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CONTENT PAGE Secrets for a Youthful Neck & Décolletage... 4 What is a sagging neck and what causes it?... 4 What are my options for combating saggy neck?... 6 Creams... 6 Diet... 7 Exercise... 8 Conclusion... 9 Hydralyft.com 3
Secrets for a Youthful Neck & Décolletage What is a sagging neck and what causes it? Most everyone, at one point or another, has seen the effects of the dreaded turkey neck. It s an (almost) unavoidable by-product of aging that haunts people of all walks of life. But what exactly causes it? As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity. Gradually, the effects of gravity, sun exposure, habitual positioning, rapid weight loss, and even genetic factors begin to show on our skin. Molecularly, the process involves repeated damage to the elastic collagen fibers in the skin, which, after being repaired several times, starts to form shorter fibers, resulting in a fold, or a wrinkle 1. GRAVITY Unlike what we ve been constantly told by sunscreen ads and anti-smoking campaigns, the most ubiquitous source of sagging in the skin is actually gravity. When skin loses elasticity, the gravity constantly acting on it eventually will pull it further and further down, resulting in wrinkles and folds. The age at which this happens varies from person to person, as it is part of our genetic makeup. Your body s levels of naturally-produced collagen and elastin which are crucial in giving your skin its firmness and youth gradually lowers over time as you age. So, depending on your genes, your appearance may show signs of such aging earlier or later than others; the fact remains that everybody has to go through this at some point. 1 https://arxiv.org/abs/0904.0575 Hydralyft.com 4
STRESS Stress is also a large factor in wrinkle formation. As both physical and psychological stress take their toll on our skin, it will begin to weaken, grow thinner, and begin to dry out. Our necks are especially susceptible to this process, as the skin there is thinner than that on the face. A 2014 study demonstrated that stress activates skin mast cells, which release stress hormones and other inflammatory factors, making it likely to escalate into a vicious-cycle of stress-induced inflammatory events. Mast skin cells have even been associated to skin diseases ranging from the mild (acne) to the chronic (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis). Stress can also cause us to frown more, which results in lines on our faces after some time. The same concept applies to the neck. The position of tucking the chin in, a common result of psychological stress, creates folds in the skin at the front, where wrinkles will form over time in that area. SMOKING Smoking is another common contributor to the breakdown of collagen in the skin. Several ingredients in cigarettes, like nicotine, are shown to cause wrinkling after as little as 10 years. It constricts blood flow to the epidermis, resulting in less nutrient and oxygen uptake by the cells. Plus, the myriad of toxins and chemicals present in cigarettes will accumulate, resulting in a breakdown of the epidermis structure. 2 Rapid weight loss Lastly, rapid weight loss can leave certain areas loose and wrinkled. When excess fat is present, it stretches the skin. Therefore, when it is lost over a short period of time, the skin won t be able to adapt and effectively bounce back. This results in unflattering folds of skin hanging around the belly, thighs, and arms. To prevent that from happening, it is recommended to lose weight gradually through a natural diet and exercise program. 2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/ quit-smoking/expert-answers/smoking/faq-20058153 Hydralyft.com 5
What are my options for combating saggy neck? The best methods for keeping the skin around your neck firm and tight is by taking care of it before it starts to sag. They include habits like applying sunscreen on the neck, abstaining from smoking, and eating healthy meals. However, if you re noticing signs of sagging at your neck, don t be alarmed. There are still a few nonsurgical methods that can help you reverse the effects of the clock. Disclaimer: The information in this book is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Creams There is a wide variety of anti-wrinkle creams with varying price points, with some ranging from under $10 to over $100. While some may work better than others or claim to have a special formula, most of them have these ingredients in common: Retinol A derivative of Vitamin A, retinol is a very common ingredient in many topical creams. It works not only as an antioxidant neutralizing free radicals that can cause structural damage to the skin but also increases cell reproduction, rebuilding proteins such as collagen that bring elasticity back to the skin. As a result, it is also used to treat acne, eczema, dark spots, and other skin conditions. Caffeine Yup, the compound in coffee that gives you your daily boost is also used in anti-aging creams. While it is not a permanent solution, it works temporarily to reduce wrinkling via its diuretic properties. By constricting the blood vessels in the skin, it produces a tightening effect. Vitamin C Another powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C can help to protect your skin, prevent wrinkles, and boost collagen production. Hydroxy Acids Alpha and beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid, are natural compounds that are used in many skin creams. It is able to penetrate dead skin, break down old cells, and allow new ones to form, contributing to the rejuvenation of your skin. Deanol DMAE, also known as deanol, is a component present in the neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. When applied to the skin, it effectively removes wrinkles and fine lines by increasing the water storage capacity in cells. Doing so increases their size, which creates an effect of fullness in the skin. There is a plethora of other common skincare ingredients with antioxidant properties or contribute to the structural rebuilding of skin cells. Conduct some research relating to your skin type (e.g. oily, dry, combination, etc.) and you may want to try out several products until you find one that suits you. Hydralyft.com 6
