At some point in the ageing process, we will inevitably catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror, look down at our hands, or see a photo of ourselves on a night out and suddenly focus on our neck and think, “Oh my god – what’s happening?”
Unlike our face, for the most part, our neck and chest often go unprotected, and our hands are almost always exposed – and unfortunately, these areas are the first to show signs of ageing. The skin on our neck is thinner, and our hands experience significant cumulative UV exposure. They also lack the oil glands that help maintain elasticity as we age.
While we often focus on treating pigmentation, sun damage, and age spots on our faces, it’s just as important to give our necks, chests, and hands the same level of attention.
The good news is these areas tend to respond quite quickly to the right products – and in some cases, treatments – because they are often perennially dehydrated. Sometimes, just improving hydration can make a very visible difference.
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Let’s start with the neck and chest.
It’s important to think of these areas as an extension of your face. I always say: your face is everything from the very top of your hairline all the way down to the base of your décolletage. Every product you apply to your face should also go on your neck and chest – specifically moisturiser, and most importantly, sunscreen every single day. These two products alone can do a lot of heavy lifting in keeping the skin hydrated, comfortable, and protected. The products you use don’t have to be expensive either. Great affordable options include CeraVe Moisturising Cream (€12.80 for 340g from Boots) and Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50 (€19 from Boots).
If you’re dealing with sagging skin or significant sun damage in these areas, there are also excellent treatments available. These include IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), a light-and-heat-based treatment available at aesthetic and dermatology clinics that targets excess pigmentation and redness. There are also treatments such as microneedling that can help tighten the skin over several sessions. Depending on where you go, a single session of each treatment generally starts from €250.
Now, the hands.
The hands tend to respond even quicker than the neck and chest, which is great news for all of us. Something as simple as applying a hand cream every single day can increase moisture levels and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Daily sunscreen is also essential. If you don’t have time for an extra step, look for a moisturiser that contains a high SPF and use it liberally. I recently started using Hand Chemistry Hand Cream (€13 from thechemistrybrand.com), and I’m a big fan. It’s nourishing and rich without being heavy or sticky. I also rate The One For Your Hands Hand Cream SPF30 from Hello Sunday (€13 from Space NK).
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If you’re dealing with texture and sun damage, the hands can also benefit from gentle exfoliation. Something like Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment (€22 for two treatments from Space NK) once a week or so can help. It will also allow the products you use to penetrate more effectively afterwards. Again, IPL treatments can help with age spots and sun spots in this area, and gentle chemical peels can assist with resurfacing.
Another one of my favourite approaches to anti-ageing and promoting overall skin health is LED devices. These are no longer limited to the face – there are now excellent devices available that target the neck, chest, and even the hands. Great options include Current Body Skin LED Neck & Décolletage Mask (€399.99 from currentbody.ie) and Omnilux Contour Glove for the hands (€399.75 from omniluxled.com). Regular LED use can significantly improve the appearance and health of the skin in these areas, helping to reduce redness and sun damage while boosting collagen and elasticity.
Despite the wide availability of products and treatments, however, just like with facial skincare, a simple approach really is best. A daily moisturiser on your neck, chest, and hands, combined with daily sunscreen, can work wonders.
This week I’m loving ... Facile Dew You Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Launched in 2021 and only recently available to us on this side of the pond, Facile is an affordable, impressively formulated skincare range created by US-based dermatologist Nancy Samolitis. I’m particularly enamoured with Dew You Hyaluronic Acid Serum (€25 from Space NK), a lightweight but deeply hydrating serum that feels like a big drink of water for the skin.
