How To Get Rid of Turkey Neck: Top 3 Tips & Tricks

Turkey neck is a term often used to describe the sagging skin and wrinkles that can appear around the neck area as we age. This common concern arises primarily because of the natural decline in collagen production because as the skin loses its elasticity, it can lead to the appearance of loose skin and fine lines. 

Thankfully, there are a few different options for reducing the appearance of turkey neck, including exercises, Light Therapy, and in-clinic procedures, and we'll cover them all below!

What Is Turkey Neck and What Causes It?

Turkey neck refers to the sagging and wrinkling of the skin around the neck area, often resembling the loose skin of a turkey's wattle. This skin concern is primarily a result of the natural aging process, where the skin loses its firmness and elasticity over time. As we age, the production of collagen, a vital protein that keeps skin firm and supple, decreases, leading to the appearance of fine lines and sagging.

On top of skin aging being the driving cause of neck sagging, some lifestyle choices such as prolonged sun exposure, poor posture, and excessive smoking and drinking can also contribute.

• Inadequate sun protection can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, further contributing to the sagging appearance.
• Poor posture and repetitive movements can place undue stress on the neck area, leading to muscle strain and skin stretching over time. Constantly looking down at screens or slouching can weaken the neck muscles and contribute to the appearance of loose skin.
• Excessive drinking and smoking can accelerate the skin aging process, leading to reduced collagen production and increased skin sagging, which can contribute to the appearance of turkey neck.
• Rapid weight loss can also lead to a saggy neck as the skin may not have enough time to adjust to the body's new contours, resulting in excess, loose skin around the neck area.

How To Get Rid of Turkey Neck: Top 3 Tips For a Smoother-Looking Neck

1. Neck Firming Exercises

Incorporating neck firming exercises into your routine can be an effective way to support skin tightening and improve the appearance of the neck area. Here are some exercises to help you achieve a firmer, more toned neck:

• Chin Tucks: To perform chin tucks, sit or stand with your back straight. Gently pull your chin towards your chest, creating a double chin effect. Hold this position for a few seconds before releasing. This exercise helps strengthen the neck muscles and promotes tightening.
• Neck Lifts: Lie on your back with your head hanging slightly off the edge of a bed or bench. Slowly lift your head towards your chest, engaging the neck muscles. Hold for a moment, then lower your head back down. Neck lifts are excellent for improving muscle tone and supporting skin tightening.
• Head Turns: Sit or stand with your back straight. Slowly turn your head to the right, hold for a few seconds, then return to the center. Repeat on the left side. Head turns enhance flexibility, reduce tension, and contribute to a more toned neck appearance.
• Platysma Exercise: To target the platysma muscle, sit or stand with your back straight. Pull the corners of your mouth downwards while simultaneously tensing the muscles in your neck. Hold for a few seconds before relaxing. This exercise helps in tightening the neck area and reducing the appearance of sagging skin.

2. Red Light Therapy Neck & Chest Mask

Red Light Therapy is renowned for its ability to penetrate the skin's surface and support natural collagen production. As the skin ages, its natural collagen production decreases and levels of collagen in the skin are lowered; Red Light Therapy helps to support collagen so your skin can look rejuvenated and signs of skin aging are addressed at the source.

Our Red Light Therapy Neck & Chest Mask is designed to elevate your skincare routine by addressing visible signs of aging in the neck and chest area in just 10 minutes per day. This innovative mask utilizes both Red Light Therapy and Near-Infrared Light Therapy to target and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while rejuvenating skin for a radiant glow.

We recommend pairing the mask with our LightBoost Face & Neck Serum, which is formulated with nourishing, visibly firming ingredients like multi peptides, niacinamide, and growth factors, as well as our Lightboost Tech, which is proven to boost the effects of Light Therapy.

Incorporating the Red Light Therapy Neck & Chest Mask into your skincare regimen can help to visibly lift and firm the skin in the neck area by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and creasing, and it's powerful enough to show results in as soon as four weeks but gentle enough to use up to three times per week alongside your other skincare steps.

3. Skincare Products for Neck Firming

High-quality skin firming products also have the potential to help support skin elasticity and smoothness in the neck area. These products are formulated to enhance the appearance of the neck by providing targeted nourishment and hydration. When selecting skincare products for neck firming, make sure to opt for those specifically designed for the neck area, as they are formulated to address the unique needs of this delicate skin.

Also look for powerful ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinol:

• Peptides are known for their ability to enhance radiance, improve texture, and help skin look firmer.
• Hyaluronic acid is renowned for its exceptional hydrating properties, capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This intense hydration helps to plump the skin, smoothing out the appearance of wrinkles and enhancing overall skin texture.
• Another potent ingredient to consider for neck firming is retinol. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is celebrated for its ability to support cell turnover and improve skin texture.

Additional Tips for a Smoother-Looking Neck

Here are some additional tips to help you maintain a radiant neck area:

• Wear Sunscreen Daily: Protecting your skin from UV damage is crucial in preventing premature skin aging. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your neck and chest area every day (even on cloudy days!) to shield your skin from harmful rays and maintain its elasticity and firmness.
• Gentle Exfoliation: Incorporate gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine to promote cell turnover and reveal a smoother, more refined skin texture. Use a mild exfoliant specifically designed for the neck area to avoid irritation.
• Maintain Good Posture: Good posture can help prevent strain on the neck area. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, especially when using electronic devices, to reduce tension and support a firmer appearance. (Check out our blog here if you have tech neck!)
• In-Clinic Procedures: For those seeking more immediate results, in-clinic procedures like Botox® can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the muscles. Additionally, liposuction can be used to help with the appearance of turkey neck by removing excess fat deposits under the chin and along the neck, creating a more defined jawline. However, it's important to approach options like this with caution, as they involve more invasive techniques and come with potential risks. Always consult with a qualified professional to determine the best approach for your needs.

Conclusion

Turkey neck, characterized by sagging skin and wrinkles around the neck area, is a common concern that arises due to factors such as skin aging, lifestyle choices, and rapid weight loss. Thankfully, there are a few options that can work synergistically to visibly lift and smooth your neck area. 

Start by utilizing Red Light Therapy to effectively target visible signs of skin aging like neck sagging and creasing, then use neck firming exercises, such as chin tucks and neck lifts, to support muscle strength and skin tightening, contributing to a firmer neck appearance. 

Additionally, you can look for high-quality skincare products enriched with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinol to visibly enhance skin elasticity and firmness, providing essential hydration and promoting a smoother, more youthful-looking neck.

These tips, paired with some additional measures like ensuring good sunscreen habits and working on your posture can give you the visibly firmer-looking neck you're after!

Want to see the results of Light Therapy for yourself? Check out our Red Light Therapy Before & After photos here!

Disclaimer: Botox® is a registered trademark of Allergan.

Sources:

1. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics - PMC 
2. Spine Health: Posture and Workplace Ergonomics 
3. Impact of Smoking and Alcohol Use on Facial Aging in Women: Results of a Large Multinational, Multiracial, Cross-sectional Survey 
4. Loose Skin After Weight Loss