Feel Great About Your Neck

By Shannan Rouss

If signs of aging are breathing down your you-know-what, chin up -- there's lots you can do.

Tired of hiding your age underneath a turtleneck? Thank the hierarchy of skin care. Most of us have spent decades pampering our faces, only to have the wear and tear on our necks give us away. (Who knew the skin on your neck is the thinnest on the body, making it more susceptible to damage?) As it turns out, some of the very anti-aging products you use on your face can help your neck look younger, too. We've also uncovered the newest in-office treatments that, although expensive, are proven to give your face a prettier pedestal. Follow this guide and say good-bye turtlenecks, hello V-necks!

Neck nuisance: Dark splotches

UV exposure overstimulates pigment-producing cells, causing blotchiness.

THE FIX

A bleaching cream that contains kojic acid or mushroom or licorice extract can lighten dark spots, but be patient: Results may take months. Use products made with hydroquinone cautiously; the fader can be irritating. "This area is drier and more sensitive because it contains fewer lubricating oil glands," says Heidi Waldorf, MD, director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Anti-agers such as retinol or alpha hydroxy acid–based creams help to drive the lightening agents deeper into your skin, making them more effective. To reduce irritation, use them on your neck every third evening and slowly work up to nightly application.

A broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 worn daily can prevent more spots. For the best protection, look for one with avobenzone (aka Parsol 1789), Helioplex, or Mexoryl.

Neck nuisance: Wrinkles

Years of sunlight breaks down collagen fibers responsible for keeping skin youthful and firm.

THE FIX

Skin care products, including those containing retinol and peptides, can build collagen and smooth skin--even reducing the so-called tree-ring lines.

In-office options are considered the gold standard, says Ronald Moy, MD, a professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. One to consider: fractionated resurfacing, with lasers such as Fraxel and Affirm. They stimulate cell turnover and the production of fresh collagen by making thousands of microscopic wounds over 20% of your skin. Because the surrounding skin is left untouched, healing time is minimal. The slight redness it causes subsides within a few days. You'll see significant improvement: Fine lines are often reduced by up to 50% after five or six monthly treatments at $500 a pop.