We pay so much attention to the skin on our faces; yet give little thought to our necks and chest. Strange that, as these areas are regularly on show – especially in summer. The skin on the neck and décolletage is extremely delicate and regularly exposed to the elements. If you’ve neglected yours (like I have mine), you’ll notice skin slackening, hyper pigmentation, thinning and creasing. Now is the perfect time to invest in this often-neglected body part and see the real difference a bit of TLC can make.
NEED TO KNOW
The skin on the décolletage doesn’t produce as much natural oils as the skin on the face, making it prone to dryness. Any beauty therapist will tell you that you should always extend your cleansing, toning and moisturising routine down the neck onto the décolletage. Yet so few of us do – myself included.
The way you sleep could also be ageing your décolletage. And boy o boy, do I know how true this is! Because I sleep on my side, I wake up every morning with deep lines and creases on my chest. Yes, they do fade as the day progresses, but make no mistake they are still very visible. Experts reckon that the best sleep position to avoid lines and wrinkles on the décolletage (and face) is flat on your back.
EXFOLIATE 3 X A WEEK
A buildup of dead skin cells will make the décolletage look dry and dull and accentuate lines and wrinkles. It’s therefore imperative to treat this area with products that contain AHA’s or glycolic acids. I think granular scrubs may be a little too harsh for the sensitive skin, so would rather opt for a chemical alternative. That said, if all you have is a granular scrub, then use it – better that than nothing!
Peeling lotions are really effective and I like that one can see results very quickly. One of my best is the L’Oreal Revitalift Laser Renew Peeling Lotion Night (R229.995) that uses glycolic acid to resurface the skin and reduce the appearance of brown marks. Alpha hydroxyl acid is also included to help clarify the skin, making wrinkles appear less visible. Apply this gel-like lotion onto a clean neck & décolletage (or face, for that matter) using a cotton pad.
Kiehl’s Dermatologist solutions Over-Night Biological Peel (R695), contains urea and sodium hyaluronate, which leaves skin softer and smoother. I like that it’s a super gentle formulation. You simply apply it to clean skin on the décolletage, go to sleep and wake up with gloriously smooth skin that’s hydrated and soft.
I’m OBSESSED with the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads (R256 for 60) (available at Clicks) and figured if they yield such great results on my face, imagine what they can do for the neck & décolletage! These radiance-boosting pads are saturated with exfoliating glycolic acid that retextures and resurfaces the skin. Witch hazel has been added to help tone, while hyaluronic acid and soothing daisy extract help skin look brighter and smoother. You simply wipe the pad across the neck & décolletage (and face) one or twice a day, after cleansing.
BANISH BROWN SPOTS
The Noreva Iklen Anti-Brown Spot Serum (R779) (for a 30ml) is developed to tackle brown spots on the face, hands and décolletage. It works by slowing the production of melanin – the pigment in the skin that causes brown spots, when produced in excessive amounts. The texture is fine and non greasy and can be used by even the most sensitive skin types. Apply it twice a day onto décolletage and see the amazing difference after about two months.
SALON TREATMENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
If your décolletage is really showing signs or ageing and neglect, there are a few salon treatments that will make a big difference.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light treatment) is excellent for minimizing age spots and improving overall tone
- Laser resurfacing is a great option for very neglected, crêpey and lined skin. A laser is used to remove the epidermal layer of skin on the chest, while heat stimulates collagen production in the dermal layer. This two-fold process stimulates both the production of collagen and elastin. This results in wrinkles and fine lines being plumped and remarkably diminished.
- A chemical peel or microdermabrasion does wonders for refreshing the top layer of skin and not only diminishes dark spots, but also minimizes fine lines.
3 OF THE BEST CREAMS FOR NECK & DÉCOLLETAGE
The texture of the Clarins Extra-Firming Neck (R715) cream is sublime! It’s delicately scented and melts into the skin without leaving a greasy film. I also like that it has a slightly matt finish. It’s ideal for women 40+ to help preserve the youthfulness of the neck & décolletage. It contains oat sugars that tighten skin and green algae extract that helps restore plumpness. An ‘extra-firming complex’ helps reduce wrinkles, firm, regenerate and tone the skin. You apply it morning and/or evening using gentle massaging motions working from the chin to the décolletage area.
Black Pearl Age Control Neck & Décolletage Mask (R906) contains a special combination of pearl powder, seaweed and Dead Sea minerals that work hard to treat the delicate skin on the neck and décolletage. This mask works to brighten, nourish and moisturise the skin. Use it twice a week by applying onto the neck and décolletage using small circular motions until fully absorbed. Best of all, you don’t need to rinse it off. Black Pearl is available at selected spas – call Susan Roberts on 0794907326 for a stockist closest to you.
I absolutely adore the Prevage range and every time I use any product from the range, I see a very real difference. The Prevage Anti Aging Neck & Décolleté Firm & Repair Cream (R1045) is top of my list when it comes to creams for the neck and décolletage. Formulated with Idebenone (one of the best antioxidants available) and a protein-restoring complex, this moisturiser works to correct and protect the dry, delicate and vulnerable skin on the neck 7 décolleté. It instantly tightens, tones and intensely nourishes. After about 3 weeks of use, I noticed a reduction in dark marks, fine lines and dryness. Along with Idebenone, the formula contains retinyl to smooth and firm, as well as a blend of tightening polymers to give the skin a more contoured appearance. Optical pigments work to instantly improve skin’s radiance. Then there’s hyaluronic acid, sea plant extract, glycerin, shea and palm butters that all impart moisture to this delicate area. You apply it morning and evening onto clean skin using your fingertips to gently massage the product in an upward motion from chest to chin.
PROTECT
Most products that contain acids or work to de pigment or lighten dark spots should all be used in conjunction with a sunscreen of SPF50. I mean, what’s the point of tackling pigmentation then going out into the sun without protection? The two products below are lightweight and really do a fantastic job of protecting the skin, without leaving a heavy or greasy film.
The Babor Anti-Aging Sun Care SPF 50 (R784) moisturisers and protects the skin. It’s advisable to always ensure your sunscreen contains antioxidants, as they make a sunscreen even more effective. This one has added Vitamin E & C that neutralize free radicals. The texture is lightweight and spreads really easily.
One of my all-time favourite sunscreens for the body is the Eucerin Sun Lotion Extra Light Body SPF50 (R169.99). I love how it immediately absorbs into the skin, while providing high levels of protection. It contains highly effective UVA/UVB filters as well licorice extract, a powerful antioxidant that protects skin cells against damage caused by free radicals.
