How to Keep your Décolletage Looking Youthful

When it comes to caring for your neck and chest, the signs of ageing, many attributed to sun damage appear in many forms from crepey skin, hyperpigmentation and freckles, loss of skin tone and sagging. Over the years and decades are possibly all guilty of neglecting this area of the body. We are often asked if there is a need for a targeted décolletage cream. The short answer is no. There is a common rule that we apply to our face care and it’s unofficially titled… “take it to the bust”. Read on to learn what you can do to prevent premature ageing and keep this area looking youthful and toned.

What is my décolletage?

In the cosmetic industry, the term “décolletage” refers to the area of skin on the upper chest and neckline, extending from the shoulders down to the bust line. This area is often exposed to the sun and other environmental stressors with little protection or daily care. 

Do I need a Neck Cream?

Buying a separate product for your decolletage is unnecessary, it contributes to over consumption and landfill while also being a hit to the hip pocket. The only time we recommend a targeted product for this area is if you are addressing a skin concern such as hyper pigmentation where you may need a brightening formula or you are addressing very dry skin where a balm or oil may be the best answer. 

Your daily face moisturiser is an effective treatment for this area. There is no scientific proof that we have found and trust us we do a lot of research, and we have not found any evidence that in convincing in the claim we NEED a separate neck cream. In saying this, I will recommend a product that is well priced and ideal as neck and chest cream for anyone looking for a fragrance-free anti-ageing cream for this area ensuring your very precious and expensive moisturiser goes a little further. Read on. 

The 7 Causes of Ageing to the Décolletage area?

A combination of intrinsic (natural aging process) and extrinsic (environmental and lifestyle factors) contributes to the visible signs of ageing in the delicate décolletage area.

1. Sun exposure: The décolletage area is often exposed to the sun, leading to photodamage, including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. UV radiation from the sun breaks down collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, leading to loss of elasticity and firmness.
2. Decreased collagen and elastin production: As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, proteins that provide structure and elasticity to the skin. This reduction in collagen and elastin leads to sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
3. Loss of moisture: Ageing skin tends to lose moisture and become drier over time. This can result in dehydration and a dull, rough texture in the décolletage area.
4. Gravity: Gravity contributes to the downward pull on the skin over time, leading to sagging and drooping of the décolletage area.
5. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause, can contribute to changes in skin thickness, texture, and elasticity, leading to visible signs of ageing in the décolletage area.
6. Sleeping position: Sleeping on one’s side or stomach can cause creases and wrinkles to form on the décolletage area over time.
7. Poor skincare habits: Neglecting to moisturise and protect the décolletage area, as well as not using sunscreen regularly, can accelerate the signs of ageing.

Our Top Tips for Keeping your Décolletage Youthful

Topical treatments along with the use of daily sunscreen can visibly improve the look of the décolletage. 

• Take it to the Bust: take your face treatment serum and moisturiser down your neck and chest to the top of your bust line. If you’re using a very expensive cream, and trust me, I know the feeling it can be easier said than done! My neck and chest certainly need anti-ageing treatment. As an alternative to your very expensive face cream; I love the Les Huilettes Universal Emulsion Cream for so many reasons! This anti-ageing emulsion is fragrance free, so it doesn’t interrupt my perfume, it’s lightweight but highly moisturising, it leaves my neck and chest hydrated, with a velvety feel and it helps prevent little breakouts which my chest tends to be prone to. With vitamin A, E and F along with essential fatty acids from the Shea Butter base, this cream provides the ideal support for keeping the decolletage nourished, line-free while helping to minimise the look of pigmentation and sunspots.