‘The hidden brain in your skin’: How the mind-skin connection is stronger than you think

When dermatologists’ doors swung open after being shuttered for the pandemic, skincare procedures apparently spiked, especially for the neck. Understandable, given endless chest-up Zoom meetings and the phenomenon known as “tech neck” (muscle movement while using phones, tablets and computers, resulting in neck and shoulder soreness). The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that 96% of the procedures performed on women and 14% of the procedures performed on men were neck lifts, whereas 20 years ago there weren’t even enough neck lifts to gather data. While steps for preventing neck wrinkles are in line with preventing wrinkles overall, there are a few nuances for what’s going on south of your chin. Here, a few FAQs:

Q: Is neck skin thinner than the rest of the face? A: Yes. Because it needs to accommodate neck muscles that move quickly and freely in almost all directions. This thinness combined with exposure to UV damage means the neck can show signs of aging quicker than other areas. Sagging skin also exacerbates the look of neck wrinkles and crepey skin.

Q: Are there different kinds of neck wrinkles?  A: Sure are. While horizontal neck wrinkles are the natural direction, vertical neck wrinkles can show up, too. Both are triggered by the same sun damage, loss of elasticity, and hormonal imbalances that decrease the production of collagen and elastin.

Q: Can a neck lift prevent neck wrinkles? A: It depends. The neck muscle is attached to the face and when the face starts the sag, the neck follows suit. While many believe a neck lift can deliver incredible cosmetic benefits, many professionals believe that a procedure focused solely on the neck won’t deliver the youthful contour that comes from firmer skin further up the face. Pairing a neck lift (also known as a lower rhytidectomy) with a facial lift might deliver a longer-lasting and more structured result.

Q: Can anything be done to correct and prevent neck wrinkles? A: When considering how to prevent neck wrinkles, retinol is an all-star ingredient. Whether applying to your décolletage, face or just the skin around eyes, retinol takes on the loss of firmness and elasticity for a visible lift and smoother, more sculpted skin. It can also help prevent wrinkles thanks to its collagen-boosting abilities. And don’t forget the SPF. Always with the SPF, since sun exposure is one of the biggest culprits of premature sagging. Apply sunscreen from the forehead all the way down to your chest to optimize defense.

References for this information:

Skin Research & Technology, volume 9, issue 3, pages 236-241 Genetics and Skin Aging, Dermato-Endocrinology, 2012, volume 4, issue 3, pages 280-284 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2020

About the Author

Jacki Marzano is SoCal-based storyteller and head copywriter at Murad Skincare. She's shaped the voice of some of the most recognized beauty brands in the business, has a penchant for sharing homemade cookies, and believes SPF is the secret to getting carded well into your 40s.