One of the most visible signs of aging is a reduction in skin firmness. As we age, the skin loses the elasticity it previously had at a young age, and this causes the skin to sag and look saggy. This aging process is most often seen on the face and neck. While you can't turn back time, you can be proactive and try various home and medical treatments to tighten loose neck skin.
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Method 1 of 2: Tighten Neck Skin Through Lifestyle
Step 1. Work your face and neck muscles
There are several exercises that combine stretches and movements that target the muscles of the neck and lower face. Repeat this exercise once or twice a day to tighten your neck for a firmer look.
- Place one hand on the forehead. Push your head into your hands without causing your hands to move forward. You should be able to feel the neck muscles contract. Hold this position for about 10 seconds. Then, hook your hands behind your head, and push your head back to squeeze your neck, and again hold for about 10 seconds.
- Sit with your back straight. Lift your head back so that your chin is pointing at the ceiling while your lips are tightly shut. Next, make chewing movements with your mouth. You will feel your neck and face muscles contract. Repeat this movement about 20 times.
- Again, sit with your back straight and lift your head back so your chin is pointing at the ceiling and keep your lips tightly closed. This time, purse your lips like a kissing motion. Repeat this exercise twice. You may feel that this exercise is the same as the first exercise, but it actually targets different parts of the neck and face.
- Do this exercise carefully because it can cause tension in the neck. Lie in bed with your head hanging over the edge of the bed. Slowly and very carefully lift your head toward your chest, using your neck muscles. Again, slowly and carefully lower the head position. Repeat this movement 5 times. Stop immediately if the muscle feels sore.
Step 2. Avoid repetitive facial expressions
Certain facial movements and expressions, such as tilting your head to show disapproval, can weaken the strength of the surrounding muscles. Pay attention to any repetitive facial expressions you may make to help the skin on your neck stay firmer for longer.
Whenever you use a facial or neck muscle, the movement causes a streak to form under the skin. As the elasticity of the skin decreases, these scars can no longer be replenished, which can lead to permanent wrinkles or creases in the neck
Step 3. Eat healthy foods
There is some evidence to suggest that a balanced diet can protect the skin. Avoiding unhealthy or nutrient-poor foods can help prevent wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity.
- Eating foods high in fat and sugar can slow down cell regeneration. Try not to eat too many fried foods or sweets. Limit your intake of simple sugars, and prioritize consumption of complex carbohydrates.
- Foods that are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, including fruits and vegetables such as raspberries and carrots, can accelerate cell regeneration resulting in healthier skin.
- Yellow or orange fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene. Both, combined with a large amount of water intake, can accelerate cell regeneration resulting in healthy skin that is less prone to damage from pore clogging.
- Foods high in essential fatty acids (alpha-linolenic and linoleic fatty acids), such as walnuts or olive oil, can help keep skin cells hydrated.
- Unhealthy foods can also replace healthy foods you should be eating, foods that provide the vitamins and antioxidants needed to support healthy skin growth.
Step 4. Keep yourself hydrated
Well-hydrated skin is usually firmer and firmer and less likely to sag or wrinkle. By consuming adequate amounts of fluids every day you can help tighten the neck skin.
- You should drink at least nine glasses of water to stay hydrated if you are a woman and 13 glasses if you are a man. Athletes and pregnant women need up to 16 glasses of fluids daily.
- Water is the best choice for meeting your body's fluid needs, but you can also consume decaffeinated teas and juices diluted with water.
- You are still allowed to drink coffee or caffeinated tea, but be aware that these types of drinks can cause you to become slightly dehydrated.
Step 5. Use a moisturizer every day
We recommend choosing a special moisturizer that suits your skin type to increase the production of collagen and elastin every day. Moisturizing the skin properly can help make the neck skin firmer.
- Don't assume that oily skin doesn't need moisturizer. Choose products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic for oily skin.
- Seek advice from a dermatologist or skin care professional to help determine your skin type. You can buy products specifically formulated for your skin type and needs at drugstores and cosmetic counters, including convenience stores.
- Many products can not only increase the production of collagen and elastin, but also improve the appearance of the neck skin by compacting it using ingredients such as silicone and hyaluronic acid.
- Using a moisturizer that also contains sunscreen can make the skin tighter.
Step 6. Limit sun exposure
Ultraviolet radiation, which is present in sunlight, can accelerate the skin's natural aging process by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers that contribute to maintaining skin's firmness. Reducing or avoiding sun exposure can help skin maintain its firmness for longer.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) when you're outdoors working on errands or doing other activities.
- You can also wear a hat with a wide brim to help protect your skin from further sun exposure.
- If you want to take a vacation at the beach or do activities at the pool, consider sitting under an umbrella. Also use a waterproof sunscreen.
Step 7. Quit smoking
Just like sun exposure, smoking accelerates the natural aging process by altering the blood supply to the skin. Stop or at least reduce smoking habits to stop the skin aging process that occurs on the skin so that skin firmness can last longer.
Talk to your doctor if you are having trouble quitting smoking. He will help create an effective treatment plan
Step 8. Avoid sudden weight gain or loss.
