The Best Anti-Aging Neck Creams

Thought visible signs of skin aging are only reserved for your face? Think again. The delicate skin on your neck can also show visible signs of skin aging—think: the appearance of wrinkles, creping, fine lines—over time, often referred to as “turkey neck.” One difference though is that the neck, unlike the face, is often woefully neglected in skin care routines.

WHAT CAN CAUSE OUR SKIN TO LOOK AGED?

When it comes to visible signs of skin aging, there’s no be-all, end-all cause. Anything from excess sun exposure and pollution to smoking and poor lifestyle habits can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles, volume loss, and other visible signs of aging of your skin. Even just the natural passing of time can cause changes to the appearance of our skin. While we can’t really do anything about intrinsic aging—as it is largely controlled by our genes—we can control the way other lifestyle factors can affect the appearance of our skin, including diet, exercise, sun exposure, and even the products we use. Some positive changes to our lifestyles that may help address the appearance of premature visible skin aging include using Broad Spectrum SPF every single day, wearing protective clothing outdoors whenever possible, avoiding peak sun hours, seeking shade, and applying a hydrating moisturizer to give our skin a noticeably plumper, more youthful-looking appearance.

As skin matures, its ability to retain moisture can decrease, which can leave the face, neck, and chest looking dry. Dry skin alone may not cause visible wrinkles, per se, but it can certainly accentuate them. Since the skin on your neck is naturally thinner than that on the other parts of the body, it’s one of the more likely spots for visible signs of skin aging to show. Why not help minimize the appearance  of visible signs of skin aging with a hydrating cream? It’s a small amount of effort that could result in noticeable changes over time. Ahead, we share our favorite anti-aging products—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—that can be used on your neck!

L’ORÉAL REVITALIFT ANTI-WRINKLE + FIRM FACE & NECK CONTOUR CREAM

Guess what? L'Oréal Paris formulated a unique moisturizer to specifically target the fragile skin on your neck. Good news here is that it’s also suited for use on the face. Hello, double duty! The brand’s RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Face & Neck Contour Cream—formulated with pro-retinol A and stimuplex—improves elasticity on the neck and jawline, can help reduce the look of wrinkles, firm skin, and provide all-day moisture for a more youthful appearance.

Apply the cream gently over the face and neck area every morning until it’s thoroughly absorbed. Follow up with an application of Broad Spectrum SPF to help reduce the risk of further premature aging as a result of unprotected sun exposure.

 L’Oréal RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Face & Neck Contour Cream, $17.99 MSRP

SKINCEUTICALS NECK, CHEST & HAND REPAIR

Are you dealing with creping and photodamaged skin? This brightening and restoring formula might be right for you. It’s formulated with powerful skin brightening agents that help fade the look of accumulated damage, as well as targeted ingredients that help alleviate crepiness.

To use, apply Neck, Chest & Hand Repair twice daily to—yup, you guessed it!—the neck, chest, and hands. Store the formula in a cool, dark place.

SkinCeuticals Neck, Chest & Hand Repair, $70 MSRP

L’ORÉAL PARIS AGE PERFECT HYDRA-NUTRITION—GOLDEN BALM FACE, NECK & CHEST

This rich, luxurious balm intensely moisturizes to nourish and help firm mature skin. Its formula is enriched with calcium and 10 precious oils and helps provide long-lasting hydration and comfort. Immediately, notice skin that appears more elastic and hydrated. In one month, skin can look visibly firmer, more toned, and resilient. Best of all, the butter-soft balm melts into the skin without any harsh tugging or pulling necessary!

To use, rub a small amount of the formula between your fingers. Smooth it gently on your face in an upward and outward motion. Extend the love onto your neck and upper chest until the formula is fully absorbed.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition—Golden Balm Face, Neck & Chest, $19.99 MSRP

SKINCEUTICALS RETINOL 1.0

There’s no denying that retinol is a fan-favorite anti-aging skin care ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have proven that retinol has a revitalizing effect on the skin by smoothing its surface, and by improving skin’s clarity and tone.

One of our favorite retinol products out there? SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0. Formulated with the highest amount of retinol currently available without a prescription (1.0%), this formula is designed to counteract the visible effects of photo- and intrinsic aging. The retinol is suspended in a stabilizing matrix and released slowly to preclude the irritation often associated with retinoids. 

Editor’s note: Retinol is powerful stuff. If it’s your first time using retinol, or some time has passed since your last application, it’s wise to start with a lower concentration of the ingredient in order to build up your skin’s tolerance. SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 is formulated with half the amount of pure retinol as SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0, and is a good starting point as you begin to test the retinol waters. Also, keep in mind that retinol use can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. As such, retinol should only be applied at night. During daytime hours, apply Broad Spectrum SPF 15 or higher and reapply at least every two hours. If you’re pregnant or lactating, steer clear of any and all retinol products. Those undergoing skin peeling regimens or taking prescription acne medication should also not use this product.

Feeling intimidated by retinol? Don’t be! For more information on how to safely incorporate retinol into your routine—whether it’s your first time doing so or not—check out our beginner’s guide to using retinol here!

SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0, $72 MSRP