Frequently asked questions
What do dermatologists recommend for a crepey neck?
To treat this issue, dermatologists recommend “daily sun protection in the form of SPF, and use of targeted neck creams that help build elasticity and collagen and fight free radical damage,” says Deanne Mraz, MD. She also emphasizes pairing topical products with professional treatments to enhance results, like a collagen-stimulating filler with radiofrequency microneedling. “This combination can help firm the skin and improve texture by encouraging collagen and elastin over time,” she says.
Do neck-firming creams really work?
The best neck creams for older women aren’t necessarily miracle workers—i.e., you can’t expect to apply the product and watch your sagging neckline instantly bounce back—but they do help. “Since thinner neck skin (which is often dry and delicate) doesn’t contain the same oil composition as the face, a good neck cream will add needed moisture,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama.
Not interested in stocking a drawer full of dedicated products? You can absolutely just use your go-to face serum, like one of the best retinol serums, collagen creams, or skin-tightening moisturizers. “I stress to patients that most skin care products should also be applied to the neck and chest, not just the face,” says Dr. Palm. But a neck-specific formula may be a good idea if you’re concerned or have mature skin. Neck-firming creams are specifically formulated with ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid to target dryness, plus peptides to boost collagen and increase elasticity. Some also have other antiaging superstars like retinol, brightening ingredients like vitamin C, antioxidants like vitamin E, or niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) to strengthen the skin barrier.
Can you tighten the skin around your neck without a procedure?
Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology, says that you can improve the look of the skin with neck-firming creams, but true tightening is limited without procedures. “That said, using retinol, sunscreen, and well-formulated skin care consistently can make a noticeable difference in smoothness and overall quality. At-home devices can offer subtle improvements, but expectations should be realistic,” she says.
How is a neck cream different from a face cream?
“Neck skin is thinner than facial skin and has fewer oil glands, so it’s more prone to dryness, irritation, and crepiness,” Dr. Colombo says. “Neck creams are typically formulated with extra hydrators, peptides, and antioxidants to target horizontal lines and loss of elasticity.” But you don’t necessarily need a separate product, she notes. “A gentle, well-formulated face moisturizer or serum can work beautifully on the neck. What matters is the formula and using it consistently, not whether the label says ‘neck cream.”
What ingredients work best on a saggy neck?
Focus on ingredients that target collagen loss, dehydration, and sun damage when looking to treat skin laxity, Dr. Colombo instructs. “Retinoids have the strongest evidence for stimulating collagen, but the neck is sensitive, so start slowly with a gentle formula.” She adds that peptides support skin firmness, vitamin C and niacinamide help with tone and barrier function, and hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides plump up crepey skin. Finally, daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable to counteract UV damage. “Just know the difference between crepiness and true laxity: topicals improve texture and fine lines, but real sagging needs procedures like energy-based treatments or surgery.” The simplest distinction is that crepey skin looks thin, crinkly, and finely wrinkled (think tissue paper!); true laxity looks loose, with skin that sags or hangs.
The neck-firming creams that made the cut had effective ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants that helped lift and smooth areas of aging skin. Our testers evaluated format and texture, i.e., how lightweight the creams were and if they did a good job of hydrating and protecting the skin (especially if they had SPF). They also looked at efficacy and how long it took to notice a difference in their neck wrinkles after incorporating one of these lotions into their regimen. Our final list is made up of the best six neck creams for older women that firmed skin and made things like tech neck, sagging, and crepey texture look a lot less noticeable and smoother.
- Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and president and cofounder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama
- Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego
- Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology
- Melissa Fox, a celebrity master esthetician and founder of Flawless by Melissa Fox in Miami and West Palm Beach
- Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City.
- Frank Agullo, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in El Paso, Texas
- Marisa Ponzo, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Morgana Colombo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Integrated Dermatology of Reston and Founder of Vidaderma.
