How to Prevent Premature Chest Wrinkles

While you most probably have your facial skin routine down pat, how much attention are you paying to the fragile skin on your chest? If the answer is not much, you’re likely not alone but beware, you’re treading deep water. Remember: Just like your face, the area south of your neck ages, too—in fact, your neck and chest are two of the first areas to show the signs of age! Neglecting to care for the skin on your chest can result in premature signs of aging—think: wrinkles, fine lines, creping, and dark spots—before you know it, so it’s time to be proactive. Ready to give your décolleté the attention it deserves? Below, we share tips on how to help keep chest wrinkles at bay once and for all. 

CLEANSE GENTLY

Twice daily, give your chest a good wash with cleanser to keep the area free of pore-clogging dirt, impurities, sweat, and dead skin cells—just like you would your face. Instead of harsh soaps, reach for a gentle cleanser paired with a Clarisonic Smart Profile brush. Cleansing (and exfoliating, for that matter) regularly will also allow subsequent products—like moisturizer and SPF—to work more effectively.

MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE

The skin around your chest and neck is very thin and delicate, and contains less sebaceous glands than other areas. Not to mention, your skin slows its process of creating natural oils, known as sebum, as you age. As a result, dryness is more likely to plague your chest, which can exacerbate the appearance of wrinkles. Your best action plan? Moisturize like your life depends on it. Extend your favorite moisturizer down past your jawline, or opt for a formula that’s dedicated to concerns plaguing your décolleté, like SkinCeuticals Neck, Chest & Hand Repair. The cream helps to improve the appearance of the skin’s texture, reducing the crepe-like look of chest wrinkles.

PROTECT WITH SPF

Be honest. How often are you applying SPF to your chest? Since your chest is one of the areas of the body most exposed to harmful UV rays, the correct response is every day with frequent touch-ups. Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure is a surefire way to bring on premature wrinkles and other signs of aging. Always wear broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher on all areas of skin exposed to sunlight—even when it’s cloudy!

QUIT SMOKING

In addition to damaging your skin’s natural collagen and elastin—the fibers that give skin its youthful appearance—smoking can speed up the normal aging process of your skin. You may not notice it right now, but it’ll creep up on you one day. And despite what you may think, no amount of moisturizer can help reverse those negative side effects. If you smoke, it’s time to cut the bad habit stat.

SLEEP ON YOUR BACK

Are you a side sleeper? It may be more comfortable while you snooze, but you could be causing creases to develop on your chest. As your skin loses elasticity over time, these creases and lines may become more prominent and even permanent! One way to help avoid this is to sleep on your back. Stack pillows next to your body so you’re not tempted to switch positions mid-slumber.