How to Address Tech Neck and Sun Damage for Smoother-Looking Skin

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Between scrolling on our phones, spending hours at our work desks, and getting some color under the summer sun, our necks can end up showing signs of aging before we even realize it.

• Best affordable neck treatment: Patchology Firm Believer Neck & Chest Mask
• Best luxury neck treamtent: Epicutis Lipid Recovery Mask
• Best face and neck sunscreen: ma:nyo Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 50

And while fall is the perfect time to refresh your skincare routine, caring for your neck and décolletage shouldn't stop when swimsuit season ends! From fine lines and crepey texture to uneven pigmentation and loss of firmness, these delicate areas deserve just as much attention as your face.

But do you really need a separate neck cream, and can your favorite skincare products help smooth the appearance of tech neck?

To find out which daily habits, ingredients, and treatments are worth using to keep a youthful-appearing neck, we spoke with Eunice Louis-Jacques, RN, Aesthetic Lead at SEV SKIN.

Her advice makes it easier to build a neck-care routine that fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your skin's needs.

What Causes Tech Neck and How Can You Prevent It?

Repeatedly looking down at your phone, laptop, iPad, etc, can contribute to horizontal neck lines over time, while everyday sun exposure (hello, summer tanning!) can accelerate visible signs of aging.

According to Louis-Jacques, a few simple habit changes can help you be more mindful of both.

"Tech neck is a product of repetitive motion — constantly looking down at our phones creates the same crease over and over until it becomes permanent," she explains. "The biggest habit shift is simply bringing your phone up to eye level instead of tilting your chin down, and taking breaks to reset your posture throughout the day."

Your nighttime routine matters, too. Louis-Jacques notes that sleeping on your side or stomach can compress the skin and contribute to creasing. A silk or satin pillowcase may help minimize friction, while paying attention to your sleep position can help reduce repeated compression.

Most importantly, don't stop your skincare routine at your jawline. "The neck should be treated as an extension of the face when it comes to skincare," she says. That means extending your daily sunscreen and appropriate skincare products down to your neck and décolletage.

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Is It Ever Too Early or Too Late to Start Using Neck Cream?

When it comes to neck care, you don't have to wait until fine lines become noticeable to start paying attention. Louis-Jacques recommends building preventive habits early, particularly when it comes to sun protection and antioxidants.

"It's never too early, and prevention is always easier than correction," she says. "Starting in your 20s can help protect the skin from cumulative sun damage and support healthy skin before visible signs of aging begin to appear."

In your 30s and 40s, you may want to incorporate targeted ingredients such as retinoids and peptides to help improve the appearance of fine lines, texture, and firmness. If you're already noticing crepiness or a loss of elasticity, a consistent at-home routine can still help improve the skin's overall appearance.

For more noticeable concerns, professional treatments may also be worth exploring. Louis-Jacques points to SkinPen Microneedling and laser treatments as options that can complement skincare by stimulating collagen production and improving the appearance of skin texture.

RoC Multi Correxion Crepe Repair Face & Neck Cream

Treat crepey skin on the face and neck with this clinically proven cream. Powered by the brand's unique Hexyl-R Complex this daily moisturizer instantly plumps creases & visibly firms loose skin. 

RéVive Fermitif Neck Renewal Cream SPF 15

This must-try neck cream features special firming agents that increase skin renewal, visibly firming and smoothing your neck, all while counteracting the daily pull of gravity. 

The Best SPF for Preventing Sun Damage on Your Neck

If there's one step Louis-Jacques wants everyone to prioritize, it's sunscreen. Even when you're bundling up for cooler weather, your neck and décolletage can still receive UV exposure during everyday activities.

"I recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, with reapplication throughout the day when you're spending extended time outdoors," she says. When shopping for sunscreen, choose a formula that feels comfortable enough to use consistently.

Lightweight lotions, fluid formulas, and sunscreen sticks can all be convenient options, depending on your preferences. "The best sunscreen is ultimately one you'll apply generously and consistently," Louis-Jacques explains.

ma:nyo Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 50

A lightweight, hydrating sunscreen cream that leaves no white cast or stickiness, is wearable under makeup, and provides triple skincare benefits.

Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen

Daily moisturizing sunscreen formulated with hydrating, gentle ingredients helps protect the skin from sunlight without leaving residue or a sticky finish, and has low white cast.

Affordable Neck-Care Products Worth Shopping

You don't have to splurge on a pricey neck cream to give your skin some extra attention. Louis-Jacques shared a few products she likes at different price points, from an easy hydration boost to a more luxurious treatment.

For an Affordable Pick: Patchology Firm Believer Neck & Chest Mask

For anyone curious about targeted neck care, Louis-Jacques recommends the Patchology Firm Believer Neck & Chest Mask as an accessible introduction.

It's designed to give the neck and décolletage an extra boost of hydration, making it a convenient option before an event or whenever your skin feels dry.

For a Midrange Option: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Our skin expert also likes the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, which features niacinamide and squalane. Although it isn't specifically marketed as a neck product, she said she likes it for its hydrating properties and its ability to fit into an existing nighttime skincare routine.

You can extend an appropriate amount down to your neck and décolletage, making this a great option if you'd rather not add another specialized product to your beauty shelf (and save a few bucks).

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

A Korean cooling gel-cream mask with hyaluronic acids to intensely moisturize, visibly brighten skin, and strengthen the moisture barrier overnight.

For a Splurge: Epicutis Lipid Recovery Mask for Neck + Décolleté

If you're looking to invest in a targeted formula, she recommends the Epicutis Lipid Recovery Mask for Neck + Décolleté.

This luxury option offers intensive hydration and skin-barrier support, particularly for dry or mature skin.

Epicutis Lipid Recovery Mask for Neck + Décolleté

Improves the look of crepey skin and uneven texture across the neck and chest. Get 20% off right now when you use the code FALL20.

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