Affiliate Links

Last Updated on June 10, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

skincare routine for your neck

How do you take care of your neck, so that it doesn’t betray your real age? I found out all about neck skincare in Paris. Let me explain.

I will never forget the first time I went to Paris. The beautiful architecture, the mouth-watering pastries, the romantic walks along the Seine at night… As I was strolling through its many streets and boulevards, I couldn’t help but notice that every Parisian woman I saw wore a scarf. Back then, I thought it was just a fashion statement.

Now I know it’s one of their best kept anti-aging secrets. A scarf makes a woman look chic without giving her secrets – her real age – away. Nothing gives that little number away faster than your neck. That ages more quickly than your face (or rest of your body for that matter). Here’s why – and the neck skincare you need to keep it young and glowy.

Why Does The Neck Age Faster Than The Rest Of The Body?

Short answer: Thin skin and exposure to the elements. It’s a deadly combination.

Long answer: The skin on your neck is different than the skin on the rest of your body, face included:

  • The skin of your neck is thinner: That makes it more delicate.
  • The skin of your neck has fewer melanocytes: They’re the cells that produce melanin, our natural defence against UV rays.
  • The skin of your neck has fewer sebaceous glands: They pump out the sebum that keeps your skin naturally soft and moisturized. 

Your neck often can’t produce all the sebum and melanin it needs to face the elements, such as the harsh winter temperatures and blazing summer heat, it’s exposed to all year round. That’s why it’s much more prone to sun and environmental damage that make it age a lot faster.

And let’s not forget about “tech neck.” You know, that lovely line or crease you get from looking down at your phone all the time? It’s a real thing, and it makes that delicate skin age even faster. Keep your chin up (literally!) and try to hold your phone at eye level when you can. It’s a simple trick, but it can make a big difference in keeping that neck smooth.

Related: What Are The Best Skincare Products To Treat Sun Damage?

Need help creating an anti-aging routine that really works? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Anti-Aging Skincare Routine Cheatsheet” (it includes product recommendations, too!).

Neck Skincare: What To Use For Younger-Looking Skin

That’s a lot easier than you think, gorgeous. All you have to do is to extend your usual skincare routine to your neck too. When you cleanse your face, cleanse your neck too. When you apply toner on your face, pat some on your neck as well. Do the same with serum, moisturizer, sunscreen and anything else you use. It takes just a few more seconds and gives your neck everything it needs to feel and look its best.

How Often Should I Exfoliate My Neck?

Ok, so I just told you to extend your skincare routine to your neck. But what if you exfoliate every day? Should you do that to your neck as well? Well, just like your face, your neck can benefit from gentle exfoliation – but go easy on it. Once or twice a week is plenty. Overdoing it can make that thin skin red and irritated, which is the opposite of what we want. Look for mild scrubs (nothing too gritty) or a gentle chemical exfoliant like lactic acid. And always follow with a moisturizer.

Best Picks:

  • Peach & Lily Power Cocktail Lactic Acid Repair Serum ($51.00): It has 10% lactic acid to exfoliate and brighten skin, plus antioxidants and soothing ingredients that can help you fight premature aging and reduce redness. Available at Peach & Lily and Ulta
  • Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment – US Version ($105.00): A luxury exfoliant that deeply hydrates skin and helps to fade away dark spots. Available at Sephora and Ulta
  • The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% ($6.79): A mild concentration that hydrates, exfoliates, and brightens the complexion. There’s also a 10% version available, when you’re ready to upgrade. Available at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary and Ulta

Stop wasting your time and money on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on the image below to download “Skincare That Works” and finally get your best skin day – every day.

Skincare That Works ebook

How Often Should I Use Retinol On My Neck?

Start slow. Think two or three times a week, max. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that speeds up cell turnover (a fancy way of saying it promotes exfoliation) and helps reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and fade dark spots. Basically, it’s one of the best anti-aging ingredients out there. Like all powerful ingredients, it also be a bit too much for skin. Watch for redness or irritation. If your skin’s handling it well after a couple of weeks, you can build up to every other night or even nightly if you’re feeling brave. But always apply a rich moisturizer on top and never skip sunscreen during the day.

Best Picks:

  • The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion ($12.10): This simple formula contains both retinol and granactive retinoid, a new form of retinoid that’s great at treating acne. Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, The Ordinary, and Ulta
  • Paula’s Choice Resist 1% Retinol Booster ($52.00): A high dose retinol serum infused with antioxidants to help you fight premature aging. You can use it on its own for maximum effect. If that’s too irritating for your skin, mix a couple of drops with your moisturiser. Available at Cult Beauty, Dermstore, and Paula’s Choice, and SpaceNK
  • Paula’s Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum With Retinol ($39.00): This serum has a tiny dose of retinol that’s suitable for beginners. Plus, it’s infused with any antioxidants you can think of. Available at Dermstore and Paula’s Choice
emma hardie lift & sculpt firming neck treatment 02

Should You Invest In A Neck Cream?

Not really. Here’s the thing: brands love to market separate “neck creams” because it sounds fancy (and makes you spend more money). Some neck creams might hype “special” ingredients like peptides to support collagen, antioxidants like vitamin C or green tea to fight free radicals, or caffeine to help with puffiness. But honestly, those are the same star players you’ll find in a decent face cream or serum.

That’s right, the ingredients that nourish skin, such as emollient oils, hydrating hyaluronic acid and anti-aging vitamins are the same for a facial cream, a neck cream, and all kinds of skincare products really. If you come across one you like and want to use it, go ahead. Otherwise, just find a formula you like and apply it all over your face and neck. Save the cash for a really good serum or a high-quality sunscreen instead. That’s what’s going to make the real difference.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need neck skincare, products specifically designed for this delicate area. Instead, next time you apply your skincare routine, don’t forget your neck. If you do, it’ll get its revenge and betray your real age to the world (or worse, it’ll make you look even older!)