Neck and Décolleté Treatments

I was recently interviewed by American Spa Magazine about neck and decollete treatments, and thought that it would be a wonderful idea to share my answers with you all! Here are some helpful tips on spa treatments, as well as home care.

1. What happens to the decollete area as people age and why is it so important to treat the decollete area?

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 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.

2. How can skincare products and spa treatments help the decollete?

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. 

3. What types of spa treatments are best for treating the decollete area?

Wonderful treatments for the décolleté include a light enzymatic exfoliation, massage, and a hydrating collagen mask. 

4. Can you offer any tips for spas on choosing decollete products? 

Décolleté products should not be too harsh, since the skin is thin in that area. It's also preferable to have fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products, to avoid any reaction. I dislike using mechanical equipment on the chest, or by the thyroid, to avoid stimulation of the lymphatic system.

5. Can you offer tips for spas on marketing decollete treatments and retail products?

The most convincing advertisement of products or treatments are before and after photos. Usually, a series of 6 treatments helps to achieve wonderful results, as well as the purchase of a home-use firming product, and lifting neck-bandage. Our company specializes in these bandages, and we sell many of them!

 6. Are there any spa clients that might not be a good fit for decollete treatments? If so, which ones?

Some menopausal clients may experience redness and sensitivity on the décolleté, so it's better to hold off on the deep exfoliation.