As we age, we may notice that our skin doesn’t feel as tight, taut and firm as it once did, and the neck can be a tell-tale sign of ageing.
Turkey neck refers to the saggy and wrinkled skin on the neck. While its development is a totally normal occurrence, some women may feel that it is unsightly.
GB News spoke to a plastic surgeon and beauty expert about the reasons we develop turkey neck with age, and how we can drastically improve its appearance.
‘Wrinkles and sagging of the neck can be caused by a loss of skin elasticity, muscle weakening, prolonged sun exposure, poor neck posture, rapid weight loss and genetics’
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Mr Tunc told GB News: “While at-home hacks and skin care regimes will not reverse the signs of an ageing neck – only surgery has the ability to do this – there are many things that can help improve the appearance of an ageing neck.
“It’s important to remember there is no magic bullet with at-home treatments, however, continuity is key when it comes to skin care maintenance and it is imperative to achieving healthy skin and helping to slow the rate of ageing.
“The skin on our neck is very delicate – similar to the skin around our eyes – and is thinner than the skin on our face and the rest of our body.
“While I do see patients who follow stringent skin care routines on their face, the neck is often neglected. This presents a visible difference in skin quality between the face and neck, which is further accentuated when patients have injectable treatments on the face such as Botox or fillers or surgical procedures.”
So what can we do to minimise neck ageing and reduce the dreaded turkey neck?
Skin care
The expert advised: “Your facial skin care regime should always be extended to the neck and décolletage. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides to hydrate and plump the skin.
“Always wear sunscreen on your neck to prevent further damage as UV rays accelerate skin ageing.
“Gentle neck massages can improve circulation, helping the skin look healthier and more youthful.
“Exosomes are also another powerful ingredient which helps combat ageing of the skin at a cellular level. Morphiya is an excellent product, improving skin firmness, texture, hydration, skin tone and reducing wrinkles.”
Exercises and posture
Mr Tunc advised that women should perform simple neck exercises to tone muscles and help prevent “tech neck”.
He instructed: “Gently tilt your head backwards, forward, and from side to side, holding each position for a few seconds. Maintain good posture to reduce the strain on your neck muscles and prevent sagging.”
Lifestyle
The right lifestyle habits can also be beneficial for a younger-looking neck. The plastic surgeon advised: “Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well-hydrated.
“Dehydration can age the skin, causing it to become dry and tight, increasing the risk of fine lines and wrinkles. Dehydration also reduces elasticity, making it more susceptible to sagging.
“Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids is fundamental to supporting skin health and general health.
“Avoid smoking, which decreases blood flow and increases collagen breakdown, as this is responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness.”
Beauty expert and deputy editor of www.beautyanswers.co.uk Katie Walker also weighed in on turkey neck, giving her insights on causes and at-home treatments.
Katie claimed that dealing with a turkey neck naturally is “totally doable with some consistent effort”. She encouraged women to prioritise skin care, facial yoga, exercise and diet.
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‘Your facial skincare regime should always be extended to the neck and décolletage’
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Skin care
The expert urged women to develop a solid skin care routine. Ladies should ensure they have a high-quality moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid, peptides and retinol to keep their skin hydrated and support collagen production.
Sunscreen is also a must. Many of us regularly apply it to our faces, but it’s easy to neglect the neck. The beauty expert advised women to apply SPF every day to protect against UV damage, which can “accelerate ageing”.
She also urged them to invest in a good exfoliant, using this gently once a week to eradicate dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. She said: “You can use a gentle scrub or a natural exfoliant like oatmeal.”
Katie added: “Incorporating the right skin care products can also make a big difference. Apply a vitamin C serum to your neck to help with collagen production and to brighten the skin. Look for neck creams specifically designed to firm and tighten the skin, particularly those containing peptides and retinol.”
Facial yoga
The expert revealed that when it comes to turkey neck, facial yoga can be “highly effective”.
How to do it
Katie said: “Try the neck tilt by slowly tilting your head back to look at the ceiling, then pucker your lips as if you’re trying to kiss the ceiling. The chin lift involves pushing your lower jaw forward and lifting your lower lip to feel a stretch under your chin.
“There’s also the giraffe exercise; look straight ahead and place your fingertips at the bottom of your neck, gently stroking the skin downwards as you tilt your head back. Hold each of these for five seconds and repeat 10 times.”
Exercise
In a similar vein, exercises targeting the neck area can also help reduce sagging.
How to do it
The expert said: “For a simple neck stretch, sit or stand up straight, slowly tilt your head to the side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then switch sides and repeat several times. Try a resistance exercise by placing your hand on your forehead and gently pushing your head against your hand without letting your head move forward. Hold for a few seconds and repeat 10 times. Do the reverse by placing your hand on the back of your head and pushing backwards. The platysma exercise is also a good one to try and involves opening your mouth wide and pulling your bottom lip over your bottom teeth, then moving the corners of your mouth downward and up again. Repeat 10 times.”
Diet
Katie advised following a healthy diet to boost skin health, stating that it plays a “crucial role”.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential, as is stocking up on healthy fats, fruits and vegetables.
Healthy fats include avocados, nuts and fish, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and support skin health. Opt for fruits and veggies that are high in antioxidants, like berries, spinach and kale, as this can help combat free radical damage.
GB News also shared the best tips for combatting spider veins. According to the experts, this is what you should eat, put on your face, and wear to reduce their appearance.
