I Treated My Neck and Chest Like My Face for a Year. The Results Were Astounding.

I Treated My Neck and Chest Like My Face for a Year. The Results Were Astounding.

The Great Neglect Below My Chin

For years, my skincare routine stopped at my jawline. My face looked good, but my neck and chest—my décolletage—were starting to show significant sun damage and fine lines. I made a new rule: every single product I put on my face, from my vitamin C serum to my retinol to my daily sunscreen, I also apply all the way down my neck and across my chest. After a year of this consistent “skinCARE, not just FACEcare,” the difference in the texture, tone, and firmness of my forgotten zones is astounding.

How I Made My “Grandma Hands” Look 10 Years Younger

My Hands Were Telling My Age More Than My Face Was

I looked down at my hands one day and was shocked. They were dry, covered in brown spots, and the skin was getting thin. They looked like my grandmother’s hands. I started an intensive “hand makeover” plan. Every night, I applied a pea-sized amount of my prescription retinoid to the backs of my hands to help with cell turnover and collagen. And every single morning, without fail, I applied a broad-spectrum sunscreen. After six months, the sunspots have faded dramatically, and my skin looks plumper and more youthful.

The “Forgotten Triangle”: Why Your Décolletage Ages So Fast

The Sun’s Favorite Target

A dermatologist called the V-shape of my upper chest the “forgotten triangle.” It’s one of the first places to show signs of aging, and for a simple reason: the skin there is very thin and delicate, and it gets a huge amount of cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime. We are diligent about putting sunscreen on our faces, but we often forget to bring it down to our chest. This sun damage leads to a breakdown of collagen, resulting in wrinkles, redness, and sunspots. Protecting this area with daily sunscreen is non-negotiable.

The Best Skincare Ingredients to Use on Your Neck (And What to Avoid)

Your Neck Is Not as Tough as Your Face

The skin on your neck is thinner and has fewer oil glands than the skin on your face, so it can be more sensitive. While you should use your facial skincare on your neck, you might need to be more gentle. A dermatologist told me that ingredients like retinol and peptides are fantastic for building collagen and firming the neck. However, she warned to be careful with harsh exfoliating acids, like high concentrations of glycolic acid, which can cause irritation. The key is to introduce active ingredients slowly and to always moisturize well.

I Used a “Body Retinol” on My Chest for 6 Months. Here’s the Before and After.

The Gold Standard Ingredient for My Sun-Damaged Skin

My chest was covered in fine lines and sun damage from my youth. I decided to try a dedicated “body retinol” lotion. I used it every other night to start, to avoid irritation, and was religious about applying sunscreen to the area every single day. The progress was slow, but after six months, the “before and after” photos were undeniable. The fine lines were softer, the texture of my skin was much smoother, and my skin tone looked more even. Retinol is a long-term commitment, but it truly is the gold standard ingredient.

The “Tech Neck” Phenomenon: How to Prevent Lines and Wrinkles from Your Phone

My iPhone Was Giving Me a Turkey Neck

I noticed I was developing horizontal lines across my neck, and the skin under my chin was getting looser. My physical therapist called it “tech neck.” I was spending hours every day looking down at my phone and my laptop, which was constantly creasing the skin on my neck and weakening the muscles in the front of my neck. Her solution was simple but effective: hold your phone up at eye level. This simple ergonomic change prevents the constant creasing and is the best preventative medicine for “tech neck” lines.

The #1 Thing You’re Forgetting to Do for Your Hands Every Day (It’s SPF)

My Hands Are Exposed to the Sun Every Single Day

I was so good about putting sunscreen on my face every morning. But I would completely forget about my hands. I realized that my hands, especially when I’m driving, are exposed to a huge amount of incidental sun exposure every single day. The UV rays that come through your car window are a major cause of the age spots and thin, crepey skin that we see on older hands. Now, the last step of my morning routine is to take the leftover sunscreen from my face and apply it thoroughly to the backs of my hands.

I Tried a “Neck Firming” Cream. Did It Actually Work?

A Temporary Tightening, Not a Permanent Lift

I was tempted by an expensive “neck firming” cream that promised to “lift” my sagging neck skin. I used it for two months. Did it work? Sort of. The cream contained ingredients like caffeine and special polymers that provided a temporary “tightening” effect. My neck did look a little bit firmer for a few hours after I applied it. But it did not, and cannot, permanently lift sagging skin. It’s a nice cosmetic smoother, but it is not a “neck lift in a jar.” For real lifting, you need a professional treatment.

