My mother used to tell me, "Take care of your neck as that will be the one part of your body that really shows your age." I never really understood what she meant—until one day I started noticing the little excess folds tucked under my chin and the ring lines building up around my neck! Most of us don't pay attention to our necks until it is too late. If you’re reading this, you may be suffering from a mild to serious form of turkey neck and trying to figure out the best solution(s) that will work for you. The good news is, there are a variety of options available (including non-surgical!), which we’ll get into in-depth here, and also lay out different treatment options for different types of turkey neck and crepey skin, as well as how to get rid of turkey neck with serious skin care. First, What Is Turkey Neck? Turkey neck generally refers to the sagging of neck skin and fat that occurs when collagen and elastin are not as robust as they used to be, and your skin and muscle lose their ability to stretch and stay tight. Very often lines, crepey skin, and folds form around the neck, that look like rings that deepen over time. Collagen and elastin are both proteins that keep skin firm and tight, including the skin on our neck, helping it to stay bouncy and allowing it to spring back easily when stretched. As we get older, collagen and elastin begin to deteriorate, and production of new collagen and elastin slows dramatically, resulting in loss of firmness that eventually makes skin loosen and begin to sag. Loss of these two “youth proteins” is also what causes our skin to develop wrinkles. When neck skin begins to sag and develop wrinkles, it also starts to resemble the “fleshy wattle” on a turkey’s throat. Turkey necks may be confused with crepey skin, but they’re actually not the same! Crepey skin is thin skin that has lost its ability to bounce back and developed the appearance of wrinkled paper. It is also caused by the breakdown of elastin fibers and can be greatly accelerated by UV damage. Now that you know what the turkey neck means, let’s talk about what causes this pesky wattle. More helpful reading: Skin care for women over 50 Which Factors Cause The Dreaded Turkey Neck? These are the 6 most common causes of sagging neck skin: 1. The Skin On Your Neck Is Very Thin The skin on your neck is one of the biggest factors when it comes to the appearance of a turkey neck. This is because your neck skin has a different cell composition than the skin on other parts of your body. Dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman explains that the skin on our neck is thinner and wrinkles more easily. And, she continues to explain that thin skin has inherently less collagen in it, which is the protein that keeps it from forming wrinkles. In fact, you may be surprised to find out that the skin on your neck is almost as thin as the skin on your eyelids. 1 More helpful reading: https://www.renewalliance.com/blogs/i/thin-skin 2. Your Neck Is Oil-Free Naturally Your neck is missing what Dr. Engelman calls “nature’s moisturizer”: Oil. Our skin’s natural oil is what gives our dermis its moisture and that age-defying look. Dermatologist Dr. Dan Belkin explains, our necks have fewer sebaceous glands (the glands that secrete oil). And, the more sebaceous glands you have, the better your skin is at wound-healing and fighting signs of aging. Simply put, well-moisturized skin can help to smooth out dry skin and minimize lines and wrinkles. 3. Aging Results In Loss of Collagen No one is exempt from aging nor the reality that, as we get older, our bodies produce fewer and fewer substances that contribute to younger-looking skin (including collagen, elastin, and our skin's natural oil). There’s also the loss of fat and thinning of skin (which results in wrinkles) as well as dryness, which also causes wrinkles (hence the importance of moisturizers). Collagen is what keeps skin taut and stretchy. Without collagen, we’d all have loose, sagging skin that wouldn’t be able to bounce back. Unfortunately, we produce less collagen as we get older, with collagen synthesis decreasing dramatically by the time we turn 30. Even worse, after we turn 30, we start to lose collagen at the rate of 1-2% every year. The only way to fight this loss is by supplementing collagen to replenish our body's own collagen. Learn about the many collagen drink benefits from RenewSkin Inc. 4. Loss of Elastin Elastin is a protein that forms elastic connective tissue in the body. It’s what keeps our skin springy and bouncy. Elastin is what gives our skin its ability to snap back when stretched, whereas collagen only keeps our skin plump and firm. Like collagen, however, elastin naturally deteriorates as we get older, but it can also be degraded by chronic exposure to UV rays, specifically UV-A exposure. (UV-A rays are the ones that cause skin aging, as opposed to UV-B rays, which cause the skin to burn and turn red.) As we lose elastin, we also progressively lose our skin elasticity, which is essential in preventing the sagging that characterizes a turkey neck. You can see why exercising proper UV protection can potentially help prevent this issue. 