After more than a decade in the beauty industry, I feel embarrassed to report that I’ve recently just begun to consistently treat my neck during my skin-care routine. In years past, it was for a month here or there as part of product testing for a story or our Beauty Awards. But in my mid-30s, it feels imperative to use neck cream every day if I want to keep my stubborn neck bands in check. However, I’m not just slathering on any basic moisturizer—I’m taking things seriously by using dermatologist-recommended formulas like SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream. Here’s why it works.
The Benefits:
First, let me say that I trust everything SkinMedica dreams up in its labs. Have you tried the cult-classic TNS+ Serum? It delivers. I don’t worry about efficacy when it comes to SkinMedica products (this neck cream included). I also know that clinical testing has been done, which is a big bonus. If you pinch the skin on your neck and then your cheeks, you can immediately feel the difference. Skin on the neck is very thin and very susceptible to wrinkles from constant movement—there’s a reason the term “tech neck” was created.
To keep the area—don’t forget your décolleté too—moisturized with increased elasticity (not the kind you had in your early 20s, but better than what’s going on now), this cream employs shitake mushroom and green microalgae extracts. Other ingredients that support the skin’s extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen and elastin, are rice protein, lemon balm extract and peptides. Brazilian paracress extract produces a temporary Botox-like effect, reducing the appearance of platysmal bands (the vertical cords that “pop up” as we age). There are also skin tone–evening benefits, and if you’re like me, your décolleté is prone to sun damage and could use a little help in the discoloration department.
In clinical studies testing the cream on the neck, after 12 weeks, 98 percent of participants reported that the cream made their skin feel smoother; 88 percent reported it improved the texture of their skin; and 86 percent reported it improved the overall health and look of their neck. When the cream was tested on the décolleté, 98 percent reported it made their skin feel smooth and soft; and 91 percent reported it improved the texture of their skin.
Key Ingredients:
Green microalgae extract, shitake mushroom extract, rice protein, lemon balm extract, peptides, paracress extract, knotgrass extract, and dunaliella salina extract
How to Use:
Use it morning and night on clean skin, using upward movements to support the thin skin. The texture is rich, silky and moisturizing—a little goes a long way—and it doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind, which is important. My skin always feels smooth and nourished after applying it.
Price/Where to Buy:
$135, skinmedica.com (You can actually try it yourself if you’re one of the lucky ones to snag this week’s BeautyPass Free Gift Friday. Click here to sign up for BeautyPass if you haven’t already.)
