We spend plenty of time on our faces and then stop at the jawline. Yet the neck and décolleté are exposed to the same sun, and their skin tends to be thinner with fewer oil glands, so it can show dryness and sun damage readily. The fix is easy: treat them as part of your face.
Extend your routine downwards
- Cleanse: sweep your cleanser gently down the neck, then rinse. See our cleansing guide.
- Moisturise: the cream you use on your face can go on the neck and upper chest too. Use upward strokes.
- Protect: sunscreen should cover the front, sides and back of the neck and the décolleté. This is the most commonly missed area. See Sunscreen 101.
Mind the habits that affect the neck
- Screen posture: looking down for hours puts load on the neck muscles. Try our five-minute desk reset.
- Sleep position: a supportive pillow at a comfortable height helps your neck rest.
- Sun at the wheel and on the slopes: UV reaches the sides of the neck and the chest through windows and off snow.
A gentle neck massage
Use a facial oil and a very light touch. The neck is delicate, so go lighter than you would on the face.
- Place your palms flat at the base of the neck, near the collarbones.
- Stroke slowly upwards towards the jaw, one hand after the other, five times.
- Finish with a few strokes from the centre of the chin outwards along the jawline, for example with the Rebel Roller.
Pair it with exercises from our jawline and neck routine. Always release after you train.
What to avoid
- Pressing on the sides or front of the throat.
- Strong pressure over the large vessels at the side of the neck. Light, upward strokes only.
- Massage if you have neck pain, thyroid or circulation concerns, or have had neck surgery, unless your doctor agrees.
The takeaway: a few extra seconds in your routine is all it takes. Take everything you do for your face down to the collarbones.
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Stop if you feel pain, dizziness or tingling.