5. Exposure to UV Rays Have you noticed those who are often out in the sun have more wrinkles and sagging skin showing up on their neck and décolleté? You can probably tell by now that exposure to UV rays is a major cause of this extrinsic aging. Extrinsic aging refers to outside influences on aging, as opposed to genetics. Exposure to UV rays results in oxidative stress, the imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals. What are free radicals? Free radicals are unstable atoms that cause cell damage, destroying all collagen and elastin in their path. Eventually, sun damage to our skin cells will cause the skin to wrinkle and droop. 6. Diet We hate to admit it, one of the biggest factors that contribute to aging skin is our diet. Diets rich in trans fat, bad sugars, and alcohol further damage skin collagen and elastin. This rapid aging effect can show up sooner around the neck than on our face. More helpful reading: Benefits of ketogenic diet & skin How to Fix a Turkey Neck (Consider a Neck Lift) Wondering what to do about turkey neck when it’s severe? A severe form of a double chin would be classified as skin that has excessive drooping and sagging. Dr. Sullivan explains that some people are more prone to have excess fat cells underneath their neck muscles due to their genetic makeup. KYBELLA and other less invasive treatments, like laser treatments, can’t get to these deep fat cells, so in severe cases, plastic surgery is best. Invasive plastic surgery treatments involve cutting the skin and removing the excess sagging skin and fat. It will often leave a scar, though not necessarily a prominent one. While surgery can be costly (averaging a few thousand dollars), it can make the most dramatic difference in appearance. People with a prominent double chin often opt for treatments such as: Liposuction—A liposuction procedure can help a patient permanently improve the definition of their jaw and neck by getting rid of excess fat cells. This procedure does not improve drooping skin or extra tissue, so liposuction is ideal for a patient who has healthy, elastic skin but is looking to treat excess fat underneath their jaw. A good candidate for liposuction would be someone between the ages of 20 and 55. Cosmetic Surgery (Facelift or Neck Lift)—If your turkey neck is caused by both unwanted fat and sagging skin, a more intensive procedure, like surgery, may be your best option. Procedures like a mini facelift or necklift can remove the fat and tighten the tissue underneath the chin. If you think you would be a good candidate for facelift surgery, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Less Invasive Treatments For Getting Rid of Turkey Neck For those of you who might be considering a non-invasive form of treatment with a shorter recovery time than a facelift, we have good news: There are more medical options available now than ever. We’ve listed the most effective non-surgical options below. But, before you make any decision to move forward with any one of them, please make sure to do your research and find a well-qualified cosmetic doctor who will deliver the results you hope to see. And, remember to ask any questions you may have at your consultation before undergoing any of the following procedures. Botox - Botox is an injection that can tighten the skin, making the neck appear smoother and younger. It works by temporarily relaxing the neck muscles underneath the skin. It doesn’t require any recovery time and can last several months. You will need to maintain a regular injection schedule to keep the dermis continuously firm. Regular injections can also help further prevent sagging, wrinkling, and loose skin. MST Operation - This minimally invasive procedure involves tightening the dermis using barbed threads. These threads are placed inside the dermis. Generally, this procedure is mild and with few side effects. Hyo Neck Lift - This is a newer type of surgical procedure that results in skin tightening. In one study involving ten patients, the Hyo necklift was considered a success, with patients expressing satisfaction six months post-op. Laser Treatment - A laser treatment can also help reduce the appearance of a double chin by tightening the dermis. Laser treatment works by heating and tightening the dermis, which can have a mildly beneficial effect on a double chin. A laser treatment, such as Morpheus8, uses both microneedling and heat to stimulate collagen synthesis. Ultherapy - This is a recently FDA-approved non-invasive procedure. It involves ultrasound imaging and ultrasonic heat energy in the right location, which in turn triggers the creation of new collagen, while also boosting the weakened collagen in patients. Results will typically last up to one year. How long do Botox injections last? RenewSkin Inc. explains. How to Fix Turkey Neck Skin Without Cosmetic Surgery For turkey neck, there are few non-invasive options—that don’t involve surgery—that can reduce the appearance of a double chin. If you have a mild form of turkey neck or feel that your neck is beginning to lose its youthful appearance, the best solution is to treat your neck from the outside-in and inside-out to slow down and prevent the aging process. More helpful reading by RenewSkin Inc.: Getting rid of jowls 1. Topical Treatment For Turkey Neck So often we diligently moisturize our face but neglect our neck. It doesn’t really make sense, since the neck is just as important. And, considering that neck skin is typically thinner than the skin on your face, it stands to reason you’d want to take good care of it. Using the right moisturizers, creams, and serums that contain clinically proven ingredients can help improve the appearance of a nascent turkey neck. Wondering how to reduce turkey neck with a topical treatment? Try these non-invasive cures