Neck beauty
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| image by Kelly Cappelli |
In my early 20's I developed a manic fear
of getting a Warren Beatty-esque "turkey neck".
After endless dollars spent on skincare products
an hours of fruitful discussions with my equally
neck conscious dermatologist,
here is the game plan we came up with,
and that I've used for years.
Starting with the cleanse
Ever a huge fan of Clarisonic, I am a great believer in extending the nightly cleansing ritual beyond the face, and actually encompassing the throat and chest.
The Clarisonic not only gives a 6 x deeper cleanse, removing impurities and product build-up, but it also removes debris from the surface of the skin, keeping it smooth and fresh. With the surface debris removed, products can be better absorbed.
Serums
I couldn't live without my serums! Whether I'm using simple or complex oils, firming, lightening or brightening serums, I always extend them beyond the jawline to the throat and chest. When applying products to the throat always work from the base of the throat upwards toward the jawline.
NYC based dermatologist Patricia Wexler recommends in Allure magazine that you use products containing tetrapeptides (such a s Strivectin TL) below the jawline, as they help make new collagen and elastic tissue, which help make the skin look firmer and younger.
Wexler also recommends Niacin, a B vitamin that penetrates the skin barrier and strengthens it, dramatically improving the texture of the throat and neck.
Sun Protection
Don't stop at the jawline - every day, come rain or shine, use a facial SPF product with a broad spectrum protection of 50+ on all exposed areas of the throat and chest. Regardless of how much youth you have injected, lasered, peeled into your face, if the accompanying throat and chest look ruddy and worn, you look old. Nothing does more skin damage or ages you faster than sun damage.
Lotions and Potions
Neck and throat creams are typically heavier/more powerful/more concentrated than face creams.
Use products designed to protect and repair.
