Neck and Décolletage: The Most Overlooked Areas of Your Winter Skincare Routine (and How to Restore Them Before Spring)
By the Editorial Team at Musa Magazine
In winter, we live wrapped in scarves, turtlenecks, and coats fastened up to the chin. Beneath all those layers of wool, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “out of sight, out of mind.” We faithfully apply our creams to our face—but stop right at the jawline.
Yet the neck and décolletage are deceptive areas. They have an unforgiving “memory” and are often the first to reveal our real age, even before crow’s feet.
Why do they age faster? Because the skin in these areas is much thinner and has fewer sebaceous glands than the face. It dries out more easily, heals more poorly, and loses elasticity more quickly. If you’ve neglected this area during the colder months, here’s your rescue plan so that when spring arrives—and with it lower necklines—your skin looks firm and even.
1. The Extension Rule
This is the simplest and most effective habit change you can make today: your face doesn’t end at your chin—it ends at your chest.
• The routine: Everything you apply to your face (cleanser, toner, vitamin C serum, and moisturizer) should be extended down to the décolletage. You don’t need to buy a special “neck cream” if you’re using good facial products; you just need to use a bit more and expand the application area.
2. Beware of “Tech Neck”
It’s not just aging—it’s your phone. Spending hours looking down at a screen creates horizontal folds in the neck that, over time, turn into deep, permanent wrinkles.
• The solution: In addition to trying to raise your phone to eye level, hydration is key. Well-hydrated skin is flexible and springs back into place; dry skin creases and locks in wrinkles.
3. Retinol, with Caution
Retinol is the king of anti-aging—but on the neck, it can be a tyrant. Because the skin is so thin, it becomes irritated easily.
• The trick: If you use retinol on your face, mix one drop with your moisturizer before applying it to the neck to dilute its strength, or use it only two nights a week. Look for formulas with peptides, which are excellent for firming lax skin without causing irritation.
4. The Invisible Enemy: Perfume
We all love to smell good, but spraying perfume directly onto the sides of the neck is a mistake. The high alcohol content instantly dries out the skin and, if exposed to sunlight (even in winter), can cause dark spots that are difficult to fade (poikiloderma).
• The change: Spray perfume on your clothes, in your hair, or behind your ears—but avoid direct application on the skin of the neck and décolletage.
The neck is the pedestal of your face. Caring for it doesn’t require more time—just more awareness. Start tonight by extending your love (and your skincare) a little further down. Your springtime self will thank you.