for turkey neck that don’t involve plastic surgery: Strivectin® TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS - Consistently voted one of the best neck creams, Strivectin’s TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream is a beauty treatment full of innovative ingredients to give you a tighter, younger-looking neck. This treatment features the trademarked Gravitite®-CF Lifting Complex and the patented NIA-114 technology, both of which work together to help fade away discoloration and sunspots, tighten and firm saggy skin and reduce fine lines. In consumer studies conducted by the manufacturer, 90% of users reported having firmer skin on the neck after eight weeks of regular use. Emma Hardie® Lift & Sculpt, Firming Neck Treatment Serum - This turkey neck remedy serum features a variety of dermal tightening ingredients that can help revitalize the skin on your neck. This serum contains Neodermyl® which helps to promote elastin in the dermis, according to the manufacturer. As a bonus, it comes with a metallic applicator that easily applies the serum all over your neck and provides a cooling effect. Silicone Gel Patch - This is a relatively new treatment option for turkey neck. This turkey neck fix involves placing medical-grade silicone gel patches on your neck while you sleep. These patches provide deep hydration that might help soften wrinkles. They also provide a compression effect to further tighten lax skin. As a final note, keep in mind that topical treatments can only do so much since they don't penetrate deep into the dermis to stimulate and restore collagen. Hence, they won’t fix deep wrinkles or heavy sagging, nor are they long-term turkey neck solutions since collagen loss is a gradual and ongoing process as you get older. 2. Best Turkey Neck Treatment & Prevention (Restoring Collagen From Within) The dreaded turkey neck wouldn’t be an issue if the aging process didn’t cause us to lose collagen and elastin. Alas, that is our lot in life, but we can fight it! This is where supplements come in. Collagen supplements can go a long way in helping restore lost collagen and promote more elastic skin. They’re an efficient solution to turkey neck whether you’re taking preventative measures, using topical treatments, or have already invested in surgical procedures. You can think of collagen supplements as a booster that takes proactive action to keep your neck “running smoothly.” More helpful reading: https://www.renewalliance.com/blogs/i/how-to-increase-collagen How Collagen Helps Tighten Neck Skin For a Youthful-Looking Neck, Naturally Taking the right collagen supplement with a high-potency, premium formula can help promote more elastic facial skin. It has even been shown to do so in clinical studies. In one study featuring 69 women aged 35 to 55, collagen supplementation was linked to much higher levels of skin elasticity. And, increased skin elasticity results in facial skin that is firmer and less likely to sag. Another study showed similar results. Participants who supplemented with collagen had better collagen fiber organization within the dermis. Participants in the study also reported that they felt that the hydration and flexibility of their skin had improved. So, what makes the Taut Premium Advanced Formula Liquid Collagen Drink so effective compared to other collagen products? It is specifically designed and formulated to help restore aging facial skin. The unique formula contains a high potency of 13,000mg premium-grade marine collagen peptides, along with six other active ingredients, in each tiny bottle (1.7oz) to help restore more elastic, hydrated, and firm skin, while reducing sagging and fine lines. The skin will appear more supple, lifted, and toned. But, this drink isn’t just collagen in each bottle, it contains other ingredients including marine elastin peptides, hyaluronic acid, grape seed extract, vitamin C, and salmon DNA—all designed to restore younger-looking skin and slow down signs of aging. Elastin peptides help with restoring elastic skin, hyaluronic acid improves moisture levels and plumps the skin, grape seed extract scavenges free radicals to prevent further damage, and vitamin C stimulates collagen production. Finally, salmon DNA mitigates the effects of free radicals. Even if you’re already using a neck cream, or have smoothed out your skin at a dermatologist’s office, this amazing collagen skin supplement can help boost your results, or at the very least, prevent the double chin from coming back quickly! More helpful reading: what causes crepey skin Other Treatments To Prevent & Minimize Turkey Neck If you’re not yet suffering from a double chin, or just beginning to see a very mild form building up, you should take the necessary precautions to prevent it or slow it down. After all, it’s much easier to prevent a problem than treat it. As long as you are very proactive and persistent, there are ways to prevent wrinkling and drooping. Besides supplementing your skin with the best collagen supplements, here are 6 ways you can prevent and reduce signs of turkey neck. 1. Neck-Firming Exercises We recommend using these exercises to strengthen the muscles in your neck and jaw: Neck Lift Lie on a bed and hang your head over the edge. Use your neck muscle to slowly raise your head as high as you can. Repeat five times (stop if you experience neck pain). The Kiss Technique Sit on a firm surface with your back straight. Close your mouth and raise your head, pointing your chin toward the ceiling. Purse your lips like you’re kissing someone. Repeat 20 times. The Chew Technique Sit on a firm surface with your back straight. Raise your head, pointing your chin toward the ceiling. With your lips closed, make a chewing motion. Repeat 20 times. RenewSkin, Inc. shares dry brushing benefits for skin rejuvenation here. 2. Protect the Skin From Sun Exposure I cannot stress enough how important it is to practice effective UV protection. Many people neglect to do this on a daily basis, but the truth is that even just 10 to 15 minutes of exposure to the sun can do damage. The best way to protect your skin is by using sunscreen every day, rain or shine. The higher the SPF, the better. 