The Best Professional Treatments for a Crepey Neck (Morpheus8, Ultherapy)

The High-Tech Tools for a Tighter Neck

I asked a cosmetic dermatologist what actually works for a sagging, crepey neck. She said that while creams can help with texture, for real tightening, you need a professional treatment that stimulates collagen deep in the skin. Her two favorites are Morpheus8, which combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy, and Ultherapy, which uses focused ultrasound. Both are non-surgical, but they are expensive (often several thousand dollars for a series of treatments) and can be uncomfortable. But she said they are the most effective tools for genuinely firming the neck.

How to Give Yourself a “Rejuvenating” Hand Treatment at Home

My Weekly “Hand Facial”

I’ve created a simple, weekly “hand facial” that I do at home. First, I exfoliate my hands with a simple sugar scrub to get rid of any dry, dead skin. Then, I apply a thick layer of a hydrating mask (I just use my favorite facial sheet mask and wipe the excess serum on my hands). After about 15 minutes, I rinse it off and apply a thick, rich hand cream. And for an extra boost, I’ll put on a pair of cotton gloves and leave the cream on overnight. My hands are baby-soft in the morning.

The “Sleep Wrinkles” on Your Chest and How to Prevent Them

My Side-Sleeping Habit Was Creating Cleavage Creases

I’m a side-sleeper, and I was waking up with deep, vertical wrinkles on my chest. A dermatologist told me these “sleep wrinkles” can become permanent over time as your skin loses collagen. The best solution is to train yourself to sleep on your back. But if you can’t, like me, there are a few good hacks. Using a special, contoured “chest pillow” can help to keep your breasts separated. And applying a silicone patch to the area before you go to sleep can prevent the skin from creasing overnight.

I Used a “Silicone Patch” on My Chest Wrinkles Overnight.

The Weird Trick That Actually Works

I was skeptical about the silicone patches that claim to get rid of chest wrinkles. I bought a pack and tried it. You just stick a large, reusable silicone patch onto your clean, dry chest before you go to sleep. The patch works in two ways: it physically prevents the skin from creasing, and it creates a “microclimate” that helps to hydrate the skin. I woke up the next morning, peeled it off, and the wrinkles were gone. The effect is temporary, but for a quick fix, it’s a remarkably effective and non-invasive tool.

The Best Exercises to Tone and Tighten Your Neck and Jawline

The “Forgotten” Muscles Under Your Chin

While you can’t “spot reduce” fat, you can strengthen the muscles under your jawline to create a more toned and lifted appearance. A trainer showed me two simple exercises. The first is the “chin lift”: you tilt your head back, look at the ceiling, and make a “kissing” motion to activate the platysma muscle. The second is to simply place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and swallow, which also engages those under-chin muscles. Doing these a few times a day is like a mini-workout for your jawline.

How to Get Rid of “Age Spots” on Your Hands and Chest

They’re Sun Spots, and You Can Fade Them

Those brown “age spots” are not actually caused by age; they are caused by sun exposure. I had a lot of them on my hands and chest. I used a two-pronged approach to fade them. First, prevention: I became religious about applying a high-SPF sunscreen to those areas every single day. Second, treatment: I used a “brightening” serum with ingredients like Vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinol on the spots every night. After a few months of this consistent routine, my spots have faded significantly.

The “Upward Application” Method for All Your Neck Products

Defying Gravity With My Fingertips

A wise old esthetician taught me a simple but powerful trick for applying my neck cream. She said to always, always apply your products in an upward motion. Start at the base of your chest and use gentle, upward sweeps all the way up to your jawline. The idea is that you are physically lifting the skin and working against gravity, rather than pulling it down. It’s a small, mindful change in technique that reinforces the “lifting” and “firming” intention of the products you are using.

I Got a “Hand Peel” from My Dermatologist.

A Chemical Peel for My “Driver’s Hands”

My hands had a lot of sun damage and a rough texture. My dermatologist recommended a series of light chemical peels, just like you would get for your face. She used a gentle glycolic acid solution. The peel itself was quick and just tingled a bit. For the next few days, my hands were a little red and flaky. But after the peeling was done, the skin on the back of my hands was unbelievably smooth, bright, and even-toned. It was a fantastic way to “re-set” the skin on my hands.

