Marketing myth or lockdown reality?

By Gemma Little

Let’s talk neck and décolleté skincare.

C’mon Tech Neck!? Is this really a skincare thing?

Tech Neck, also referred to as Zoom Neck. It refers to the noticeable ageing of your neck, thanks to the increased use of technology (laptop, tablet, phone screen etc). It’s the realisation of ‘said ageing’ as you catch a glimpse of your neck (and maybe your décolleté) during your weekly Zoom, Teams, Facetime or WhatsApp marathons!

Is Tech Neck a marketing myth or lockdown reality?

It’s a combination of both. Most of us are probably guilty of more screen time. For the past 11 months we’ve checked our reflection out more times in a day than we would usually do in a week. Of course, we’re likely to be more critical of our reflection.

In fact, Tech Neck is more than visible ageing of your skin. Poor posture often presents with discomfort, a stiff neck, or as muscle cramps in your neck and shoulders.

As your muscles weaken (or strengthen in unnatural positions) your skin changes. Many people have reported pronounced or accelerated ageing in this area since working from home. The general increased use of devices in your leisure time impacts the acceleration too.

This is how the phrase Tech Neck or Zoom Neck has gathered its status.

How your neck ages.

From a skincare perspective we include your décolleté as part of your neck. (For the avoidance of doubt we should all consider our face, neck and décolleté as part of the whole area we care for with our AM and PM skincare routine).
Your neck and décolleté generally gets very little attention when you are younger, until the dreaded signs of ageing start to show.

Your neck and décolleté are 2 areas which show the signs of ageing first. (If only we could turn back the clock and show our neck and décolleté the same care and attention that we have always shown our face)!

To fight premature ageing we need to work from the top of the bust and treat the whole area as one. The younger you start to do this the better. But it’s never too late to help yourself.

Do you need specific products for your neck and décolleté?

We say no! We say that this is a marketing myth! But what you must use are products with powerful ingredients. The same ones you’re now using on your face will be perfect. You must now include your neck and décolleté as part of your face (twice a day).

Is your skin different on your neck?

It has 3 distinctive layers, as your facial skin does, but it lacks the supportive skeletal frame of your face.

Your neck and head rely on the 7 cervical bones of the spine, found at the back of your neck, to keep it upright. Your head is heavy. This means the muscles of your neck have a great deal of work to do. They are strong when young with the flexibility and structure of youthful muscles.

As your muscle mass decreases your skin will lose strength and tone. This is when skin becomes crepey.

There are other factors you may need to consider.

Do you have dry skin? Dry skin lacks oil. As it ages it loses volume and density. Dry skin is prone to wrinkle earlier than an oilier skin.

How do you sleep?

Your body and skin regenerate while you sleep. It does this best between 1.00am – 3.00am.
The best regeneration happens if you can get your head down around 10pm. 8 hours of sleep is one of the (4) pillars of good health. So blue light emitting devices before bed are a ‘no go’ as they trick your body into thinking it’s time to get up.

Are you a sun worshipper?

Or were you before? Sun damage isn’t necessarily from last summer. It will haunt you decades after the damage was done.

Under skin ‘padding’ (eh hum, fat).

A little fat gives added volume in your skin making it look smoother.
Drastic weight loss can lead to stretched skin that doesn’t appear to fit snuggly. Its more visible on the neck for the same reasons as above.

Neglect of the neck and décolleté is the one thing you can change today.

Caring for your whole skin will quickly give visible results. Use our 4-step programme for best results.

Can we improve signs of skin ageing in this area?

Yes, you can. Consistency is key, twice a day every day. A product developed especially for the neck is not necessary. Powerful anti-ageing ingredients are essential.

Our Total Skin Repair Concentrate is packed with hyper effective ingredients. These work on all layers of your skin to encourage your cells to work in the same way as they did 10 years before.

By stimulating your own production of collagen and elastin. These youth proteins will add density to your skin. To lift and firm Vitamin C will support the same action and bring a beautiful glow. This product will hydrate and plump your skin, drastically improve the lines on your neck and décolleté, giving firmer stronger skin.

It will improve existing pigmentation marks. Often a sign of previous sun damage. Always follow with your favourite Katherine Daniels Skin Defence Cream. Whichever one you choose you’ll get a powerful age defence formula.

Our Deep Cleansing & Skin Rejuvenating System brings good skin health by stimulating your circulation and oxygenated blood to your skin’s surface. This will bring back the energy to your cells. In turn it will help to stimulate good inter cellular communication and result in a more youthful skin function, as well as a beautiful glow to all skins.

It’s easy to introduce to your routine. I even use mine to massage the back of my neck and shoulders if they feel stiff after a day of virtual meetings.
Find out more about our Deep Cleansing & Skin Rejuvenating in our tutorial here.

Besides my skincare routine stretches help not just my skin but my muscles too. (I’ve added the ones that I do below), these will help will keep your neck and décolleté in its best condition.

With Love,
Donna
Katherine Daniels Co-Founder

Work your muscles, work your skin…

A few simple targeted exercises will work wonders. (Build up your repetitions as your muscles gain strength). Like any form of exercise if you have any pain or discomfort seek medical advice before exercising).

Neck Stretch –

Slowly turn your head to the left. Try to look over your shoulder. Hold for 5 seconds. Back to centre. Repeat to the right. Hold for 5 seconds. Back to centre. (Repeat 5 times).
Slowly move your chin towards your chest. Hold for 5 seconds. Back to centre. Tip your head back as far as you can. Hold for 5 seconds. (Repeat 5 times).
Tilt your left ear towards your left shoulder. Hold for 5 seconds. Back to centre. Repeat to the right. (Repeat 5 times).

Neck and décolleté –

Tilt your head back and swallow 4-5 times.
Keeping your head back. Lift your lower jaw pushing your chin forward. Your lower teeth are now in front of your upper teeth. Hold for 5 seconds. (Repeat 5 times).
Relax your head forward and gently rock from side to side. (Repeat 5 times).
Finally head to centre, facing forwards. Relax your shoulders and breathe slowly and deeply. (Repeat 5 times).

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In today’s world, your skin is up against more than just the sun. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 also shields your skin from two often overlooked threats: blue light and pollution.

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Where else should you be applying your SPF?

Your SPF isn’t just for your face, use all the way down to your décollete and up to your hairline. Not forgetting areas like the tops of your lips, ears, nose and the backs of your hands. These are often overlooked spots that are equally exposed to the sun, whether you’re lounging by the pool or simply driving. The backs of your hands are quick to show signs of ageing, so it’s vital to keep them protected. And if you’re grabbing some winter sun make sure to apply it to the tops of your feet.

How much SPF should you use?

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