Décolleté, a French word meaning “wearing a strapless or low-neck dress,” is the same word we use to refer to our upper chest area, including the neck, cleavage and shoulder areas. We often overlook caring for skin on our décolleté and for this reason, it may be one of the first places that women show their age. The skin on the décolleté area is more sensitive than skin on other parts of our body; it is thinner, less moisturized, has less elasticity and there is no fat tissue below. Consequently, this skin is more likely to show signs of aging with dryness, hyper-pigmentation and age spots. However, it’s not too late to change the destiny of your décolleté. Whether the cause is hormones, sun damage or skin sensitivity, here’s what you can do:
1. The décolleté burns easily because skin in this area contains few melanocytes. Sun protection against UV rays is non-negotiable to help prevent premature aging caused by collagen loss and pigmentation. The diligent application of a good UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen can help. Try Anthelios sunscreens, which include a wide range of formulations to suit most skin types. Apply generously before going outside.
2. Treat the area gently. Cleanse each morning and night with a gentle formulation like Apothekari Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème . Dry gently; don’t rub hard.
3. Apply a moisturizer or a specialty neck and décolleté cream after cleansing. Keeping the area well moisturized will help to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Neostrata All In One Night Serum contains peptides and retinol.
4. Once or twice weekly use a topical exfoliant to help remove dead, dry skin cells. MaMa Lotion is gentle and effective. Neostrata Skin Renewal Peel Solution can help reveal radiant, younger looking skin after just one treatment.
5. The same treatments that you apply to your face may also be applied to your décolleté. Retinoids as in Apothekari A is For Anti-Aging Retinal Serum or Green Cream will help boost collagen production. Antioxidants like Apothekari Undercover Agent Serum will help fight free radical damage that can cause wrinkles and age spots. For hyperpigmentation issues, find a good skin lightening treatment and use it regularly. Products formulated with 4% hydroquinone are recognized as the gold standard by skin care specialists.
No need for a sad looking décolleté. It can look just as young and vibrant as you feel!
