When It Comes to Sun Protection, Don’t Stick Your Neck Out
A simple piece of advice from Midwest Dermatology when it comes to sun protection for your neck: don’t sell yourself short.
That’s because the neck has some of the most delicate skin on your body and it needs all the attention it can get. Unfortunately, many people apply sunscreen religiously to their face, but stop there and completely ignore the skin on their neck until the damage is done.
So, let’s review a brief but effective plan for protecting your neck now, and two steps you can take to manage skin damage that may have already occurred.
This viral social media photo of an older patient’s neck illustrates the serious damage that can happen when you stop sun protection and essential skin care just short of the neck.
Ways to Protect Your Neck Now
First, Sunscreen. Don’t skimp on sun protection for your neck and chest. They get the same amount of sun as your face., and they deserve equal treatment. The key is not only applying sunscreen but picking the right formula. When you choose your sunscreen, the board-certified dermatologists at Midwest Dermatology recommend that you consider the ingredients carefully. At a minimum, choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and pick a broad-spectrum product; this will offer more protection against sunburn, ultraviolet A damage and DNA damage than comparable products with lower SPF.
Pro tip: Elta MD UV Clear boasts SPF 46 in a broad-spectrum formula that is oil-free and ideal for all skin types, and contains Midwest Dermatology physician approved ingredients.
Another tip? If you’re active in a way that will make you sweat, make sure the sunscreen formula is water resistant. At Midwest Dermatology, we have many different sunscreens available for you to purchase. Some are good for acne-prone skin; some have anti-aging ingredients; and some are great for outdoor activities. Next time you visit your dermatologist, don’t leave without checking them out.
Remember, the best sunscreen is “the one you will use.” So instead of putting off buying sunscreen, grab some while you’re here. Our physician recommended sunscreens are also available to view at midwestderm.com/shop.
Second, Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects your skin against photoaging (damage to the skin due to sun exposure). Vitamin C also helps to brighten skin’s complexion, even skin tone, and improve loss of firmness by boosting collagen. Additionally, Vitamin C can help reverse damage caused by pollutants and other environmental stressors. In other words, it has a lot of really great benefits for your skin! For a synergetic combination of 15% pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) to enhance protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals, our physicians recommend CE Ferulic by SkinCeuticals. A little goes a very long way in this mighty serum available in the office or by calling to order at (402) 933-0800.
Three, Remember to Moisturize. The rule of thumb is: if it’s good for your face, it’s good for your neck, too. And moisturizing is so easy to do! Just glide down as you apply your favorite moisturizer. If you aren’t sure which moisturizing product to use, consider making an appointment with our Licensed Dermatology Aesthetician Kimberly Niebur. Many moisturizers are targeted to a particular skin type, so Kimberly will go over the ingredients and match you up with a moisturizer that does the most good.
And Finally, Add a Neck Cream. Midwest Dermatology recommends Techno Neck Cream by SkinBetter Science, a high-end rejuvenation cream for daily use. It’s packed full of ingredients that not only protect your skin from signs of aging, but actually has tested well at undoing lines on the neck. Kimberly (our Licensed Aesthetician) can show you the difference that’s possible, with some eye-opening before and after photos. This product is available in our med spa and at our Midwest Dermatology Lakeside location or can be purchased on line.
Treating Skin Damage on the Neck
Prioritize Annual Skin Exams. If you have signs of photo-aging on your neck, you are at higher risk for precancer and cancerous lesions. Make sure you keep your annual skin check appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists and memorize the warning signs of skin cancer – those changes to your skin that will help you spot a cancer early for best outcomes.
Look Into Laser Resurfacing & Microneedling. Several services available at Midwest Dermatology may help firm and tighten loose, saggy neck skin. The biggest impact can be achieved with the FX laser, a resurfacing giant that offers optimum results. Other rejuvenation treatments, including RF microneedling from Vivace and SkinPen microneedling, can be used to facilitate the production of new collagen and elastin. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, simply schedule a consultation appointment to discuss your options.
No matter what state your neck in in now, don’t worry because Midwest Dermatology is here to help. And, with a little homework on your end and a little dermatology know-how on ours, you’re sure to love the way your neck, and the rest of your skin, looks and feels.