While anti-aging creams can keep your neck smooth, it is important to practice good skincare habits. If you re out under the sun most of the time, constantly reapply sunscreen to prevent further wrinkling and other risks of sun exposure. Diet While it helps to provide your skin with nutrients from the outside, it is equally, if not more important, to nourish it with foods from the inside. It is also a healthy, low-cost way of complementing a skincare regime that will result in you looking and feeling better as a whole. Several ingredients found in skin creams are also available in fresh produce and they serve the same functions despite being in different mediums. Vitamin A -has many skin-repairing properties and is an essential nutrient for the body. As an antioxidant, it is important to have sufficient supply of it so as to prevent cellular damage. Some foods rich in Vitamin A include liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, cruciferous vegetables (kale, broccoli), spinach, and butter. Vitamin B -boosts moisture retention in the epidermis. Similar to deanol, it serves to reduce wrinkles and promote fuller and healthier skin. Good sources of it include seafood, cereal grains, leafy green vegetables, peas, and lentils. Vitamin C -repairs cellular damage, increase production of collagen, and boost your immunity. By keeping the body healthier, it reduces the damaging effects of stress on the skin. It is abundant in fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, bell peppers, oranges, kiwifruit, papayas, broccoli, and tomatoes. Essential fatty acids, -such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are vital to the body, especially to the brain and skin. It helps to reinforce cell membranes thereby keeping your skin hydrated, plump, and younger looking. Foods naturally rich in them include salmon, tuna, olive oil, canola oil, walnuts, and flaxseed. Selenium -works to protect skin cells by strengthening the membranes, fighting off free radicals, protecting pigmentation, and improving immune function. The highest natural source of this compound is brazil nuts, but it can also be found in seafood, meats and in grains such as brown rice. Antioxidants -are essential in protecting skin from free radicals molecules that cause inflammation, damaged cells, and abnormal cellular function. Found in many of the food we eat, they neutralize free radicals by attaching themselves to them and safely flushing them out of your body as waste. Plus, they greatly reduce the harmful effects of UV rays on the skin. To stock up on these powerful compounds, consume lots of blueberries, acai, green tea, beans, and prunes. Lastly, you MUST stay well-hydrated. Water allows our bodies to flush out toxic waste, which is important to maintain proper cellular function. Also, with enough moisture, your skin will be less prone to wrinkles. 8 cups of it per day is what you need to have at least so if you aren t hitting the target, drink more! Hydralyft.com 7
Exercise Certain exercises, especially movements targeted at the face, neck, and shoulder, help to tighten loose skin. Not only are the cost-effective, they are also proven to be effective when done regularly. Toning the muscles in the neck effectively stretches the skin covering it, which eliminates wrinkles. In addition, it is useful for reducing psychological stress, which can prevent a breakdown in cell function that can cause wrinkles. For many of us who work on computers throughout the day, or look down for extended periods of time at smartphones, tablets, or books, our necks stay sedentary, which reduces muscle tone and contribute to wrinkling skin. This phenomenon is commonly known as tech neck. Luckily, there are several exercises you can do that are quick, easy, and effective, to strengthen the muscles at your neck and face. Here are a few specifically designed workouts you can try at home. 1. Kiss the Sky Start by standing or sitting up straight, with your shoulders back and your head held high. Tilt your chin up, look at the ceiling or whatever is above you, and make a repeated kissing motion with your lips, working the chin back and forth. You should feel a lot of motion beneath the jaw. This exercise will tone the area. 2. Smile Smoother Wrap your lips around your teeth and place a finger on your chin. Open and close your mouth, each time slowly moving your chin up to the ceiling, back down, and repeat. This exercise tones the neck, cheeks, and helps to reduce your laugh lines. 3. Swan Neck Turn your head to the side so that your gaze runs parallel to your shoulder. Then, tilt your head back, pulling on a side of the neck. Hold the pose for a few seconds, then do the same on the other side. This motion tones the muscles on both sides of the neck and all the way up to your temples, where wrinkles are commonly found. 4. Giraffe Place your hands gently on your collarbones and bring your bottom lip forward. Slowly begin to tilt your head back and hold for two deep breaths, then slowly return to the starting position. 5. Neck Massage Lastly, to finish off the routine, perform a simple, light neck massage. This can be done by using two fingers and a thumb. Using both hands, lightly pinch the skin on either side of the throat. Release after a few seconds and continue this motion all the way up your neck and back down to your throat again. This helps to strengthen and tighten the elasticity in your skin. Doing these exercises regularly will strengthen your neck and facial muscles, which can help you tighten the saggy skin around those areas. Hydralyft.com 8
Conclusion Wrinkles are a by-product of aging that affects everyone at one point or another. For some, they contribute to feelings of self-consciousness or make them feel less attractive. It s so common nowadays to strive for a youthful appearance, but this vanity has actually been around for millennia, dating back even to the old Egyptian days. Different cultures and generations then bring their own unique takes of beauty and skincare to the table, some incidentally doing more harm than good arsenic, tapeworms, and radioactive radium bromide are just a few examples of the dangerous lengths both men and women have gone to, to look good. Luckily, after years of scientific research into the topic combined with the myriad of resources available today, it is easier than ever to find out which methods are effective at fighting wrinkles, and which ones are a waste of time, effort, and money. Dermatologists highly recommend taking good care of your skin -- after all, it is the largest organ in the body which includes protecting it from the sun. UV rays can damage it and cause wrinkles. Therefore, it is extremely important to treat your skin well, especially in areas where it is thinner and constantly exposed to the sun, like your face and neck. Unfortunately, we often neglect our décolletage when applying sunscreen, which is why it ends up wrinkling faster; it s even been said that your neck shows your true age! Regular use of sunscreen and having a diet filled with antioxidants are both essential skincare habits. Other than preventing the formation of wrinkles, they also greatly reduce your risk of skin cancer. There are also other healthy practices that will keep your skin soft and supple, like regular exercise and effective stress management. Avoid smoking, as tobacco and/or nicotine products have been shown to speed up the process of aging. Try the easy exercises mentioned in this book to keep your face and neck muscles toned and the skin around them tight and firm. Lastly, invest in a good skin cream to nourish the skin on your face and neck. Since most facial skin creams work equally well on necks, there isn t a need to spend your money on two different skincare products when one works just fine. An effective cream isn t always the most expensive look at the ingredients and read reviews to find out which product works best for you. Hydralyft.com 9