Beautify your face but don't forget your neck

Most of us think that skin care is just a routine for the face. Ignoring the neck is a big mistake. Over time, the neck area ages with many signs such as: skin discoloration, wrinkles, redness.

Since the neck is one of the first places to show signs of aging, there are plenty of skin care products formulated just for this delicate area. But it's important to know which ingredients work best. Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal shares why you need to protect your neck and what to look for in a skin care product.

It's never too late to care for your neck skin.

The skin on the neck can be thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the face. 'Thin skin has fewer hair follicles, so it is more susceptible to signs of aging and sun damage,' says Dr Khetarpal. 'As we age, we often focus on treating the signs of concern on the face. So a person can have a youthful face, but the opposite is true on the neck.'

Dr. Khetarpal advises that you can use many of the products you use on your face on your neck, as these two areas age at similar rates. They are areas that are frequently exposed to the sun.

Prevention is key, though. So look for ingredients that combat sun and pollution damage. And if you do notice signs, don't panic. 'It's never too late to start looking after your neck,' says Dr Khetarpal.

How to care for neck skin?

Dr. Khetarpal recommends looking for products that use ingredients that help fight signs of aging and sun damage:

- Topical antioxidants: After washing your face in the morning, apply a topical antioxidant, including ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. "These antioxidants actually reduce stress on the skin," says Khetarpal.

- Sunscreen: Many people don't use sunscreen every day, or if they do, they often don't apply it to their neck. For sunscreen, look for a broad-spectrum version with SPF 30 or higher and apply it after other skin care products.

'Physical sunscreens, which are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are much more effective at protecting our skin from the sun than chemical sunscreens,' says Dr Khetarpal. 'Sunscreen should be worn even when you are indoors. UV rays and blue light from computer screens can affect the skin, not only on your neck but also on your face.'

-Retinoids: Acting as a derivative of vitamin A, retinoids can be found in topical collagen-stimulating medications. Therefore, you should use it on the neck as part of your nightly routine. Khetarpal recommends that you be careful when using retinoids because the neck can become dry and irritated due to the fewer oil glands in this area.

- Hyaluronic acid: Dr Khetarpal suggests looking for a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. Apply it morning and night. 'When used topically, it can make your skin feel more hydrated, more like a fresh grape than a raisin,' she says. 'It combats dryness thanks to its vitamin A derivatives, which help restore and hydrate the skin.'

- Stem cells: Products containing stem cells, peptides, and growth factors have been shown to benefit the neck. Typically, you'll need to get these with a prescription from your doctor. "I usually recommend them to women in their 40s who are starting to see some changes in their neck, not necessarily our younger patients," says Khetarpal.

When looking at skin-care products, Khetarpal says it's important to read the label. "Look at the ingredient list to see what's actually in there versus what they're marketing it as," she says. She also cautions that cost doesn't always correlate to the strength or percentage of an ingredient. If you're unsure, consult your dermatologist.

According to Health and Life