Recently, Parade highlighted with expert insight just how crucial it is to consistently care for our necks. Many overlook it or simply don’t realize it deserves more attention. Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a dermatologist and lead physician at Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology as well as a clinical adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia, shared why this is such a big miss.
Signs of Aging Show Up Early Here
If your neck doesn’t get the same care and hydration as your face, it’s the first place aging signs start to appear. Dr. Shannon Humphrey explains:
“The skin on the neck has fewer oil glands. It’s thinner and more sensitive than the face, making it prone to dryness, fine lines, and visible aging. If you care for your face but skip your neck, over time a sharp contrast can develop between the two areas—and it’s noticeable from afar.”
Why You Should Hydrate Your Neck Regularly
“Hydrating your neck improves its ability to retain moisture, supports the skin’s protective barrier, helps soften fine lines and sagging, and generally leads to a more balanced skin appearance,” says Dr. Humphrey. She adds that the earlier you start caring for this area, the more gracefully it will age.
For an ideal neck care routine, the expert recommends moisturizing twice daily:
- In the morning, under sunscreen—for daytime protection,
- In the evening, with a richer, nourishing formula—to support overnight repair.
“Apply moisturizer with gentle upward strokes from the collarbone to the cheekbones. Avoid pulling or rubbing the skin. It’s best to apply right after cleansing, on slightly damp skin, to lock in moisture,” advises the expert.
How to Pick a Truly Good Moisturizer
Since caring for both face and neck can use up your creams faster, it’s smart to choose products thoughtfully. Dr. Humphrey shares key tips to help you spot moisturizers that really work and are worth your investment:
“For dry or loose, wrinkled neck skin, opt for richer formulas—they can instantly, though temporarily, improve your skin’s look. Ingredients like peptides or growth factors can boost collagen production while being gentler than stronger active ingredients.”
She also cautions, “Use retinol and beta hydroxy acids carefully on the neck, as the skin there is especially sensitive. A good neck product should nourish without irritating and complement other actives like vitamin C or antioxidants.”
Don’t Forget Sunscreen for Your Neck, Either!
“It’s important to apply sunscreen not just on your face but also on your neck. Combining hydration, sun protection, and targeted treatments helps maintain your skin’s firmness and quality over time. Consistent neck care is a simple yet powerful extension of your daily skincare ritual,” emphasizes Dr. Humphrey.
With the right products and a few extra moves, you can keep not only your face but also your neck looking youthful, firm, and cared for. That means you’re not just doing your skin a favor—you’re likely boosting your confidence, too. Need more reasons to start giving your neck some love?