3. Antioxidant-Rich Diet Antioxidants exist in a lot of different foods. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help prevent free radical damage from within. Free radicals play a huge role in making us look older by damaging our cells, including the cells in the dermis. Blueberries, beans, cranberries, artichokes, blackberries, pecans, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, red delicious apples, russet potatoes, and prunes are all antioxidant-rich foods that you’d benefit from including in your diet. A nightly snack of blueberries before bed? Why not! The golden rule is, eat the rainbow! 4. Minimize Alcohol & Sugar Intake Alcohol and sugar can degrade collagen in the dermis. In fact, sugar causes glycation, a process that forms advanced glycation end-products. These glycation end-products in turn damage proteins, like collagen and elastin. These proteins ultimately become weakened and less elastic. On top of it all, this process creates free radicals. Alcohol, on the other hand, causes dehydration, sucking its moisture and luminosity. It can accelerate aging and the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and drooping skin. 2 More helpful reading: Good sugars vs bad sugars 5. Nosh on the Best, Natural Skin-Friendly Foods Don't forget your skin needs good oil to keep it full and plump. Foods that are good for your skin include: Fatty fish that can improve skin include salmon and tuna (rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help boost skin hydration) Avocados, with their healthy fats, can also boost hydration and have been shown to help improve wrinkles Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, a great antioxidant itself Red or yellow bell peppers are high in vitamin C, an important factor in helping synthesize collagen Bone broth, gelatin, and other collagen rich foods that promote collagen production within the dermis More helpful reading: https://www.renewalliance.com/blogs/i/collagen-foods 6. Take Antioxidant Supplements Like collagen supplements, antioxidant supplements can also help promote good skin health, help scavenge free radicals and prevent the further degradation of collagen and elastin. Taking antioxidants can also help prevent and repair photo-damage (UV damage that can accelerate aging and cause an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants). A powerful antioxidant, called “oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds” (or "OPC's"), derived from French Pine Bark Extract is considered especially effective in neutralizing free radicals and protecting against photo-damage. Studies have shown that supplementing with French Pine Bark Extract can reduce the signs of photo-damage, including reducing dark-colored age spots that can dull and otherwise mar a complexion. This antioxidant supplement combined with collagen supplements can potentially reinvigorate and rejuvenate skin, reducing the most obvious signs of a double chin and helping to prevent it in the first place. More helpful reading: Age spot removal Boost Collagen Production with The Intense Transformation Program For many of us, 'turkey neck' in some form or other might be inevitable. Luckily, by taking a healthy, outside-in, inside-out approach and you can improve the appearance of sagging skin. The best thing that you can do for your beauty is replenish your skin’s collagen and elastin. The Taut® Premium Collagen Intense Transformation was voted the best liquid collagen supplementation program that can help restore collagen to your skin, and firm, tone, and hydrate your skin from the inside, out. Within a few weeks, you’ll notice more radiant, younger-looking, taut skin with fewer wrinkles and fine lines . Our customers have shown positive results within 3-8 weeks, and they all love what they see. Want to see the results for yourself? This before and after picture was submitted to us from a customer who drank 1 bottle of Taut® Premium Collagen Advanced Formula every day for 4 weeks. You can see the deep lines around her neck have almost disappeared and her neck looks much younger! What also makes this program revolutionary is its ease of use and effectiveness, without the cost of surgical treatments. The Intense Transformation Program contains 24 bottles (three weeks worth) of Taut® Premium Advanced Formula Drinks. To jumpstart your body’s collagen production, drink one bottle of this delicious drink every night before bed for at least 3 weeks. It will immediately get to work on your face and of course your neck! Find out which of our Transformation Programs is best for you by taking our skincare quiz! References https://www.thecut.com/2017/10/everything-you-need-to-know-about-moisturizing-your-neck.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5972252/