Help! My Neck Is Sagging.
Years ago, I heard somewhere that you’re supposed to take your facial skin care all the way down to your nipples. The adage makes sense, considering the skin on your neck and chest are just as, if not more, susceptible to wear and tear. “The skin here is thinner, has fewer oil glands, and is constantly moving,” says board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss. “Add in sun exposure, looking down at your phone, and good old gravity, and boom: lines, wrinkles, and sagging.” No wonder there are so many neck serums, creams, and masks out there.
But when did we get so obsessed with our necks? As a beauty editor, I’ve been seeing a consistent uptick in interest for “turkey neck” and “tech neck” solutions, and Dr. Idriss says that post-2020, her patients are just as concerned about their necks as fine lines in the eye area and unwanted pigmentation. Tiffany Libby, a board-certified dermatologist, and Dr. Idriss agree that it has to do with the rise of selfie cameras, social media, and Zoom. “People are staring at their screens all day long, noticing every little thing, including their necks,” Dr. Idriss says. “It’s not that the concern is new — it’s just that now more people are talking about it and are finally learning that your face, neck, and chest are a cosmetic unit.”
If you are concerned about neck sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles, fear not. I implored a panel of plastic surgeons and dermatologists to weigh in on whether those expensive neck creams actually work, how much sunscreen you should be applying on your neck and chest, and when it might be time to hang up the towel and get a neck-lift.
What causes neck wrinkles and sagging?
Aging is the most obvious reason since we lose collagen and elastin over time, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity. Pair that with muscle laxity and soft-tissue volume loss, and sagging is inevitable. Genetics always play a role, and so do hormonal changes, gravity, and sun exposure along with habits like smoking, according to plastic surgeon Daniela Atencio. Sun exposure is a common culprit: “UV radiation breaks down collagen fibers and accelerates this process, making the skin appear more wrinkled and looser,” says board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Catherine Chang. She also explains that major weight changes “can stretch the skin and leave it with less structural fat underneath, leading to further sagging.”
What skin-care ingredients can help with “turkey neck”?
According to our experts, the No. 1 thing you need to focus on is building collagen production. Look for ingredients like peptides, antioxidants (like CoQ10), and growth factors, which “support skin structure and improve elasticity,” says Dr. Chang. She also mentioned SPF and even blue-light protection for those of us who spend a good chunk of our days staring at a screen. And retinoids like retinol and tretinoin are the go-to for stimulating collagen and cell turnover, “but because the neck is more sensitive than the face, it’s important to start low and go slow,” says Dr. Idriss. But at the end of the day, remember that skin care can only do so much, so you need to go in with realistic expectations. “Once there is skin laxity and wrinkles, skin-care products are often insufficient at producing significant improvement,” Dr. Atencio explains.
Is it worth using an expensive neck cream or serum?
If you can afford medical-grade products that feature effective amounts of the above ingredients, go for it — especially if your doctor recommends them. However, don’t worry if you can’t afford the trendiest new neck-care products. “I’m a believer in skin-care ingredients over skin-care marketing,” says Dr. Chang. “If your regular facial products contain ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, or retinoids, you can absolutely bring them down your neck.” She suggests spreading your vitamin C and niacinamide serums and face masks down to your neck and chest, too. Here are some of our experts’ essentials:
SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
“One product I personally use and like is SkinMedica’s TNS, which contains growth factors.” —Dr. Chang
Nécessaire The Neck Serum
“It’s a lightweight formula with peptides to smooth fine lines and support collagen and firmness. It also includes niacinamide, glycerin, and rosewater for hydration and skin-barrier support.” —Dr. Idriss
Cetraben Emollient Cream
“For added moisture, especially if your neck feels dry or crêpey, you can layer Cetraben Emollient Cream on top. It’s a no-frills, deeply hydrating cream that seals everything in.” —Dr. Idriss
SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream
“This is my go-to because it includes green microalgae, which supports skin elasticity and collagen, and paracress extract, which is known to help with the appearance of platysmal bands. —Dr. Libby
Skinbetter Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum
“The product repairs and protects the skin from environmental factors.” —Dr. Atencio
Should I be exfoliating my neck?
Not really. Exfoliating can remove dead skin cells to make it easier for formulas to penetrate the skin. But it’s better to use gentle chemical exfoliants (like mandelic acid) rather than a physical scrub. As Dr. Idriss says, “Thin skin, more sensitivity.” You also don’t need to exfoliate every single day — Dr. Libby recommends doing so once or twice a week max.
Should I be slugging my neck?
If you have dry skin, slugging (sealing in your skin care with an occlusive product like Aquaphor and Vaseline) might be helpful to keep the area hydrated through the night, especially during the colder months. However, “it’s not for everyone,” says Dr. Atencio. “It can be messy and maybe not a great option for acne-prone individuals.” She uses the Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream when she slugs, which she says is nourishing yet doesn’t clog her pores.
Should I wear sunscreen on my neck and chest?
Absolutely. Apply an even layer before you leave your house, and reapply every two to three hours if you can. “I’ll admit it’s hard to reapply that often, but I never skip the morning application,” says Dr. Chang. “This step is essential for preventing UV-induced aging, just like it is for the face.” Dr. Atencio emphasized that you need to also cover your ears and the back of your neck, especially if you have short hair or like to tie it up.
What are some other at-home ways to prevent wrinkles and sagging in the neck?
Drinking enough water, paying attention to what you’re eating, and avoiding smoking can all go a long way. Dr. Atencio suggested using a light-therapy mask to reduce wrinkles, and Dr. Idriss mentioned the NuFace Trinity+ Microcurrent Facial Device to firm — both can be effective, but remember that you have to be consistent with them. Maintaining good posture (in other words, not looking down at your devices too often) is also important, and “sleeping on your back reduces compression lines that can form overnight,” Dr. Idriss says.
CurrentBody LED Neck & Décolletage Mask: Series 2
NuFACE TRINITY+ Microcurrent Facial Device
What are in-office aesthetic procedures that can prevent and treat neck wrinkles and sagging?
Dr. Chang’s usual protocol involves stimulating collagen by injecting PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) into the neck and microneedling the skin. “I’ll usually alternate that with CO₂ laser or radiofrequency treatments to further enhance collagen production and skin tightening,” she says. “These treatments can be very effective, especially when done in a series.” Ultherapy can also help tighten, and certain lasers are also helpful for improving the texture and look of the skin. Dr. Idriss also suggests fillers or biostimulators like Radiesse and Sculptra to restore volume. “The right approach depends on you — there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are plenty of effective options,” she adds.
How do I know if I’m ready for a neck-lift?
First, you need to consult a trusted plastic surgeon. “In general, a neck-lift becomes an option when there’s enough laxity in the skin that lifting it behind the ears doesn’t create too much tension,” says Dr. Chang. However, even before and after taking that step, you need to maintain your neck skin-care routine, sun safety, and skin-friendly habits for optimal results. “Surgery can lift skin, but it can’t improve its quality,” Dr. Chang explains. “A neck-lift works best when the skin itself is in good condition.” In other words, surgical lifts can make a visible difference (see: deep plane face-lifts), but they’re no cure-all.