Turkey neck: The skin care, diet and exercises that keep your neck 'youthful' - plus a facial yoga hack that 'works wonders'
Experts spoke exclusively to GB News about how to maintain a youthful neck
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Sagging skin is an inevitable sign of ageing and the neck certainly does not escape unscathed.
But while it is totally natural, many women want to reduce the appearance of what has been dubbed 'turkey neck'.
GB News spoke exclusively to a range of experts about how women can combat this without going under the knife.
A beauty expert, NHS nurse turned dermatology practitioner and personal trainer all shared how ladies can firm up their necks at home.
Beauty expert and deputy editor of Beauty Answers, Katie Walker, recommended an effective skin care regime, facial yoga, adequate hydration and a healthy diet.
'Start with skincare - your neck needs just as much attention as your face'
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She said: "The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing but, with a bit of care, you can keep it looking youthful.
"Start with skincare - your neck needs just as much attention as your face."
The beauty guru recommended using a moisturiser with SPF daily to protect against sun damage, which accelerates ageing.
At night, ladies should apply a hydrating neck cream with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, retinol or peptides.
She explained: "These ingredients help boost collagen production and smooth fine lines, giving your skin a more youthful appearance."
Exfoliation is also essential. Women should gently exfoliate the neck once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover, for a "fresher and more radiant" appearance. What's more, this will allow any products you apply to penetrate more effectively.
When it comes to which products you use, Katie urged women to invest in good products.
She advised: "Look for serums and creams with antioxidants, vitamin C and niacinamide, which help to improve skin texture and even out skin tone."
The expert also recommended investing in a quality neck cream, as this can make a big difference when used consistently.
Practising facial yoga is another route to a younger-looking neck. In fact, according to the expert, a specific technique can actually "work wonders".
For those who want to take years off their necks from the comfort of their own homes, Katie advised: "A gentle massage using upward strokes, especially when applying your moisturiser or serum, can boost circulation and help lift the skin over time."
Neck stretches and exercises can also help as this improves circulation and tone the muscles, which keeps the skin firm.
The expert added adequate hydration and a healthy diet also work in tandem for great skin - both on the face and neck.
She explained that drinking plenty of water keeps the skin "plump and healthy", while antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts and leafy greens can "fight free radical damage and support collagen production".
NHS nurse turned dermatology practitioner Emma Coleman also weighed in on how to combat an ageing neck at home.
She instructed: "Apply a ceramide-rich cream each evening before bed. Apply in circular motions and upward strokes to improve circulation.
"Give your neck a treat by applying a homemade mask before bed: mix two tablespoons of honey with raw coconut and your favourite skin polish [exfoliator]. Mix well and massage gently into the entire neck."
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'When you engage in activities like running, swimming and cycling, your neck naturally gets worked out more than you might realise'
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For long-lasting results, going down the professional route is also an option. Emma recommended a course of Morpheus 8 - which uses micro-needling and radiofrequency technologies - combined with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light therapy).
She explained that applying microneedling with radiofrequency and light at wavelength of 650nm "boosts collagen and helps to immediately tighten and rejuvenate lax skin".
Emma added: "Alternatively a PDO Thread lift is a simple procedure involving the insertion of up to six threads into the jawline and neck area to physically tighten the entire area. Results last for up to 18 months."
But before going down the treatment route, it is vital you seek out a licensed professional. The NHS has essential information on both cosmetic procedures and cosmetic surgery on its official website.
CEO of 24/Fitness and personal trainer of 30 years Gary Lockwood also spoke to GB News about how women can improve the appearance of their necks.
He said: "The best way to improve how your neck looks is to combine weight loss with exercises that specifically strengthen your neck muscles.
"When you engage in activities like running, swimming and cycling, your neck naturally gets worked out more than you might realise, helping you burn calories and tone up simultaneously.
"These exercises are fantastic for promoting overall weight loss while also supporting the muscles around your neck.
"To take it a step further, you can incorporate targeted exercises, like neck stretches, to further enhance muscle strength in that area.
"By focusing on both cardio and specific neck workouts, you’ll improve your neck’s appearance while boosting your overall fitness."
How to minimise turkey neck at home
- Don't neglect your neck when doing your skin care routine - think SPF, hydrating neck cream and gentle exfoliation
- Invest in good products which include antioxidants, vitamin C and niacinamide
- Facial yoga and neck massage
- Exercises that strengthen the neck muscles
- Drink plenty of water
- Enjoy a healthy diet
A plastic surgeon also shared how to reduce wrinkles and sagginess on the neck without going under the knife.
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