Caring For the Neck, Face and Décolleté

The face, neck and décolleté are exposed to the sun, wind and cold weather, and must be all cared for in the same way as the face during the professional treatment and at home. The bust is covered with clothes – this is why it has beautiful silky skin, free of sun damage. Did you know that the neck (and of course the hands) are a sure sign of a woman’s real age?

The delicate neck and décolleté area is often ignored when it comes to application of moisturizers and sunscreen, and is easily susceptible to dehydration and sun damage.

The signs of aging in the neck area is because our muscles lose elasticity – so we have to learn to firm and tone the muscles to hold the skin nice and tight. As we age, the neck and jowls may start to show horizontal wrinkles and folds and begin to droop because of the daily gravitational pull. This, of course causes the face to look much older than it may look otherwise.

The reason for wrinkles on the neck and bust is often sleeping on high pillows, and sleeping on the side – causing lines and wrinkles between the breasts and on the neck.

Most of us take very good care of our face, but often ignore the neck, décolleté and bust. Taking care of the neck and décolleté is no different than taking care of the face. To achieve a lifting effect, estheticians should start the cleansing and exfoliation routine upwards from the décolleté and continue to the face. At home, one should cleanse that whole area with cleanser daily, and exfoliate with scrub or enzyme mask once in three days. This is the only way to achieve an even transition in color and texture from the bust to the face.

In addition to timely exfoliation, the neck should be protected from the harsh rays of the sun with clothing and sunscreen. The décolleté and neck must always be hydrated with a great moisturizer.

A wonderful way to prevent sagging and wrinkles in the neck and décolleté area is to do special exercises which train the muscles in that area to be firm and lifted. Stretching the neck and spine upward - reduces the likelihood of getting a short and wrinkled neck. These exercises are even more effective when paired with contrast showers – hot and cold. It is best to end your shower with cold water – this way, the neck and décolleté will get a nice toning workout. Wherever the icy cold water hits, the muscles will tighten up and tone.

The best way to prevent wrinkles on the neck, décolleté and bust is to sleep on your back without a pillow, or with a flat pillow. To firm, tone and lift the bust, it is very important to do special exercises daily.

PRODUCTS

I don’t like to use body products on the neck and décolleté, because that area is as delicate as the face. I definitely do not recommend harsh body scrubs and heavy oils. A “body” product may be fine for the rest of the body, but the neck and décolleté definitely deserve the same treatment as the face!

One of the best treatments for the neck, décolleté and bust area is Collagen Infusion, using Hyaluronic Ampoules, Collagen Elastin Liquid, Peptides and a Pure Collagen Freeze Dried Mask. This treatment immediately plumps up the area, and reduces dryness and wrinkles. This can be done as a separate treatment or in combination with the Collagen Infusion for the face. As a take-home treatment, it is best to recommend your client a natural Hyaluronic Acid neck-firming crème, and a washable bandage to wear over it – preventing and softening wrinkles, and counteracting the gravitational pull. It’s like a bra for that area!