I see it all the time - clients are hyper-focused on treating and caring for their skin but they stop their skincare regimen at the chin. For some, it’s unconscious – it just doesn’t occur to some that their skin doesn’t stop at the chin line. For others, it’s economical –skincare products are expensive and they don’t want to “waste” it on any area other than their face. When I see clients for facials, I ask them to remove their clothing from the waist up (and to remove earrings or necklaces) because my facial treatments include specific and targeted care for the neck and décolleté.
Many times, I’m surprised by the difference – the skin on the neck and décolleté definitely show advanced signs of aging. That area is exposed almost as much as the face is exposed and so it requires the same type of care and attention. There are also fewer sebaceous glands in that area, which means lower levels of natural oils that normally protect the skin from the elements.
Sagging, crepey skin, rough skin texture and sun damage/photoaging are common complaints when treating the neck and décolleté. We treat the skin on the neck and décolleté in the same way we care for the face – increase cellular turnover, stimulate collagen production, resurface and retexturize. The finishing products are slightly different, however. Products that are specially formulated for the neck and décolleté tend to have a slightly heavier texture to offset the lower levels of natural oil protection. They are also specially formulated to lift, firm and tighten the delicate skin in that area.
I recommend using these specialty products at night for maximum results. Without question, your sun protection should be applied during the day.
The bottom line – skincare doesn’t stop at the chin!