The Best “Driving Gloves” to Protect Your Hands from Sun Damage

My Chicest and Smartest Anti-Aging Accessory

The number one place we get sun damage on our hands is in the car. The sun’s aging UVA rays penetrate right through the car window. To protect my hands, I invested in a pair of stylish, UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) driving gloves. They are lightweight and comfortable. I just keep them in my car and slip them on before I start driving. It might seem a little extra, but it’s the single most effective way to prevent the sunspots and wrinkles that give away your age.

How to Exfoliate Your Neck and Chest Gently

Treat This Area Like a Delicate Flower

The skin on your neck and chest is much thinner and more delicate than the skin on your face. You have to be very gentle when you exfoliate. I learned to avoid harsh, gritty physical scrubs on this area. Instead, I use a gentle chemical exfoliant. A toner or a serum with a low concentration of a lactic or mandelic acid is a great option. I use it just two or three times a week at night to help improve cell turnover and smooth the skin’s texture without causing irritation.

I Tried a “Gua Sha” Routine for My Neck and Jawline. It Reduced Puffiness.

The Sculpting Stone for My Double Chin

I started using a gua sha stone as part of my nightly skincare routine, focusing on my neck and jawline. Using a facial oil, I use the stone to do a series of gentle, upward and outward “scraping” motions. It’s not about pressure; it’s about lymphatic drainage. The routine helps to reduce the puffiness that can accumulate under my chin and along my jawline. After I’m done, my jawline looks noticeably more defined and sculpted. It’s a relaxing, 5-minute ritual with visible results.

The Best Cuticle Care Routine for Healthy, Youthful-Looking Nails

Ragged Cuticles Can Age Your Hands

You can have a perfect manicure, but if your cuticles are dry and ragged, your hands will still look unkempt. I have a simple, two-step cuticle care routine. First, I never cut my cuticles. They are there to protect the nail bed. Instead, after a shower when my skin is soft, I gently push them back with a cuticle stick. Second, I am religious about applying a nourishing cuticle oil every single night before I go to bed. This simple routine keeps my nails and the skin around them looking healthy and youthful.

I Got “Filler” for the Veins on the Back of My Hands.

Plumping Up My “Skeleton” Hands

As I got older, I lost a lot of the fatty tissue on the back of my hands. This made my veins and tendons look very prominent, giving me a “skeletal” look that I hated. My dermatologist suggested a treatment using a specific type of hyaluronic acid filler, like Radiesse, to restore some of that lost volume. The procedure was quick. She just injected a small amount of the filler and massaged it in. The result was instant. My hands looked plumper, smoother, and so much younger.

The Perfect “Neck Stretch” Series to Release Tension

Releasing My “Tech Neck”

I carry all my stress in my neck and shoulders. I do a simple series of neck stretches every afternoon to release the tension. First, I gently drop my right ear toward my right shoulder, holding for 30 seconds. I repeat on the left. Then, I drop my chin to my chest to stretch the back of my neck. Finally, I do a few slow, controlled neck circles in each direction. This simple, three-minute routine is a lifesaver for releasing the tension that builds up from a day spent at a computer.

How to Choose a Sunscreen for Your Chest That Won’t Ruin Your Clothes

The “No-Stain” Sunscreen Secret

I was diligent about applying sunscreen to my chest, but I found that the avobenzone in many chemical sunscreens would leave a stubborn, yellowish stain on the neckline of my white t-shirts. I learned that the secret is to use a “mineral” sunscreen on my chest. Mineral sunscreens, which use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and don’t cause the same chemical reaction with fabric. They can sometimes have a white cast, but the newer micronized zinc formulas are much more elegant.

I Made a “Hydrating Hand Mask” with Kitchen Ingredients.

A DIY Recipe for Softer Hands

My hands were incredibly dry. I made a simple, DIY hydrating hand mask with ingredients from my kitchen. I mashed up half of a ripe avocado (for its healthy fats and vitamin E). I mixed in a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of honey (a natural humectant). I slathered this mixture all over my hands, put on a pair of disposable gloves, and let it sit for 20 minutes. After I rinsed it off, my hands were unbelievably soft and hydrated.

