*This is a collaborative post
When you think about aging, chances are your neck isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But for many, it quietly becomes one of the first places where the years start to show.
As we age, the neck takes a lot of stress. With every passing year, the body’s production of collagen and elastin, needed for firm and smooth skin, lessens and causes wrinkles and creases. Gravity starts making the skin below the jaw and along the neck sag lower. You may notice that the muscles in your neck start to droop, creating an effect of “cords” or “bands” in your skin.
Ultimately, the buildup of extra fat on the neck and chin will hide the beautiful shape of your neck. It can feel frustrating, especially when you are doing everything else “right.”
If you live in hot cities like Scottsdale, where you're constantly in light clothing and often less covered, there are actual steps you can take to deal with aging around the neck area. Let’s break it all down.
Start With Simple Daily Habits
You do not need to turn your life upside down. A few small changes can actually make a real difference. Start by treating your neck the same way you treat your face. Every time you apply your cleanser and moisturizer, bring them down a little lower. That’s it.
You can also try moving your hands upward when applying products. It helps fight gravity in a gentle way.
And don’t forget posture. Looking down all day can lead to more lines over time. Try raising your phone when you check it. Well, it feels silly at first, but your neck will thank you later.
Invest in a Good Sunscreen
The neck takes a lot of sun—more than most people realize. And unlike your face, it’s easy to forget. But over time, all that sun exposure causes the skin to age faster, lose firmness, or develop uneven spots. In severe cases, it can even lead to skin cancer.
That’s why sunscreen matters. If you want to keep your skin looking healthy, apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily to your neck each morning. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just do it every day, even if it’s cloudy or you’re not planning to be outside much. That simple step goes a long way in keeping your skin strong and smooth later on.
Some Treatments Help Without Surgery
If you are ready for something besides skincare, there are non-surgical treatments that will firm the skin and soften deep lines. Laser therapy, or microneedling, can help rebuild the support under the skin. You can also choose a neck lift in Scottsdale that will get rid of sagging skin and gently lift and tighten the area below the chin and around the jawline. The change is a little more noticeable, but when done right, it still looks natural.
The key is choosing the right hands—professionals who focus on subtle, balanced results, not something extreme. Ask questions or photos of previous work to ensure you are working with a qualified surgeon.
Stay Active with Neck-Safe Exercises
Regular movement strengthens your body, and it’s important for your neck, too. If you keep active, you will support the muscles that hold your posture, making your neck look firmer and feel more comfortable. However, there are types of exercises that are not gentle to this delicate area. Pushing too hard (or using poor form) can do more harm than good.
The key here is choosing something gentle and neck-friendly. You could do walks in the evening and take swimming lessons, which are great for full-body movement without stress. You can also throw in some light neck stretches to keep things flexible. Another great exercise is yoga or Tai chi (with guidance). All these exercises will help you with balance, posture, and body awareness—all things that support a healthier, more youthful neck.
Sleep Smarter
Getting enough sleep not only makes you feel better in the mornings (and a load of health benefits). It may also gradually make a difference in the way your neck looks and feels.
Have you ever woken up with a stiff neck? You probably slept in a bad position. To ensure you don’t spend your day with neck pain or a headache, ensure you sleep on your back or side all night (with comfortable switching, of course). Always make sure your neck and spine are running parallel.
Conclusion
Getting older is part of life. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to feel better about how you look. You are not chasing youth; you are just keeping up with the way you feel inside.
Your neck doesn't have to give away your age. With the right approach, you can keep this area looking smooth, firm, and youthful for years to come. The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is right now.
