Crepey skin looks, well, like crepe paper: thin and easily wrinkled. It’s caused by collagen loss, dehydration in the epidermis, and free radical damage. You can learn more about crepey skin in our full guide, but as a note: The appearance often looks worse in the colder months. So if you’re starting to notice it a bit more at the moment, it’s likely because of the dry weather. Pick a high-quality, hydrating formula that can strengthen the skin barrier, feed the skin antioxidants (to help fight free radical damage and support the collagen layer), and is safe for sensitive skin. mindbodygreen’s postbiotic body lotion uses biome-friendly actives, antioxidants like CoQ10 and watermelon extracts, plant oils like oat and moringa, and hydrating botanicals like aloe and coconut oil. Sometimes the easiest solution is the most effective solution. The first is to protect what you’ve got: Using topical antioxidants can neutralize free radicals that damage collagen. You can also take it a step further by using topical vitamin C and E, which are vital parts of the collagen synthesis process. Going internal can also enhance natural collagen levels: Collagen supplements are made up of collagen peptides, which can be absorbed by the body and used to enhance your own collagen production. This, research shows, can improve your skin’s overall appearance1, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration. Check out our favorite collagen supplements here. However, please remember that the skin on the neck is some of the thinnest and most sensitive. Often folks get the instructions to exfoliate and will find the strongest AHA serum they can find and apply it nightly. Unless you want an irritated neck, this isn’t the move. Instead, use gentle chemical exfoliators like lactic acid, mandelic acid, and PHAs. These will all buff away excess dead skin cells without stripping the delicate skin barrier of the area. And always hydrate after you exfoliate—hydration is the priority in this area. In fact, one viral story showed just how damaging unprotected sun exposure can be for the neck. Recently the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology released a case study about a 92-year-old woman’s sunscreen habits: notably how she rarely applied sunscreen to her neck, and the appearance of the two areas was quite dramatic. While getting time outdoors in the sun is important for mental health, you should always protect your skin with sunscreen or clothing to reduce the chance of UV damage. On the lower end of the spectrum, many estheticans will do neck and chest add-ons to regular facials. You can also get microneedling and skin toning done in the area. Finally, you can opt for lasers as an in-office procedure done by a dermatologist—these can be uncomfortable and cause downtime, but they will greatly improve the appearance of your skin.
