Maintaining a skincare routine for the face is a common practice. However,  people commonly gloss over their neck area! The neck can show some of the first signs of aging. If you take no measures to prevent them, neck bands or lines can develop over time. Here, we will discuss how to prevent neck bands or delay them by incorporating good habits and practices. If you already have neck bands, you can try a non-surgical neck lift.

What Are Neck Bands?

Neck bands appear as horizontal or vertical lines on the neck. As we age, collagen and elastin production drops off, making the skin more likely to wrinkle. The exact timing of when neck bands begin to appear can differ for each person. However, they can appear as early as a person’s late 20s and can become more noticeable by age 40. 

What Causes Neck Bands?

Multiple factors can worsen the severity of neck bands and make them appear earlier:

• Sun exposure
• Smoking
• Dehydration
• Poor nutrition
• Poor posture
• Lacking a skincare routine

Of course, factors like genetics and aging also have a major role. However, you can actively target the factors listed above, altering them to hopefully prevent severe neck bands. 

How to Prevent Neck Bands:3 Prevention Areas

Below, we cover some areas to focus on to prevent neck bands, including:

• Having an antiaging skincare routine
• Living a healthy lifestyle
• Having antiaging neck wrinkle procedures

Skincare Routine

Your skincare routine can be built with antiaging-focused products. Make sure to apply to the face and neck to reduce signs of aging. Try adding ingredients like the following to optimize your antiaging routine:

• Vitamin C can be applied, typically in the morning, to brighten complexion and fight free radicals. Free radical damage is caused by UV exposure and environmental pollutants. It can speed up the aging process. Using this ingredient on the neck can protect the skin from this kind of damage.
• Retinol has been shown in studies to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and more on the neck. Since retinol increases sensitivity to sunlight, evening application works best. Additionally, only gradually add retinol to your routine to ensure your skin’s tolerability.
• Niacinamide can even out skin tone and strengthen the skin barrier. It works very well in combination with vitamin C.
  Sunscreen should always be applied throughout the day, especially when using potent ingredients like vitamin C and retinol. Doing so can protect the skin from irritation. 

Over time, these ingredients reduce the appearance of aging on the neck and can minimize the severity of neck bands. 

Diet and Lifestyle 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet can also prevent signs of aging manifesting on the neck. This involves adding some elements and limiting others, such as sugary or processed foods. Some dietary elements  to add to your diet to help with this include:

• Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and citrus
• Vegetables
• Green tea
• Foods with omega-3, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
• Vitamins C, E, and A
• High-fiber foods
• Probiotic-rich foods

Moreover, lifestyle recommendations to prevent neck bands include:

• Drinking at least 2 liters of water a day
• Sleeping 7–8 hours each night
• Avoiding direct sun exposure
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake

Not only will you feel healthier, but the skin on your face and neck will retain its youthfulness longer!

Antiaging Neck Procedures

If you have already incorporated the above skincare, diet, and lifestyle practices and still see neck bands on your skin, you have another option. At our medical spa, you can consult a licensed professional for a procedure that may fit your needs. Many procedural options exist, and the best option for you will depend on your skin and your goals. 

One option for a wide variety of patients is a non-surgical neck lift. We are experienced in providing this service, whether through microneedling, exosomes, or smooth threads. Note that patients often need a series of treatments to yield the best results. If you struggle with the skin on your neck, schedule a consultation today!