Often overlooked, the décolletage is an area that requires special attention on the skincare front. "Décolletage is the area from the jawline down the neck, the chest to the cleavage and the shoulders," explains board-certified dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD. The skin in this area is super delicate, so treating it with care is important. "It is much thinner than the skin of the face," says Dr. Lupo. "There is less fat and less skin appendages (sweat glands, sebaceous glands)." This makes it more sensitive to harsh ingredients and more susceptible to sun damage, adds board-certified dermatologist Dina Strachan, MD. "We tend to neglect it with respect to sun protection," says Dr. Strachan.
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To ensure the neck area is getting proper care, learn the dos and don'ts of décolletage maintenance below.
Do: Protect From the Sun
"The décolletage gets nearly as much sun as the face, but while folks tend to take good care of their face, they often neglect the chest and neck," says board-certified dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD. "It's a dead-location giveaway of sun damage to an observant derm." Always be sure to apply (and reapply) sunscreen to this area. Aim for an SPF of at least 30.
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Don't: Use Intense Ingredients
Because the skin on the décolletage is so thin, the retinoids and acids you use on your face may be too intense. "Because of the lesser number of sebaceous glands on the décolletage, you cannot be as aggressive with your actives as on other areas," says Dr. Hirsch. "This is especially true for actives on the neck."
You'll also want to be careful with physical exfoliants. "It's better to avoid scrubs and overly harsh cleansers," says Dr. Lupo.
Do: Moisturize Regularly
The décolletage is an area that you want to keep moisturized. Not only do the emollients in moisturizers keep this skin strong and healthy, but they also help to keep the skin plump, reducing the chance for fine lines and wrinkles to settle in prematurely. Dr. Strachan notes that a solid moisturizer is a key step in any décolletage care routine. Seek out ingredients like ceramides, which strengthens the skin's moisture barrier, and peptides to thicken the skin. Dr. Lupo recommends the Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced Cream ($154). It's packed with moisturizing glycerin, firming red microalgae extract, and smoothing peptides.
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Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced Cream, $154.00
ShopDon't: Side Sleep
If preventing deep-set lines is a priority for you, Dr. Lupo says to refrain from sleeping on your side as much as possible. This position puts pressure right down the middle of your décolletage and, with time, can lead to a wrinkle that extends down the sternum into the cleavage.
Do: Use Antioxidants
While sunscreen protects your skin from ultraviolet damage, antioxidants protect skin from environmental aggressors like pollution. These aggressors expose skin to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which trigger oxidative stress that can lead to premature signs of aging like fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Turn to gentle vitamin Cs, niacinamides, and other antioxidant skin-care ingredients to keep the skin on your décolletage healthy.
Don't: Get Aggressive Laser Treatments
If you're dealing with crepey décolletage skin, lasers can be super effective in treating imperfections and boosting collagen for tighter, smoother skin. "Lasers really help, but they must be gentle," says Dr. Lupo. Because the skin is so thin and fragile, "it makes the skin more difficult to heal after lasers or peels."
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