Dermatologist reveals 6 ways to combat dry neck skin

Don’t panic if you notice dry skin on your neck—it’s actually quite common. For one thing, the skin on this part of the body is much thinner than the skin on our faces. “The dermis (the layer of tissue beneath the epidermis) on


our necks is thin and is made of collagen,” explains board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Libby, MD. As a result, "there is less collagen and structural support." This fragile area is more prone to wrinkles. ” Additionally,

she says, “our necks also have fewer sebaceous glands that secrete oil and natural moisturizers. "This makes the area more susceptible to dryness, too." On top of that, you may not be giving this area the attention it deserves:


"People often don't pay much attention to their neck when doing [skin care routines]," says Dr. Rebecca Marcus, board-certified dermatologist.

You probably already have the perfect facial care routine - now it's time to do the same for the area down there. Since the skin on your neck is very thin, it’s important to use creams and serums that are rich in strengthening


ingredients. Not sure where to start? Below, we asked Libby and Marcus to share their expert-approved tips for restoring supple neck skin. Read on to learn which products to avoid, which ones to invest in, and more.

01. The thicker the cream, the better


Chronic dehydration is a telltale sign that your skin barrier is not strong enough. A course of action? Use a thick cream or ointment to help strengthen it. This consistency helps lock in moisture and prevent further water loss.

Libby recommends using your chosen product twice a day, especially at night. "Applying ointment immediately after bathing or showering will help minimize dry skin and rashes," she adds.


02. Look for Ceramides and Glycerin

Look for skin-nourishing ingredients with healing properties. "Hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides strengthen and support the skin's moisture barrier to combat dry, irritated skin," says Libby.


You can often find products containing several of these additives in the ingredients list. That's why Marcus recommends Nakery Beauty Intensive Repair Eczema Soothing Treatment Cream ($39). "This is a great option for dry skin

on the neck because it contains a variety of ingredients that aid in moisture exchange, including colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, glycerin, squalene, aloe vera, and several plant oils ,"she says. Her other favorites include


Skinfix Triple Lipid Peptide Cream ($20) and Maei MD Serum 6 ($140).

03. Use a humidifier


Your environment may be stressing your skin. This is not just about the weather outside, but also about your apartment, bedrooms and other rooms where you spend most of your time. "During the cold winter months, dry heat and low

humidity indoors can cause our skin to become dehydrated," Libby says. “Reintroducing moisture into the air in your home can help minimize this.” Simply adding a humidifier can be a complete game-changer; luckily, there are


even products that are as effective as they are beautiful, like Canopy Humidification device ($125).

04. Avoid peeling


When you experience any skin discomfort, the last thing you want to do is make it worse. While it may be tempting to sand away flaky patches, we promise it will only make things worse. Libby recommends avoiding body scrubs as

they may accelerate irritation symptoms. Choose a gentle body wash that won't damage your skin.


05. Be conservative about smells

Many of us spray perfume once a day (if not several times). However, if you tend to spray or apply perfume on your neck, this may be the cause of the problem. Both dermatologists warn that perfumes can cause irritation. "Wearing


perfume around your neck is a common cause of dryness and irritation," says Marcus. "Perfumes often contain alcohol, which can be drying, and of course fragrances, which are a common cause of contact dermatitis." Take a

different application method, such as spraying on clothing instead.


06. Incorporate anti-aging ingredients into your daily routine

As mentioned before, the skin on your neck has less collagen than the skin on your face, which is why the skin on your neck is often the first place to show signs of aging. Are there any helpful ingredients? Peptides. "When


applied to areas such as the neck, the peptides signal the skin to produce collagen," Libby explains. "This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines." Her favorite products include SkinMedica's Neck Correct Cream ($135). )

and Reserveage Firming Neck Cream ($40).


Retinoids are also anti-aging heroes. "These should definitely be added to your neck care routine as they are a key ingredient in helping to produce collagen and reduce fine lines," says Libby. However, it's important to pay

close attention to the strength of the formula you're achieving. "The neck doesn't tolerate retinoids well, so be sure to take them slowly until your skin develops a tolerance," Marcus warns. He recommends starting with a


gentler product.