Neck skin care
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We pay a lot of care to our face, but many of us ignore the section of skin under the face, and our necks often show this neglect. While our facial skin is glowing, cleansed and moisturized, the skin on our necks can look dull and darker (read: not exfoliated). If you feel your neck could use a bit of tender loving care (and most necks could) here are some ways you can take care of this delicate region.
What is exfoliation?
Skincare for your neck
It is the process of removing dead skin cells from the epidermis. While some believe that this enhances the appearance of their skin, it’s not for everyone and – if it is not done properly – could end up doing more harm than good. If you choose to exfoliate, it’s essential to do so safely so that it doesn’t damage your skin or lead to more redness or inflammation. Since every kind of exfoliation may not work for all skin types, it’s vital to consider your skin type before selecting an exfoliation method:
- Sensitive skin can sting or burn after using a product.
- Normal skin is usually clear and not sensitive
- Dry skin is often flaky, itchy or rough to the touch
- Oily skin is usually shiny and greasy
- Combination skin is normally dry in some parts and oily in others
Exfoliation is important for most parts of the body. When you invest in luxe beauty products, you want them to work the best they can. Exfoliation makes sure that no dead skin cells are clogging the pores affecting the products’ effectiveness. Exfoliation is important for the face, legs, and arms, but what about the neck?You definitely want to exfoliate your neck. Exfoliation helps the neck skin absorb beauty products better and appear brighter and firmer almost instantly. But your main concern should be choosing the right kind of exfoliant. You don’t want to use anything too harsh on your delicate neck skin. A traditional body scrub is too abrasive and could cause microtears, especially on older skin. There are different kinds of exfoliants you can use on the neck without damaging the skin.
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Exfoliating methods
There are two main techniques for at-home exfoliation; mechanical and chemical, and your skin type should guide the method you pick. Mechanical exfoliation utilizes a tool, like a brush or sponge, or a scrub to physically eliminate dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation uses chemicals, like alpha and beta hydroxy acids, to gently dissolve the dead skin cells.
Exfoliating tips
To prevent any skin damage while exfoliating, dermatologists suggest the following tips:
Examine the skin care products you already use
Some medicines and even over-the-counter commodities may cause your skin to be more sensitive or peel, like prescription retinoid creams or products with retinol or benzoyl peroxide an ingredient. Exfoliating while using these products can worsen dry skin or even cause acne.
Select a method that suits your skin type
For those with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin, a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator are enough, as mechanical exfoliation may be too irritating. Those with thicker, oily skin may want to utilize a stronger chemical treatment or mechanical exfoliation. However, bypass strong chemical or mechanical exfoliation if you have a darker skin tone or see dark spots on your skin following burns, bug bites or acne breakouts. For some, especially those with darker skin tones, aggressive forms of exfoliation can result in dark spots.
Be gentle to your skin
If you utilize a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply it gently in small, circular motions. Do this for 30 seconds, and then rinse it off with lukewarm, not hot, water. If you are using a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Don’t exfoliate if you have wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
Follow up with moisturizer
Exfoliating can have a drying effect on the skin. Apply a moisturizer immediately after to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Find the right schedule for you
How often you exfoliate will depend on your skin type and exfoliation method. Usually, the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it is done. Be mindful not to over-exfoliate, as this could cause the skin to be red and irritated.
Are you cleansing your neck correctly?
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Yes, you should definitely exfoliate your neck. Exfoliation will help stimulate cell rejuvenation to keep your skin looking youthful and glowing. Also by regularly exfoliating you get rid of dead, dull cells which can block the effectiveness of products applied to the neck area.The neck actually isn’t as fragile as the face, but the skin can be sensitive.
How to properly cleanse the neck area
Cleanse first
If you don’t truly cleanse your neck, you’re not alone, as many people tend to overlook it. Many people suffer from what if referred to as a “dark neck.” This is when dark spots or excess skin cells cause the neck area to look darker than the face. Sun exposure and not exfoliating this area causes this difference in coloration. Cleanse your neck with a gentle cleanser a few times a week to make sure there is no dead skin or dirt build-up. Use a product with antioxidants to cleanse completely, brighten and protect your skin from free radicals.
Exfoliate next
Exfoliate your neck once a week to eliminate old skin, dead skin cells from the skin surface. Make it simpler for yourself by exfoliating your face and neck at the same time. An easy homemade scrub you can make in no time is brown sugar, a tiny splash of lemon and a teaspoon of honey. Gently massage this mixture into your skin to slough off any dead skin cells then rinse it off thoroughly. Lemon has a natural brightening effect which can help reduce the look of dark skin.
Moisturize once you are done
Necks can give away one’s age in ways that faces don’t. Make sure you include your neck into your anti-aging program so that you prolong the occurrence of wrinkles and signs of aging on this sensitive area. Apply a moisturizer with SPF on your neck to protect it from sun damage, which is the number one reason for skin aging. A formulation with antioxidants will protect the neck from free radicals.
What can you use to exfoliate your neck?
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You can opt to use store-bought or DIY products to exfoliate your skin.
Enzyme exfoliation for anti-aging neck care
Enzymes are proteins that are both created by our bodies and found in commonly consumed fruits like papaya and pineapple. Enzymes eat up dead skin when used topically. Because enzymes usually don’t need scrubbing, they’re pretty gentle in over-the-counter concentrations.
Exfoliate your neck with acids
The acids that doctors use for skin peels are more concentrated than those you’ll find in commercial beauty products. Acids exfoliate by gently loosening the dead cells on the skin’s surface. They also resurface the skin helping to improve dark spots and other visible signs of aging. Like enzymes, acids don’t need physical scrubbing, so they’re ideal for use on the neck.
Physical exfoliants for a smooth, youthful neck
Though grainy scrubs aren’t urged for this sensitive area, some physical exfoliants are safe for use on the neck. You want to look for products with gentler particles, like rice powders, shell powders, or wax beads. Be sure to be very gentle when using this type of exfoliant. You don’t want to see rubbed, raw skin after exfoliating, especially on the neck.
Effective home neck scrubs
Apple Cider Vinegar
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ACV balances the skin’s pH, giving it a natural flush. It also eradicates the dead skin cells that have built-up on the skin making it look dark and dull. This exfoliating happens because of the malic acid in ACV.
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons of water
- a cotton ball
Dilute the ACV with water and apply this solution with a cotton ball onto the neck. Let it sit for a while, then clean it off with water. Repeat this every alternate day. Do not forget to moisturize after using apple cider vinegar as it can slightly dehydrate the skin.
Almond Oil For Dark Neck
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The almond oil is loaded with vitamin E, which rejuvenates the skin. It’s also a gentle bleaching agent with its sclerosant traits that help in enhancing the complexion and skin tone. Tea tree oil boosts blood circulation and treats any scars or blemishes that may be present.
- a teaspoon of almond oil
- one or two drops of Tea Tree essential oil, this is optional
Clean your neck with soap and water and pat it dry. Now, massage your neck with almond oil. If you have some tea tree oil, add it to the almond oil for more benefits. Keep massaging your neck in circular motions for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the oil with lukewarm water. You could use a piece of cotton to wipe off the oil. Do this daily. So go forth and exfoliate your neck gently. You’ll see a definite change in the texture of your neck skin.
