Aging can be hard for many reasons. Often, however, some of the hardest reasons why we find aging difficult is because of the changes we see to our appearance, despite not feeling old on the outside. Add that to the societal pressure to not look like we’re aging, especially for women, and these visible signs of aging become even more distressing. One of these signs is known colloquially as Turkey Neck – a term for saggy or wrinkled skin on the neck. This is everything you need to know about sagging neck skin – including both how to prevent it and how to manage it if you already have it.
What Causes Turkey Neck?
Turkey neck, or sagging neck skin, is primarily caused by the natural aging process. This is a natural decrease in collagen and elastin production in the skin that happens over time. Collagen is the protein that provides structural support to the skin, while elastin is the protein that maintains the skin’s elasticity. These proteins diminish as we age, causing the skin to lose its firmness and resilience. This leads to sagging and wrinkles. Other factors that contribute to wrinkled neck skin include genetics, repeated sun exposure, smoking, weight fluctuations, and poor skincare habits. The weakening of the neck muscles over time also plays a role in the development of turkey neck, as the muscles are less able to support the skin in the neck area.
Can Turkey Neck Be Tightened Without Surgery?
There is a certain amount of aging that we simply can’t control. Aging is a natural process – we can’t expect to look like we’re 25 forever, and we also shouldn’t want to. There is beauty in aging, and it is an enormous privilege to do so. Our value as humans is not determined by how young we look, but rather by who we are as people and how we contribute to our communities, our families, and the world around us. That being said, aging doesn’t have to mean having incredibly sagging skin – much of what we do throughout our lives will determine how healthy and strong our skin is as we get older. Thankfully, there are some things that we can do to aid the appearance of things, such as turkey neck, that don’t involve going under the surgical knife.
Exercise as a Non-Surgical Solution
One of the best things that we can do for our skin in general is to exercise. Sweating is good for our skin, and exercise, especially resistance training, increases collagen production and strengthens our bones and muscles. Exercising the neck muscles may help to tighten and tone the area, potentially reducing the appearance of sagging neck skin. It is important to note, however, that while exercising can strengthen the muscles, it may not address excess skin effectively.
Cosmetic Creams and Treatments
There are many anti-aging products available that will also aid with sagging skin, including turkey neck. N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), which is found in many anti-aging creams, has shown promising firming and smoothing results on neck skin. Research indicates that regular use of these creams can improve the appearance of turkey neck over time.
Can Turkey Neck Be Reversed?
Without surgery, it may not be possible to completely reverse turkey neck without surgery. That being said, especially if you have only just begun to notice the skin starting to sag, non-invasive treatments and lifestyle changes can help to improve the appearance of the neck area. They can also help to prevent the skin from sagging any further.
Read More: 15 Science-Backed Remedies to Minimize Wrinkles and Look Younger
How to Fix Turkey Neck Without Surgery
Depending on the level of severity, you can drastically reduce the appearance of turkey neck with various exercises, in combination with cosmetic products. Again, these won’t necessarily completely get rid of the sagging neck skin, however, it will reduce its appearance and likely prevent it from getting worse.
Recommended Facial Exercises
- Forehead Push: Strengthen neck muscles by pushing your head against your hand for 10 seconds.
- Chewing Motion: Sit with your back straight, lifting your chin and making chewing motions with your mouth to target neck muscles.
- Kissing Exercise: Pout your lips upwards as if giving a kiss, repeating this movement to engage neck muscles.
- Neck Lift: Perform neck lifts carefully by lying on a flat surface and raising your head upwards using neck muscles (discontinue if experiencing pain).
Using Cosmetics
A good skin care routine is your number one fighter against the signs of aging of the skin. Incorporating neck creams containing N-acetyl glucosamine into your skincare routine may help improve the elasticity and firmness of the neck skin. Beyond that, washing your face with a gentle cleanser, exfoliating once or twice a week, moisturizing with products that contain hyaluronic acid or even retinol, as well as daily use of sunscreen will do wonders for your skin.
There are also non-surgical procedures, such as Botox, laser skin resurfacing, microneedling, and other cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of turkey neck. For some, particularly those who have lost significant weight and therefore have extra skin around their neck, surgery may be necessary. These would include neck lifts, face lifts, and skin removal procedures. You should always consult with a professional before undergoing any of these procedures, whether they are surgical or not.
Why Do I Suddenly Have a Turkey Neck?
Sometimes it feels like signs of aging, such as turkey neck, suddenly appear overnight. The reality is that they are a buildup of years of your skin being your body’s first defense against pathogens and other foreign invaders. The biggest culprit is sun exposure and damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This is why sun protection, including on your neck and chest, are important for keeping your skin healthy. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, sleep, and smoking and drinking habits, will also play a significant role in how your skin ages. This is yet again another reason to start living a healthy lifestyle as early as possible.
The Bottom Line
While turkey neck can be a cosmetic concern, there are various non-surgical interventions available to address and prevent further sagging. From facial exercises to specialized creams, individuals can explore these options to improve the appearance of their neck without opting for surgical procedures. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations to effectively manage turkey neck.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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