, they are often recommended as a remedy for neck wrinkles. However, there are several types of retinoid creams available today. Thus, consult a dermatologist beforehand to pick the best option for you.

7. Try A Neck Patch

Similar to sheet masks, you can find several neck patches designed to minimize lines and wrinkles. Neck patches seem to reduce deep neck wrinkles.

However, more research is required to back up the effects of neck patches. Consult your dermatologist before trying out the same.

8. Drink More Water

Water may help promote skin elasticity (11). Consume at least 8 glasses of water per day to help reduce wrinkles. Start by having a glass of water immediately after waking up and another glass of water during or after your breakfast. You can follow this by having 4 to 6 glasses of water throughout the day, with 2 glasses after lunch and 2 glasses after dinner.

In Closing

Neck wrinkles can have several causes. These include your age, exposure to UV rays, genetics, repeated movements, and smoking. Thankfully, you can reduce them with certain simple treatment options. While wrinkles do show up with age, it is possible to delay their onset with the right practices. We believe this post has added value to you. Start following the treatment methods and see the results for yourself.

References

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