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Many women think of their “beauty” routine as a from-the-neck-up thing. Well, there’s a whole lot of skin on the way down that needs attention, too. Your faithful and fabulous body’s gotta last a lifetime, so make maintaining the entire outer package (and its inner health, of course) a priority. You’ll look better dressed and naked, and who’d say no to that? Here are 10 tough-love tips on how to do it.
1. Necks need skin care and better posture … not turtlenecks. Start today by using your daily face care — moisturizer, night treatment and broad-spectrum SPF 30-plus — on your neck, too. Be sure to do the front, sides and back of the neck, and apply all creams in upward strokes, from bottom to top. Curb “tech neck” (the sag and creases caused by hunching over your smartphone, laptop, Kindle or iPad) by holding the phone up to your face and sitting up straight when you work, shop online or read.
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2. Make your décolletage matter. The skin between your neck and breasts is thin, vulnerable and a magnet for sun damage. The good news is your chest — like facial skin — responds quickly to ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacin, antioxidants and botanicals that plump up lines, restart collagen production, soothe and smooth. So continue with tip No. 1 and extend daily facial skin care and broad-spectrum sunscreen right down to your bra. Start sleeping on your back, too. Side and stomach sleepers risk increased crinkling, crepe-like textural changes and creasing. A contoured back-sleeper pillow helps you stay put and comfy. Place your usual pillow under your knees to prevent middle-of-the-night rollovers.
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3. Soften dry, ashy arms and legs. Switch up your bath or shower routine to counteract the visible results of slowed cell turnover, oil production and circulation. Choose body washes and lotions infused with rich, emollient shea butter and botanical oils like almond or coconut. Apply moisturizer while skin is towel blotted, but still damp, to lock it in. Exfoliate flaky spots when needed — after washing but before hydrating — with a gentle body polish like Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Oat, Sugar and Shea Breakfast Scrub or SheaMoisture Raw Shea Coffee Scrub. The mild combo of sugar or coffee plus shea butter and botanical oils buffs elbows, knees and shins.