Do You Apply Neck Cream? Here's Why A Dermatologist Says You Should Start

Your skin doesn't stop at your chin so why does your skincare routine? Although you might have an extensive lineup of products for your face, if your repertoire doesn't include a neck cream you might be ignoring one of the key areas that shows signs of aging.

“The neck has the thinnest skin on the body, except for the eyelids, so it is extremely susceptible to collagen breakdown,” says New York dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, MD. Sun damage and excessive use of the muscle fibers that connect the collarbone to the jaw (known as platysma) cause a ropey and sagging look in the neck over time. Dr. Nussbaum also notes that this area (similarly to your hands) has no sebaceous glands to keep it hydrated and plump. And as we age, “the muscles start to sag, fat starts to bulge, causing horizontal wrinkles to form,” says Dr. Nussbaum. In addition to age, gravity is also not on your neck's side.

But even with all of that in mind, still the biggest offender to the skin on the neck is sun damage. Since the skin is so thin, it’s an easy target for sun damage and dehydration–especially considering that most people forget to apply their moisturizer and SPF down onto their neck and chest. If you use cream in your daytime routine, “it should include an SPF 30 or above. If it does not, it’s vital to apply a broadband SPF to the neck and décolleté in the morning and every two hours when out in the sun,” says Dr. Nussbaum.

Now that you know why you need a neck cream in your routine, here's what you should look for when shopping. “A good neck cream should provide hydration to the skin,” says San Antonio dermatologist Vivian Bucay, MD. Look for emollients like shea butter and glycerin, as well as calming ingredients like panthenol and sea whip, she notes. Also, check for antioxidants to fight free radical damage, such as vitamin E and niacinamide, to reduce sun damage. You can also choose a cream that offers collagen-stimulating ingredients like peptides and retinol (as long as you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding).

To reap the full benefits of a neck cream, Dr. Nussbaum recommends that you apply the cream in an upwards and outwards direction to lift the skin and encourage tightening. “Use your hands in this repetitive motion to apply the cream until it's rubbed in,” she explains. However, be gentle so that you don’t tug the skin and cause irritation.

Here are the 10 best neck creams that fight every sign of aging.