Retinol: For the neck, not just the face

Retinol is a popular skincare ingredient that provides numerous benefits to the skin. While most people focus on using retinol on their face, the neck is an often-neglected area in skincare routines. In this article we will explore the benefits of using it on the neck and how to properly incorporate it into your skincare routine.

What is Retinol?

Retinols and retinoids are fat-soluble chemical derivatives of vitamin A found in a number of cosmetic products such as cream or serum, and can improve the skin’s appearance in a number of ways. While retinoids are much stronger and act more quickly on the skin, they do require a prescription whereas retinol being the gentler of the two variants is available over-the-counter and can be a great addition to a regular skincare routine.

Retinol promotes cell turnover and more

Retinol is commonly found in skincare products and is known for its ability to promote cell turnover, leading to smoother, more radiant skin by helping to combat the common signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Increasing cell turnover allows the cells in your skin to divide more quickly (up to 14 days instead of 28) giving your skin a stronger epidermis (the outer layer of skin that protects you from the environment and pollution). 

As we age, the skin on the neck can become loose and saggy due to a decrease in collagen production, which is a protein that gives the skin its structure and elasticity. Retinol boosts production of collagen and elastin helping you to avoid a saggy neck.

Increased production of new blood vessels improve the skin’s colour making skin look more youthful and radiant, while retinol also has antioxidant properties that help to protect the skin from environmental damage.

Why you should care for your neck?

While many people are aware of the benefits of using skincare products on their face, the neck is an area that is often overlooked. The skin on the neck is just as susceptible to the signs of ageing as the face, so including the neck in your skincare routine can be an easy way to achieve a more youthful and radiant overall appearance. 

The skin on your neck is thinner and more delicate than the skin on your face and this makes it more susceptible to damage from environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution. The neck is an area that is often neglected in skincare routines so including it in your own routine could see you making big improvements in your overall appearance relatively quickly.

How to use retinol?

When using retinol on the neck, it is important to apply it properly in order to avoid irritation and other side effects so begin by cleansing the skin, allowing it to dry completely. Apply a small amount to the neck while being careful not to apply too much or apply it too close to the eyes.

Starting with a pea sized amount less often (once every other day) before gradually working your way up to everyday use will help to prevent irritation and other side effects. Make sure you use sunscreen on top of retinol during the day because retinol can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

Will you see a benefit from using retinol?

Data shows that retinol usually has a positive effect on skin when applied regularly as part of a daily skincare routine with the benefits over time showing significant improvement in skin increasing firmness, elasticity, and radiancy while dark spots, acne and blemishes fade, and overall skin texture improves.

Visible improvement does take several weeks to show but there are plenty of before and after images available to give you an indication of the type of improvement you can expect to see. 

Some skin types may experience redness, itching or skin cracking which is why it’s important to start slowly and observe your skin’s reaction before incorporating it into your daily routine. While most side-effects will fade after a few weeks it's a good idea to speak to a dermatologist if symptoms persist.

Try Rachael Katie Cosmetics Retinol Face Serum

https://rachaelkatieskin.co.uk/product/retinol-face-serum/

Alternatives

While retinol is a highly effective ingredient for neck skincare, there are other options available on the market if you’re not getting on with it. Peptides, which are amino acids with similar effects to retinol, are a gentler alternative and are widely available and popular. 

Other ingredients that can be used on the neck include Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide with each of these ingredients possessing its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Vitamin C can help to brighten the skin and fade dark spots, while hyaluronic acid can provide hydration and improve overall skin texture.

Make sure you research each one to check if it’s suitable for your skin type before using.

Care for your neck

Your neck deserves the same amount of attention as your face, and by safely incorporating retinol into your skincare routine you can turn back the clock on both your face and neck to tackle the visible signs of ageing..