“You have to cut open a redwood tree to see how old it is, but you wouldn’t have to if it had a neck.” 

-Nora Ephron, from the book, “I feel bad about my neck”

I remember watching an Oprah episode when I was in my mid-twenties and the topic was “aging in Hollywood.” She had several guests on talking about what it’s like to age. One of her guests was Nora Ephron. She had written a book called “I feel bad about my neck.” I listened with fascination as she spoke about all that comes with aging, including things we never think about, like our necks going downhill fast. I instantly ran to the mirror to take a look at my own. So far, so good…but this woman must know what she is talking about! I needed to start being proactive and paying attention.

So, I started being more cognizant of women older than me and their necks. To be honest I had never thought about it or paid attention. However, once I started looking for it, there it was. By golly! All those women on Oprah were right! The neck and the face really do tell two different stories. And I did as I do with everything, the second I become aware of it, I had to do something. I started treating my neck as an extension of my face - moisturizing it, applying sunscreen, using my skin care treatments etc. 

Today, almost 20 years later. I am starting to see 43 creeping up on my neck also. Despite my best efforts, the skin here is thinner so it is starting to show signs of wear and tear. I also have a long neck so this works against me. With the introduction of cell phones and laptops in the last ten years, always looking down does not help. It reinforces those lines that develop every time you put your chin down. Over time, the skin becomes looser and more difficult to tighten.

So the best bet for the neck?

First and foremost: Always, prevention. No matter how old you are you are never too young to think about your neck. But if you’ve gone years without giving it a second thought and suddenly you’re realizing you’ve gotta jump into action, here are a few things you can do:

1.Add retinol to your regimen. Retinol has been long used for its ability to build collagen, and tighten skin.

2.Add a peptide product-peptides are fragments of proteins which act as building blocks for collagen and elastin. Thickening and strengthening neck skin is important when you’re treating it.

3.Skin tightening laser-there are many on the market now, but you can also get completely painless laser treatments at a medi spa. You get what you pay for, so do your research before dropping that cash!

4.Skin needling-creating micro punctures in the skin encourages the skin to begin rebuilding itself by laying down more collagen to heal. You can purchase a derma roller for home use, or have this done in a medi spa by a trained professional. Again, the results depend on the intensity of the treatment which is usually reflected in the cost. An at home dermal roller will not produce as dramatic of a result as an office treatment!

5.Face yoga-I am only just beginning to learn about this fascinating movement. Face yoga supposedly does for your face, what yoga does for your body-it relaxes tension, softening those lines, builds muscle, helping to tone and lift sagging, and increases blood flow and circulation, restoring that “glow”. There are exercises out there for both the face and the neck/jawline! 

6.When looking at screens, avoid looking down. Instead, bring phones and tablets up to eye level. This constant bending and dipping of the chin can lead to saggy necks and dreaded double chins!

7.Use skin tightening and hydrating essential oils. There are several that work wonders for smoothing and tightening skin! If expensive or more harsh treatments aren’t for you, or you shy away from too many chemicals (as you should!), a more natural approach can be very effective.

Right now, I’m loving Doterra Yarrow/Pom with a little vetiver and frankincense mixed into it, but there are many wonderful options! If you want more inspiration, get my free guide to using essential oils for your face!

Whether it’s for cooking, skincare, or anything else, I trust and use Doterra Essential Oils. Click here if you would like to get started with the oily life as well!