The Surprising Way Your “Perfume Habit” Could Be Aging Your Neck

My Fragrance Was Causing “Photo-Toxicity”

I used to spray my perfume directly onto the sides of my neck every single day. I started to notice some redness and hyperpigmentation in that exact area. A dermatologist told me that many of the fragrance oils and alcohol in perfumes can cause a “phototoxic” reaction when they are exposed to the sun. This can lead to inflammation and dark spots. Her advice: spray your perfume on your clothes or on your wrists, not on the sun-exposed skin of your neck and chest.

I Tried a “Red Light Therapy” Device on My Neck and Chest.

The Collagen-Boosting Light Panel

I invested in an at-home red light therapy panel. I was primarily using it for my face, but I decided to start using it on my neck and chest as well. I would sit in front of the panel for 10 minutes, three times a week. Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and stimulate your cells’ mitochondria, which can boost collagen production over time. After about three months of consistent use, I noticed a subtle but definite improvement in the firmness and texture of the skin on my décolletage.

The Best “Non-Greasy” Hand Creams That Actually Work

Hydration Without the Slip-and-Slide

I hate the feeling of a greasy hand cream. I can’t touch my phone or a doorknob for 10 minutes after I apply it. I’ve been on a quest to find the best non-greasy formulas. I’ve found that the best ones often contain silicones (like dimethicone), which create a silky, protective barrier without a greasy feeling. I also look for creams that are “fast-absorbing.” A good hand cream should sink in quickly, leaving your hands feeling soft and hydrated, not like an oil slick.

How to Conceal Blemishes and Redness on Your Chest

My “Body Makeup” Trick

I sometimes get a blemish or some redness on my chest, especially if I’m wearing a lower-cut top. I’ve learned a simple “body makeup” trick. I use a small amount of a full-coverage concealer that matches my skin tone and just pat it onto the spot with my finger. Then, the most important step, I set it with a light dusting of a translucent setting powder. The powder locks the concealer in place and prevents it from rubbing off on my clothes.

I Tried “Microneedling” on My Décolletage for Sun Damage.

Creating Tiny Wounds to Heal My Skin

My chest had a lot of sun damage and a crepey texture. I decided to try a series of three professional “microneedling” treatments. The procedure involves a device with tiny needles that creates microscopic punctures in the skin. This “controlled injury” stimulates your body’s natural wound-healing response and boosts the production of new collagen. The treatments were a bit uncomfortable, but the results were impressive. My skin texture is much smoother, and the sun damage is significantly lighter.

The “Scarf” Solution: A Stylish Way to Protect Your Neck from the Sun

My Favorite Anti-Aging Accessory

On days when I know I’ll be in the sun for a long time, a scarf is my best friend. A lightweight, silk or cotton scarf, draped artfully around my neck, is a stylish and incredibly effective way to protect the delicate skin on my neck and chest from the sun’s damaging UV rays. It’s more reliable than sunscreen, which can rub off or be applied improperly. I now think of my scarf collection not just as a fashion accessory, but as a key part of my sun protection toolkit.

How to Strengthen Brittle Nails Naturally

I Started “Eating” for My Fingertips

My nails were always brittle and peeling. I learned that nail health is a direct reflection of my internal health. I started to “eat” for my nails. I increased my intake of biotin-rich foods, like eggs and almonds. I made sure I was getting enough protein, which is the building block of keratin. And I focused on iron-rich foods like spinach, as iron deficiency can be a major cause of brittle nails. Strengthening my nails started not at the salon, but in the kitchen.

I Got a “Profhilo” Treatment for My Neck Skin Laxity.

The “Injectable Moisturizer” from Europe

I was hearing a lot about a new treatment from Europe called “Profhilo.” It’s not a filler; it’s an “injectable moisturizer.” It’s a series of small injections of a very high concentration of hyaluronic acid all over the neck. It doesn’t add volume, but it spreads under the skin, providing deep, long-lasting hydration and stimulating your own collagen production. I tried it. The treatment was quick, and after a few weeks, the skin on my neck was noticeably less crepey and had a beautiful, dewy glow.

The Best Soaps and Cleansers That Won’t Strip Your Hands

My Antibacterial Soap Was the Enemy

I was washing my hands constantly, and they were always dry, cracked, and irritated. I realized the harsh, antibacterial hand soap I was using was the problem. It was stripping my skin of its natural, protective oils. I switched to a gentle, hydrating, pH-balanced hand soap—the kind you might use on your face. I looked for formulas with ingredients like glycerin and shea butter. This simple swap has made a huge difference. My hands are still clean, but they are no longer stripped and painfully dry.

