Face or Neck: Where Should You Really Be Applying Your Sunscreen?

The sun damages and ages your skin, and your neck in particular. Here’s how you can prevent it.

It’s a hot, sweltering day at the beach, and you have just one dot of sunscreen left in your bottle. Uh-oh. Where to apply it? Most of us would be inclined to put their sunscreen on their face to prevent sunburn. But, there are other areas that need the sunscreen much more urgently.

“If you only have a squirt of sunscreen left, it should go to your neck area, not the face,” says Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich, NYC’s top facial plastic surgeon and facelift expert. “And not just to the back of the neck, where most people know to put it; it should go to the front of the neck and the décolleté area.” If a facelift expert with over 15 years of making faces look more beautiful tells us protecting the neck is essential, we better listen!

The Importance Of Sunscreen On The Neck (And Face)

Sun tanning is considered by most experts to be one of the most skin-damaging practices. Second only to cigarette smoking, it can destroy collagen, create deep wrinkles, and cause premature aging of the skin. Definitely not what we want for our faces! However, even after the skin is damaged by harmful UV light, there are still a number of treatments available that can improve your skin’s health and appearance. According to facelift expert, Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich, laser treatments, chemical peels, and dermabrasion are just some of the methods to rejuvenate the skin of the face. For more advanced signs of aging, however, the next step could potentially be a facelift procedure.

But, few people are aware that the neck and décolleté have distinct characteristics that require extra care. Despite close proximity and apparent similarity, the skin of the neck is very different from the skin of the face. 

One of the most notable differences is the number of sweat glands; the neck has a greatly reduced number as compared to the face. Surprisingly, this small detail makes it much more difficult to rejuvenate the skin of the neck the same way as the face and still have as good a result. 

Additionally, the neck is often subject to less frequent and thorough skincare routines, and often neglected, making it more prone to environmental damage and visible signs of aging. The neck also has thinner and more delicate skin, which is more susceptible to sagging and wrinkling. This is why, from a plastic surgeon’s perspective, putting sunscreen on the face and especially the neck is very important to help prevent these aging changes.

Regular Use Of Sunscreen Is Strongly Recommended By Experts

It’s better to be safe than sorry and preventative steps are crucial when it comes to our delicate necks. To avoid needing to fix an unsightly neck region when the damage has been done, dermatologists and facial plastic surgeons agree, one should practice applying sunscreen daily when outside. Wearing a layer of SPF 15 lotion even in colder months will protect your skin. In the warmer months, a higher SPF is recommended for longer exposure and stronger UV rays. There are currently hundreds of different affordable (and splurge-worthy) brands and formulations of sunscreens in every beauty store for every skin type and preference. 

Other Preventative Measures

You can help protect your face and neck from the sun and look fashionable at the same time. Wearing brimmed hats, gaiters, turtlenecks, and scarves are ways to protect the neck and décolleté area from the sun. A brightly colored or even a bamboo umbrella can also serve as an elegant sun-shielding accessory.

Avoiding times when the sun is the strongest is also a smart idea for those looking to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Of course, don’t forget to stay hydrated for healthy, plump and youthful-looking skin year round.

Neck And Décolleté Rejuvenation

So, what to do if you spent quite a bit of time in the sun in your youth, and are feeling like your neck is not looking its best? There are still some options you can consider. Even though the neck skin cannot be resurfaced with laser, there are other procedures that can help. Tightening the skin of the neck with a neck lift procedure is one of the most popular and effective options. In most instances, for the best overall result, a facelift and neck lift are combined to achieve the most comprehensive rejuvenation. Another potentially beneficial treatment involves injecting dermal filler or fat under the skin to smooth out small wrinkles that are typically associated with sun damaged skin. This option is mostly effective in the décolleté area.

Whether you are in your 20s or your 70s, protecting yourself from the sun should be a priority. UV rays can cause skin aging, burning, and even cancer. By following simple steps to take care of your skin– particularly the parts that are most vulnerable to the sun, like the neck/décolleté area– you will be able to enjoy outdoor activities without damaging your skin. 

For more information about a neck lift, a facelift or other facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Konstantin is only a consultation away. Contact his Manhattan practice today!