7 Best Neck Creams for Women Over 50, Plus Why Dermatologists Say You Should Use One

We lavish our faces with serums, moisturizers and masks, but one area often gets left behind — the neck. And it’s just as prone to sun damage, wrinkles and the effects of gravity as the skin on our face. So if you’re over 50 and are looking for a way to keep your neck looking as youthful and radiant as your complexion — it’s all about incorporating a neck cream into your skincare regimen. Here, dermatologists share the benefits of using a dedicated neck cream, particularly for women over 50. And they get into how these targeted formulas can address specific concerns, from crepey skin to loss of elasticity. But with so many options available, what should you look for? Keep reading for the ingredients to look for, the best neck creams to buy and how often you should be using these creams. You’ll want to stick your neck out for this!

The benefits of using a neck cream

The skin on my neck is among the thinnest and most sensitive on the body, says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. Because the neck doesn’t get the same attention that the face does, it tends to be exposed to more environmental damage and start to wrinkle early, he adds. And that’s where neck creams come in. Neck creams usually contain concentrated actives to strengthen the foundation of the skin, hydrate, and plump, and stimulate collagen.

“It is important to care for the neck using ingredients that will help to hydrate, nourish and support the neck to improve the overall appearance,” advises board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. “Neck creams have ingredients that can help to hydrate, nourish, plump, tighten and firm the neck, improving the overall texture and tone of the skin on the neck. “

And Kristine A. Romine, MD, board-certified dermatologist and CLn Skin Care Medical Advisor also notes that just like the face and hands, our necks are on display the majority of the time. “In a moment, our eyes create a first impression as to age and health of another,” she says. “When our necks display clear youthful glowing tight skin, we not only feel better about ourselves, we exude that confidence and others take note of gorgeous skin.”

Related: Dermatologists Weigh In On the #1 Beauty Blindspot for Women Over 50: A Crepey Neck

Why women over 50 need a dedicated neck cream

Women of all ages can use a neck cream, says Megan Portz, lead esthetician at Naturopathica. “However since the neck is what usually starts to age first, having a dedicated neck cream to help prevent sagging and tighten the skin will be more effective than using a regular moisturizer,” she says. “The aging process is accelerated tremendously after 50 so implementing a neck cream can help slow down that aging process and prevent new lines and wrinkles from forming.”

Related: MDs Share the Best Menopause Skin Care Routine + Products for Women Over 50

What to look for in a neck cream

Dr. Zeichner says to look for neck cream that addresses your particular issue. “For most people, this means skin laxity and wrinkling.” As far as ingredients to look for, Dr. Garshick says that many neck creams are formulated with antioxidants, retinol, peptides, growth factors, in addition to hydrating ingredients. All of these help improve the overall texture and tone of the neck.

A few more nutrients that can help? Dr. Romine adds that she loves to use a neck cream to decrease fine lines and wrinkles that comes infused with a retinoid. Other ingredients she likes are “antioxidants like vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid to defend against free radicals.” And “niacinamide is always wonderful to curb redness and irritation.”

How to apply a neck cream

“A neck cream may be applied one to two times per day,” says Dr. Garshick. And when actually using it, Dr. Zeichner recommends applying a neck cream from the lower part of the neck and working your way up. “I’d like to avoid any activities that add additional downward stretch, even if it means pulling downward on the skin as you apply your cream,” he says. That’s because you want to work against gravity and not with it when it comes to addressing aging concerns.

Bonus: Don’t forget to use SPF on your neck

In addition to anti-aging neck creams, sunscreen use on the neck is extremely important, says Dr. Zeichner.  “With chronic UV light exposure a condition called poikiloderma can develop,” he explains. This is a combination of redness and broken capillaries, brown spots, and thinning of the skin with wrinkling. And the sides of the neck are particularly at risk for environmental damage, he adds. “In fact, the front of the neck commonly is spared because your chin has a shadow that protects the central neck skin.”

Portz agrees that neck cream can be used day and night depending on the formula, which should incorporate sunscreen for day time. “If you’re using a tightening neck cream with retinol this would be more effective at night; and to ensure you’re protecting your skin, using a cream with SPF in the morning is imperative when using retinols,” she explains.

Related: Should I Use a Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen? Pros Weigh In + Share the Best SPF Formulas

The best neck creams for women over 50

Keep scrolling to see the 7 best night creams that will take years off of your neck.

Best cream for neck and chest

Best neck cream for crepey skin

Best budget neck cream

Best neck cream with SPF

Best serum neck cream

Best lightweight neck cream

Best overnight neck cream with retinol

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See more age-defying skin care secrets:

I’ve Been a Dermatologist for More Than 25 Years – These Are My Go-to Products I Use on My Own Skin

9 Best Sunscreen Makeup Products for Women Over 50 That Ward Off Sun Damage, Prevent Wrinkles, and More

Chemical Peel Before and After Photos + Why the Treatment Is Great for Women Over 50