Your Guide to Caring for Your Décolletage

While your face may get all the attention — deservedly so, as it’s the first thing most of us see — the décolletage, a.k.a. your neck and chest, tends to fly under-the-radar. But the skin in this area is still skin, and it faces unique concerns. That’s because “the skin on the neck is much thinner, especially the dermis,” says NakedPoppy skin specialist Tara Parenti. “It’s comparable to that of the eyes.”

Like the eye area, then, it can be one of the first areas to show changes over time — think discoloration, deeper lines and wrinkles, dehydration, and a crepey texture, says Parenti. 

But that doesn’t mean that you’re stuck with that, nor does it require a special lineup of skincare products (or, for that matter, an hourlong skincare routine). In fact, it’s as simple as tweaking your existing skincare routine, whatever that looks like, to take this delicate area into account. Here’s what you need to know. 

How the neck and chest changes over time

The skin on your décolletage is different from that on your face in a number of ways, and that can impact the kinds of changes you might see as skin matures over time — although, as always, whether you welcome them or don’t is up to you.

For starters, that already thin skin becomes thinner. “Over time, the epidermis of the skin decreases in thickness,” says NakedPoppy research scientist Marisa Plescia. What’s underneath skin can impact this, too. “Additionally, the skin of the chest and neck does not have the same muscle integrity as the facial area,” she says. [1] “Due to these characteristics, the chest and neck area is more susceptible to sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, creasing, and loose skin.”

Then, there’s also the topic of the sun. While you might diligently slather on a facial sunscreen or rely on SPF that’s built into your makeup products, the neck and chest rarely get this type of daily protection. And that’s kind of a big deal. “The chest and neck, just like the face, are also often in direct view of the sun,” says Plescia.

Not only can that lead to the Pandora’s Box of damage that results from UV radiation, but it can also influence the look and feel of skin. “Over time, exposure to the UV radiation affects the integrity of the elastin — the protein that allows flexibility in the skin, allowing it to stretch and return to normal,” she explains. “The skin then becomes ‘lax’ and appears thin and crinkled.”

The décolletage is also impacted by other external factors, such as tech neck, a.k.a. the effect on the neck that looking down at devices can have. “This contributes to deeper, horizontal lines and wrinkles from overworked neck muscles,” says Parenti.

Ultimately, Plescia says, “the chest and neck area of the skin are equally, if not more vulnerable to skin aging, and building a skincare routine for these areas of the skin are just as important in comparison to the face.”

Not sure where to start with your skincare routine, full stop? Just take the easy, 3-minute NakedPoppy assessment to get recommendations customized for your skin and concerns.

How to keep your neck and chest healthy

We’ve got great news: What’s good for your face is also good for your neck and chest. “Although you can use specific décolletage products in your skincare routine, using facial skincare is just as helpful and appropriate for use,” says Plescia. “When applying your facial skincare, use a little extra and cover the neck and chest as well.”

If you’re not already using one in the daytime, Parenti recommends making sure your antioxidant serums make it down to your bra-line. The same goes for hyaluronic acid, which has an immediate plumping effect (since it draws water into skin) and counteracts any dehydration.

Vitamin C is also a good bet, says Plescia, as “it can help with collagen production and, as an antioxidant, works to improve uneven skin tone.” So, for instance, if your chest is dappled with sun spots and you’re not a big fan, a vitamin C serum will do the trick.

For your evening routine, one winner is retinol — but err on the side of gentle. “Retinol, or vitamin A, can help increase cell-turnover and skin integrity and assist with collagen production,” says Plescia. “However, since the chest and neck area can be sensitive, some gentler retinol derivatives can be a better fit.” 

To that end, consider rosehip seed oil, which is naturally brimming with vitamin A but won’t lead to irritation; you can find it in our Revitalize Organic Facial Oil, where it works alongside jojoba and argan oils to nourish skin.

Finally, says Parenti, “prevention is key” — and a good idea at every age, we should mention. That means sunscreen is non-negotiable; apply it daily and liberally to make sure you’re covered. Not only is that especially important if you add a retinol into your routine, since they can make skin sensitive to sunlight, but it’s essential if you wear perfume, too. 

Some sneaky insight: “Be mindful of spraying your fragrance on the neck and chest area,” says Parenti. “Most fragrances contain alcohol, which amplifies UV damage and can increase hyperpigmentation and unnecessary signs of aging.”

All this being said, caring for your décolletage shouldn’t feel like a hassle. Instead, consider making the most of it. Incorporate it as a little self-care moment in your usual routine — add in a nice neck massage or take a second to breathe in the scent of the face oil you’re slathering on. Sure, it may take a few more seconds —  but it might just be worth it for future years of healthy, happy skin.

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