The skin of the neck is one of the most fragile and vulnerable areas of our body subject to the agin process. It has fewer moisture retaining glands so skin dryness is an early skin sign especially during the dry times fo the year such as the fall and the winter months of the year putting our patients with inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis at greater risk for clinical flares.
Sun exposure without sufficient sun precautions such as wearing hats and sunscreen cause natural weakening and decline of the neck skin barrier increasing the risk of skin cancer. The neck also has fewer stem cells and other regenerative components that help repair the neck skin when exposed to environmental stresses including pollution and UV damage.
To improve your skin’s firmbess, consider trying skin care approaches including serums that contain antioxidants, such as Vitamin C that turn over damaged skin cells that is caused by photodamage. Retinods (which are related to Vitamin A) help stimulate structural collagen production in regular use.
Poor posture and constant use of a handhel mobile devices and laptops increase the risk of neck skin changes referred to as “necklace line” or “tech neck” with loose skin under the chin. To prevent neck lines from forming (or deepening) it is recommended to posotion your computer and phone so you are not bending and craning your neck for prolonged periods of time.
Weakening of the platysmal muscles in front and the sides of the neck can also cause vertical banding which can appear during the aging process. These bands can be reduced and softened temporarily with neuromodulators such as Botox injections.
There is ongoing concern of the daily effects of UVA (deep penetrating), UVB (superficial penetrating) rays from sunlight, which can damage the cells that are responsible for producing collagen and elastin, two proteins that help keep your skin’s structure intact. Recently, there is concern of the adverse energy exposure emitted from computer screens with its potentially harmful cumulative effects on skin aging and contributing to photosensitivity. Many of our patients work directly in front of 2 and 3 large computer screens for more than 8 hours per day which can amplify the potentially harmful effects on the skin contributing to skin laxity, crepiness and sagginess.
If you are looking to aggressively address signs of older saggy skin on the neck, then book a consultation with our Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Steve Greene at Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle to learn more about newest treatment service called Sofwave. By harnessing the gentle but very focused Ultrasound waves one can undergo a treatment that stimulates Collagen, Elastic and Hyaluronic Acis which both tighten the treayed skin and provides a noticeable lift that is highly desirable. This is currently being offered for the neck and face creating better definition of the jawline and a gentle lift of the eyebrows. For the best results is it recommended to undergo two treatments, three months apart. Annual maintenance treatsments are recommended. Eary clinical results are seen within 1-2 weeks and continue to progress over 3-6 months. The treatment is “color blind” and hence, can be safely performed in all skin types, all seasons of the year. There is no clinical downtime, unlike most other rejuvenation treatments of its kind. No bleeding, skin drainage, redness or puffiness occues after the procedure. Sofwave offers its healthy clinical effects 1.5 mm in depth in the skin dermin over a large surface area without damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels nor fat and can complement the rejuvenation effects of Botox, Dermal Fillers, and other laser treatments.