Gaining weight can stretch the skin and when the weight comes back down the skin will sag. Sudden weight loss doesn't give the skin a chance to adjust so the skin will look and feel loose. Maintain your current weight or if you want to lose weight do it gradually to avoid sagging neck skin.
Method 2 of 2: Get Firmer Skin with Medical Treatment
Step 1. Use a topical retinoid
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that can improve wrinkles, spots and rough skin. Using a doctor-prescribed topical retinoid can help improve the appearance of the neck skin and help increase its elasticity.
- Tretinoin and tazarotene are two types of retinoids that your doctor may prescribe.
- You need a doctor's prescription for retinoids. So, consult with him to make sure this option is right for you.
- When applying retinoids to your face to reduce fine lines, simply apply a pea-sized amount of this cream to your skin once a day at bedtime or at night.
- Be aware that the sensitivity of the skin to UVA rays will increase when using this cream. So, minimize exposure to lights or sunlight.
- Be aware that some insurance companies will not cover purchases of retinoids used for cosmetic purposes.
- You can buy skin creams that contain low levels of retinoids without a prescription. Be aware that these creams will not work as well as prescription retinoids and may not improve skin condition after long-term use.
- Retinoids can cause redness, dry skin, and a burning sensation on the skin.
Step 2. Perform the treatment with laser, light source or radio frequency therapy
Using laser-assisted treatments, light sources, or radiofrequency can stimulate the growth of new collagen in the skin. Choose one of these treatments to help tighten neck skin.
- Laser treatments and light sources destroy the outer layer of the skin and heat the layer beneath it, stimulating collagen growth. After the injured skin heals, it will form a smoother and firmer skin.
- It may take about a few months for the skin to fully recover after light or laser therapy. In addition, there are risks such as scar tissue formation, or your skin color turning lighter or darker.
- Consider nonablative laser treatments for less sagging skin.
- Radiofrequency treatment is also classified as nonablative and can be considered. Although the results are not as great as laser or light therapy treatments, you can still see mild to moderate skin tightening.
- Please note that most insurance companies will not cover the cost of treatment for cosmetic purposes.
Step 3. Exfoliate the skin layer
This treatment exfoliates layers of skin and tends to be non-invasive. Chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion remove the outer layer of skin and help increase elasticity while improving the appearance of the skin.
- Chemical peels are performed by doctors by applying acid to the top layer of the skin. The chemicals will burn the skin in areas that have wrinkles, fine lines, and freckles. The skin may take several weeks to heal after undergoing a chemical peel, and you will need to undergo several treatments to see the desired results.
- Dermabrasion will scrape the surface layer of the skin with a brush that moves in a circle. Dermabrasion will stimulate the growth of a new layer of skin that can make the neck skin firmer. It may take months for you to see the desired results and fully recover from the procedure.
- Microdermabrasion is similar to dermabrasion, but only removes a small layer of skin. It takes several treatments to see the desired results with the dermabrasion method, but overall the healing time is shorter than other alternatives. Microdermabrasion also gives only moderate results.
- Be aware that most insurance companies will not cover the cost of treatment for cosmetic purposes.
Step 4. Do Botox injections
Botox is a Botulinum toxin type A that can weaken muscle contractions, making the skin look smoother due to reduced wrinkles. Undergo Botox injections for mild sagging skin conditions that can help tighten neck skin.
- Botox can last about three to four months and you will need to have repeated injections to maintain skin firmness.
- One of the side effects of botox is that you won't be able to move your face and neck muscles. Be aware that this can limit the way you express your emotions.
- Be aware that most insurance companies will not cover the cost of botox injections for cosmetic purposes.
Step 5. Perform soft tissue filler injections
There are several types of soft tissue fillers to choose from, including fat, collagen and hyaluronic acid. You can request this injection for the neck area so that it helps to tighten and tighten the neck skin.
- You may experience swelling, redness and bruising from the injection of a soft tissue filler.
- As with botox or microdermabrasion, you may need to have repeated injections as these soft tissue fillers only last for a few months.
- Please note that most insurance companies are not willing to cover the cost of injecting soft tissue fillers for cosmetic purposes.
Step 6. Consider a facelift
If the neck skin is very loose, surgery may be an option. Surgery is the most extreme form of skin tightening treatment and you should only consider it if it is absolutely necessary or if you can't find other options that will give the desired results.
- As with all cosmetic surgeries, make sure you are fully aware of the risks that may arise and consult a trusted surgeon and clinic.
- Facial pulling surgery will remove excess skin and fat from the neck and then tighten the underlying muscles and connective tissue.
- It can take a long time to heal after facial traction surgery, and you may experience bruising and swelling for weeks afterward.
- The results of facial traction surgery can last for 5 to 10 years.
- After surgery try to wear comfortable clothes that can be removed over the head very easily and comfortably. Prepare a pillow to support the head and neck in a good position. Have someone accompany you for at least 24 hours after surgery.
- Quit smoking completely and stop taking blood-thinning medications (as directed by your doctor) before surgery. Quitting smoking is necessary for proper healing, and blood thinners increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
- Please note that most insurance companies will not cover the cost of facial lifts for cosmetic purposes.