How Your “Sleeping Position” is Giving You a Turkey Neck

My Pillow Was My Neck’s Worst Nightmare

I was a stomach-sleeper, with my head turned to one side on a flat pillow. A chiropractor told me this was a recipe for a “turkey neck.” The position was constantly creasing the skin on one side of my neck and shortening the muscles on the other. He recommended I try to sleep on my back, with a special, contoured cervical pillow that supports the natural curve of my neck. The transition was hard, but it has made a huge difference in my morning neck pain and the appearance of my neck skin.

The Art of the “Manicure That Lasts” Without Damaging Your Nails

The Secret Is in the Prep and the Top Coat

I love the look of a fresh manicure, but it would always chip within two days. A professional manicurist taught me the secrets to a lasting polish. First, prep is key. You must wipe your clean, bare nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils before you apply the base coat. Second, use thin, even coats of polish. And third, the most important step, is to apply a high-quality, long-lasting top coat, and to “cap” the free edge of your nail with it. This creates a seal that prevents chipping.

I Used a Vitamin C Serum on My Hands Every Day for 3 Months.

An Antioxidant Shield for My Most-Exposed Skin

I started treating the backs of my hands like I treat my face. Every morning, after I washed my hands, I would apply a few drops of a vitamin C serum before my hand cream and sunscreen. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage from the sun and pollution. After three months of this consistent practice, the skin on my hands looked brighter, the tone was more even, and my existing sunspots had started to fade.

The Best Lotions and Potions for Healing Cracked, Dry Hands

My “Overnight Hand Slugging” Routine

In the winter, my hands get so dry they crack and bleed. I developed an intense “overnight slugging” routine. Before bed, I apply a thick layer of a hand cream that contains a gentle exfoliant, like lactic acid. Then, I apply a very thick, occlusive layer of a simple ointment, like Aquaphor or Vaseline, over the top. Then I put on a pair of cotton gloves and go to sleep. This process exfoliates the dead skin and deeply traps the moisture. I wake up with baby-soft, healed hands.

How to Protect Your Hands While Doing Chores (Gardening, Dishes)

Gloves Are Your Hands’ Best Friend

The easiest way to make your hands look old is to subject them to harsh cleaning chemicals and hot water. I have a simple rule: I never do dishes or house cleaning without wearing a pair of rubber gloves. When I’m gardening, I always wear a pair of thick gardening gloves. This simple act of protecting my hands from the harsh detergents, the hot water, and the dirt has done more to keep them looking youthful and feeling soft than any expensive hand cream.

I Tried a “Neck Support” Pillow for Sleeping.

My Head Was in a Cradle All Night

I was waking up with a lot of neck pain. I invested about $70 in a special, ergonomically designed “cervical” pillow. It has a contoured shape with a dip in the middle to cradle your head and a raised area to support the natural curve of your neck. It felt very strange for the first few nights. But after my neck got used to being in proper alignment all night, my morning neck pain completely disappeared. A supportive pillow is a critical piece of the puzzle for a healthy neck.

The Surprising Link Between Your “Posture” and Your Neck’s Appearance

My Slump Was Giving Me a Sag

I was starting to develop some sagging skin under my chin. A posture expert pointed out that my chronic “forward head posture”—from looking at a computer all day—was a major contributing factor. When your head is pushed forward, the platysma muscle in the front of your neck is weakened and shortened, which can lead to the appearance of a “turkey neck.” By consciously working on my posture and doing exercises to strengthen my upper back, I have noticed a definite improvement in the tone and appearance of my neck.

I Got BBL/IPL Laser on My Chest to Erase Sun Spots.

The Light That Zapped My Damage Away

My décolletage was covered in brown sunspots from years of sun exposure. I went to a dermatologist for a series of BBL (BroadBand Light) laser treatments. BBL uses intense pulsed light to target the pigment in the sunspots. The treatment felt like a series of quick, hot rubber band snaps. For a few days afterwards, the spots got darker (like coffee grounds) and then just flaked off. After three sessions, my chest was clear, even-toned, and looked a decade younger. It was an incredibly effective way to erase my past sun sins.

The “Paraffin Wax” Treatment for Baby-Soft Hands

The Warm Wax Cocoon

For a special treat, I get a “paraffin wax” treatment with my manicure. It’s an add-on that costs about $15. The technician has you dip your hands into a bath of warm, melted paraffin wax. You dip them several times to create a thick, waxy “glove.” Then, your hands are wrapped in plastic and placed in insulated mitts for about 15 minutes. The gentle heat is incredibly soothing for achy joints, and when the wax is removed, your hands are unbelievably soft and hydrated.

