Chicken Neck Chronicles: Tackling That Crêpey Skin Around the Neck.

Ah, the neck. It’s the unsung hero of our beauty routine—the part we think we can skip when it comes to skincare until one day, we catch a glimpse in the mirror and gasp, “Wait…is that crêpey skin?” Yes, that thin, slightly crinkled, chicken-like skin around the neck is a rite of passage many of us face as we age. But don’t worry; the “chicken neck” doesn’t have to become a permanent resident. Let’s dive into why it happens and how to keep that skin smooth, supple, and anything but crêpey.

Why the Neck Gets That Crêpey Look

First, a little science lesson: the skin on our neck is naturally thinner and has fewer oil glands than the skin on our face, so it’s more vulnerable to dryness, sagging, and those fine lines. As we age, our skin’s collagen and elastin—think of these as the springs in your mattress—start to break down. And with fewer “springs” holding things up, that once-firm skin on your neck can start to look a bit, well, crinkly.

Plus, we often forget that the neck is exposed to the sun just as much as our face, so all those years of sneaky sun exposure without SPF can lead to faster aging here. But fret not! With a few key strategies and treatments, you can keep your neck looking its best.

Tips for a Smooth, Chicken-Free Neck

So, what can we do? Here’s your go-to guide to help keep your neck looking as graceful and smooth as a swan’s (and not a chicken’s).

1. Hydration is Key—For Your Neck, Too!

You probably wouldn’t skip moisturising your face, right? Well, your neck needs love, too! Apply a rich, hydrating cream or serum with hyaluronic acid daily to keep the skin plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Hydrated skin is happy skin, and happy skin is less likely to go crêpey.

2. Bring on the Retinol (Carefully!)

Retinol isn’t just for your face. A good retinol product can work wonders on the neck by boosting cell turnover, increasing collagen production, and reducing the appearance of fine lines. But here’s the trick: use a lower strength than you would on your face and only apply it a few times a week at first, as the neck is more sensitive. Trust us, it’s worth the patience.

3. Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable

Let’s all say it together: SPF is our best friend. Sun damage can be one of the biggest culprits behind crêpey neck skin, so slather on SPF 30 or higher every single day. And yes, that includes cloudy days! A scarf or high-neck top can also be a stylish way to protect your neck from the sun if you’re feeling fancy.

4. Get a Little Lift with Professional Treatments

Sometimes, you need a little extra oomph that a cream alone can’t provide. At Beautyologist in St. Kilda East, Balaclava, we offer treatments like RF (Radio Frequency) Skin Tightening and Laser Genesis that are fantastic for firming up the skin around your neck. RF skin tightening uses gentle heat to stimulate collagen production, giving your neck a lifted, firmer look over time. Laser Genesis is another great option to boost collagen and smooth out that crêpey texture for a neck that’s as smooth as silk.

5. Microneedling for the Win

Another fantastic option for the neck is microneedling (also known as Dermapen 4 skin needling). This treatment creates tiny micro-injuries in the skin, which sounds a bit dramatic, but trust us, it’s all in the name of beauty! These little pricks encourage the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, giving you a firmer, smoother neck with each session.

6. Consider a Neck-Specific Product

Yes, neck creams are a real thing, and they’re more than just marketing hype. Neck-specific products are designed with thicker, more moisturising formulas that target this delicate area. Look for ones with peptides (to help with firmness) and antioxidants (to protect against environmental damage). The  best one that I have found is Skin Better Science Techno Neck with collagen boosting ingredients in a 50ml bottle.

7. Practice Good Posture

We’ve all heard of “tech neck,” right? All that time spent looking down at our phones or laptops can cause lines and wrinkles on our neck over time. So lift that chin, sit up straight, and give your neck a break from all the downward gazing.

8. Ingestibles

I love saying that word… For clients dealing with a crepey, aging neck, focusing on internal nourishment can be incredibly effective. Vida Glow offers several options that support skin health from within, which may benefit this delicate area. Vida Glow’s Radiance and Luminous products are designed to boost collagen production, enhance skin brightness, and provide antioxidant protection, helping to counteract the effects of aging and environmental stressors. 

Wrapping It Up: Love Your Neck (and Keep It Looking Its Best!)

So there you have it, a few simple steps to keep the dreaded chicken neck at bay. It’s all about hydration, sun protection, and adding in those collagen-boosting treatments when you’re ready. And remember, your neck deserves as much love as your face, so don’t neglect it! For a little extra TLC, pop by and see us at Beautyologist in St. Kilda East, Balaclava, and we’ll help you achieve the smooth, graceful neck you deserve.

Cheers to aging gracefully—and keeping that skin as smooth as possible!

By Sia Psicharis