Gobble, Gobble, Gone! Conquering the Dreaded "Turkey Neck" (and Why We

Gobble, Gobble, Gone! Conquering the Dreaded "Turkey Neck" (and Why We Should Stop Calling It That)

Let’s talk turkey…neck, that is! It happened to me – however, I refuse to call it “turkey neck”. And chances are if you’re over forty-five it has (or will) happen to you too. I’m certainly not wishing it on you, but we can’t stop the inevitable – hello, time!

Your neck reflects the life you’ve lived. Those wrinkles, that crepey skin, and yes, even the sagginess are all a result of the journey you’ve been on to get to this point in life. Watching your children (and literally looking down) as they grow over the years, spending too much time in group chats or reading important work emails our cell phones, and well, that inescapable thing called gravity…It’s all part of the life that’s led you to where you are today, full of wisdom (maybe), and stories to tell (definitely).

While I’m all about embracing the neck I’ve earned, I’m not going to throw in the towel and just learn to live with it looking less than its best. I’m going to help it age gracefully, like the rest of my body…and I’m here to help you do the same.

This blog is here to lift your spirits and share some thoughts about neck aging: why it happens, some do's and don'ts for helping it stay in shape, and what you can do to have the confidence to stick your neck out.

But first…

Let’s talk about the name “Turkey Neck”

The term is outdated, unflattering, and, honestly, a little mean. You shouldn’t be embarrassed by the natural changes your body goes through as you age. You deserve better! And so does your neck. It lets you hold your head high, give you the power to look ahead, and don’t forget the infinite “I’m listening” nods that make it seem like you’re paying attention to a boring conversation. Your neck deserves respect. It deserves to be lauded for its work, not criticized for its looks.

Neck wrinkles, crepey skin, sagging neck – why do we feel compelled to dwell on these things, let alone give them a nasty name? From here on out, let’s go with “neck aging”, not perfect, but infinitely better than turkey neck.

Why Does Turkey Neck Neck Aging Happen?

You may have wondered why the skin on your neck sags or wrinkles. It all has to do with the natural loss of collagen and elastin, the proteins that help keep our skin firm, elastic, and smooth. It’s a consequence of that comes with age…you knew it had to do with aging.

Your body is an incredible machine – constantly regenerating cells to replace aging, damaged tissue. But, as you age, the process slows down, and the degenerative process starts to outpace the regenerative one. The result for your neck appearance? Its skin loses the ability to bounce back, leading to that sagging we’re not used to seeing (and not going to call turkey neck).

Some Do’s and Don’ts

Many of the ways to you can keep your neck looking its best are similar to keeping your skin healthy. So, while these may not be big revelations, they are a good reminder of the importance of self-care. When we spend a little time taking care of ourselves, studies show we’re happier and therefore in a better position to support those around us.

So, getting to the point:

The Do’s:

1.Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin plump and hydrated. It has a ton of other benefits, like boosting energy levels, supporting cognitive function, and helping us feel full…Multiple birds, one stone.

2.Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen: Just a friendly note - your chin does not provide enough shade for your neck. I’m guessing you apply sunscreen to your face every time you go outside. If you don’t you should, it’s not too late to start! Take an extra two seconds to cover your neck too. It’s really important to protect all of your skin from harmful UV rays. Johns Hopkins recommends (and we agree!) using an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying it every two hours.

3.Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to nourish your skin from within. Multiple birds and one stone apply here too – disease prevention, better sleep, reduced stress, on top of healthier skin.

The Don'ts:

It’s not just about what you do, it’s also about what you don’t do. Here are a few “don’ts” that can make a difference:

1.Neglect Your Neck: Extend your skincare regimen down to your neck and décolleté. I’ve had a skin care routine for my face for decades, would it have been so hard to include my neck? If you’ve done the same, it’s not too late to start, no time like the present.

2.Smoking: It's a big no-no, but you already knew that. It accelerates the aging process, degrades collagen, and can make your neck look worse…enough said.

3.Overuse Harsh Products: The skin on your neck is different from the skin on your face. It is thinner and has fewer oil glands, so it requires special care. You should avoid using products in the neck area that can irritate it, like those with parabens.

The Secret to a Smoother Looking Neck

Okay, now for what you’ve been waiting for – the secret for getting my neck back and keeping it looking its best. And no, I’m not about to reveal some crazy expensive plastic surgery (like neck lifts), a love for needles (because no one does), medical laser treatments, or some neck fat removal surgery (is that even a thing). On top of never going anywhere without a water bottle and trying to eat well (I do take vitamins just in case), I use a neck cream packed with growth factors – Smoothology NECK+ Regenerative Cream

Now, before your eyes glaze over from science-y jargon fatigue, let me break it down. Think of growth factors like tiny little messengers that tell your skin to get its act together. They're like the foreman on a construction site, shouting, "More collagen! More extracellular matrix! Let's get building!"

Collagen: The Skin's Super Support System

Collagen is one of the biggest buzz words when it comes to skincare. It's the vital protein in our skin that provides structure, firmness, and elasticity. Think of it as the scaffolding that keeps everything firm and lifted. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, it’s the reason lines appear and skin sags. Boosting collagen production is key to a youthful-looking neck. The growth factors in NECK+ Regenerative Cream signal your body to naturally produce collagen. More collagen means

· Firmer skin: Less sag, more lift!

·Smoother texture: Goodbye, crepey skin!

·Reduced wrinkles: Those pesky lines start to fade.

Extracellular Matrix: The Glue That Holds It All Together

And then there's the extracellular matrix, or ECM. Think of it as the glue that holds all the collagen fibers together. It's the support system for the support system. A strong ECM is essential for healthy, resilient skin. ECM is also boosted by Smoothology NECK+ Regenerative Cream.

·Maintain skin elasticity: Keeps your skin bouncy and supple.

·Improve skin hydration: Plumps up the skin and reduces dryness.

·Promote cell communication: Ensures all the skin cells are working together in harmony.

Pulling It All Together: Growth Factors, Collagen, Matrix, and Your Neck

By stimulating collagen and ECM production, growth factors essentially help rebuild the support structure of your skin. And the best part? It's all happening naturally, from the inside out leading to skin that looks rejuvenated and healthier.

My Neck-Saving Secret

I apply NECK+ every morning and every night without fail. I've made it part of my skincare routine and the beauty of it is, it's working! I noticed a reduction of lines and wrinkles after 2 weeks, and it continued to look smoother, tighter, more lifted over the weeks that followed. More than nine months have passed since I started, and I’m still very happy when I catch a glimpse of my neck in the mirror. Before NECK+, all I saw was sagging neck skin and feeling bad about it.

Overview: How to Get Your Neck Looking Its Best

Alright, let's talk about what you can do to get your neck to look its best. It's all about a mix of healthy habits and giving your neck some extra TLC. Here's the lowdown:

·Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin plump.

·Sunscreen, Always: Don't forget your neck when you're slathering on the SPF!

·Targeted Skincare: Try a neck cream with growth factors.

Our necks have been with us through thick and thin, holding our heads high and helping us navigate life's ups and downs. It's time to give them the attention they deserve. The bottom line is that by embracing a few self-care practices—like staying hydrated, protecting our skin from the sun, and using the right product—we can help our necks age gracefully and feel confident in our own skin. Remember, a little TLC can go a long way; you're worth it, and your neck is worth it too!