How to Choose Jewelry That Flatters Your Neck and Décolletage

The Right Necklace Can Elongate and Illuminate

A stylist taught me that the right jewelry can be a powerful tool for flattering your neck and chest. If you have a shorter neck, a longer “pendant” style necklace that creates a “V” shape can be very elongating. If you want to draw attention to your collarbones, a delicate, shorter chain that sits right at the base of your throat is perfect. And a pair of bright, interesting earrings can draw the eye upward, away from any neck concerns you might have.

The Best “Night Routine” for Your Hands and Neck

Let Your Products Work While You Sleep

My nightly routine doesn’t stop at my face. After I’ve applied all my facial skincare, I have a dedicated routine for my hands and neck. I take a pea-sized amount of my retinoid and apply it to my neck, chest, and the backs of my hands. Then, I follow up with a very thick, rich moisturizing cream on those same areas. The night is when your body is in its primary “repair” mode, so it’s the perfect time to let these powerful active ingredients work their magic uninterrupted.

I Extended My “Face Masking” Ritual to My Neck and Chest.

My Décolletage Deserves a Treat, Too

Once a week, I have a “face masking” ritual. I used to just apply the mask to my face. Now, I extend the ritual all the way down my neck and chest. If I’m using a hydrating sheet mask, I’ll use the extra serum in the packet on my décolletage. If I’m using a clay mask, I’ll apply it to my chest as well, as this area can also get clogged pores. It’s a simple way to make sure this often-neglected area is getting the same targeted treatment as my face.

The Best “At-Home” Peels for Your Décolletage

A Gentle Resurfacing for My Sun-Damaged Chest

The skin on your chest is more delicate than your face, so you have to be careful with at-home peels. I’ve found that “peel pads” soaked in a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid, like lactic acid or mandelic acid, are a great option. I’ll use one once or twice a week at night. They provide a gentle, effective exfoliation that helps to fade sunspots, smooth out the texture, and improve the overall radiance of the skin on my décolletage, without causing the irritation that a stronger peel might.

I Stopped “Looking Down” at My Phone. My Neck Thanked Me.

The “Eye-Level” Rule for All My Devices

I was constantly looking down at my phone, my tablet, my laptop. My neck was always sore, and I was developing those dreaded “tech neck” lines. I implemented a simple ergonomic rule for myself: the “eye-level” rule. I now use a stand for my phone and my tablet on my desk. I have my laptop on a stand so that the top of the screen is at eye level. This simple act of bringing my devices up to my eye level, instead of bringing my head down to them, has completely eliminated my neck pain.

The “Investment” Hand Cream: Is It Ever Worth It?

When Is a $50 Hand Cream Justified?

I generally believe that a simple, inexpensive hand cream is fine. But there are a few cases where an “investment” hand cream might be worth it. If you are looking for specific anti-aging results, a hand cream that is formulated with active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C is going to be more expensive, but also more effective, than a basic moisturizer. For me, a hand cream with a high SPF that I love the texture of is also a worthwhile investment, because it ensures I will actually use it every day.

How to Blend Your Foundation Down Your Neck for a Seamless Look

The “Mask” Effect Is Instantly Aging

One of the biggest makeup mistakes that can age you is having a visible foundation “mask” at your jawline. A makeup artist taught me the secret to a seamless blend. After you’ve applied your foundation to your face, don’t add any more product to your brush or sponge. Just use whatever is left on the tool to gently blend and feather the color down your neck. This creates a soft, natural gradient, ensuring that there is no harsh line of demarcation between your face and your neck.

My “Ageless Hands & Neck” Protocol: A Complete Weekly Routine

The Multi-Step Plan for My “Forgotten” Zones

I’ve created a comprehensive weekly routine for my hands, neck, and chest. Two nights a week, I use a chemical exfoliant. Three nights a week, I use a retinol. The other two nights are “recovery” nights with just a thick moisturizer. Every single morning, I apply a Vitamin C serum followed by a broad-spectrum sunscreen. And once a week, I do a hydrating mask on the area. This consistent, multi-step protocol is my proactive plan to keep these often-neglected areas looking as healthy and youthful as my face.