Ageing of the skin is a natural process and can be divided into natural ageing and photoaging. While it is impossible to stop the ageing clock completely, it is entirely possible to delay or prolong the same. Neck wrinkles due to ageing, look aesthetically unappealing. The age of the face and neck start to look different, and there is an imbalance. The cause of wrinkles or ageing on the neck is depletion of collagen and elastin, which naturally keep the skin firm, in the deeper layers of the skin causing the neck skin to sag and wrinkle.

• Sun damaged skin is notoriously bad for neck lines and wrinkles. Always apply a sunscreen with at least a SPF 30 rating to the neck. Although the sunscreen will not reduce the lines already visible on your neck, they will prevent further skin damage caused by the sun. Sunscreen usage will prevent new neck lines from appearing, while providing you with essential UV protection as well.

• Cleanse and moisturise the neck – Intense moisturising helps. Moisturising masks also give a good hydration and keep the skin supple. You can use coconut, argan, olive, jojoba or grapeseed oil, according to your skin type. The medicated body butters or moisturisers are also good. Protect the delicate skin of the neck from sun damage with a paraben-free sunscreen, suited to the skin type.

• Exercise to reduce neck wrinkles due to ageing – Exercising your neck will strengthen the muscles. As these muscles get tighter, they will pull on the skin of the neck area and make any lines or wrinkles appear smoother. Regular exercising will also help to prevent new neck lines and wrinkles from forming.

• Eat healthy and stay hydrated – A balanced diet with vegetables and fruits is a must. They contain minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, required for a healthy skin. Fish and soy are particularly advised. Drink plenty of fluids, at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.

• Quit Smoking – Smoking can make you look older than your actual age. If you smoke, you aren’t doing any favours to the delicate skin on your neck and face. Once you have quit smoking, this will allow the skin to heal and rejuvenate itself. It will give you less severe fine lines and wrinkles on the neck.

• At night, use retinol-based cream formulated for the face, neck, and chest which can help stimulate collagen.

• Best skincare products for neck – Our skin care consisted of various facial skincare products with anti-aging properties. Any products you use on the skin of your face can be applied to your neck as well. Skincare products should be effective in reducing neck lines and wrinkles. Each day, apply some oil-free moisturiser on the neck, spreading the product evenly around the front and the back. In addition, you should also exfoliate the neck at least once a week. Regular exfoliation helps to get rid of dead skin cells, while stimulating the growth of new healthy cells for smoother skin.

• Lasers can be used to stimulate collagen and strengthen the skin foundation. Botox is another option. The injection can help relax the muscles under the skin to prevent lines from forming. When the effect of Botox wears off, the neck muscles will start to constrict again and re-fold the skin.

(Disclaimer: Ensure to speak to your dermatologist or physician before starting any new product)