We’re not sure about you, but working from home is really starting to take its toll on our bodies. As grateful as we are to have the luxury of being able to continue to work from the comfort of our homes, there’s no doubt that the physical aspect of it can have its drawbacks. Where daily commutes, coffee runs and lunch breaks once kept us moving and active, office chairs, desk setups and large computer screens helped support our posture and remove the risks of aches and pains.
Fast-forward to today and the majority of us are hunched over laptops, slumped on the sofa or cramped on a chair under some sort of makeshift desk. And it would seem that these working-from-home office environments are already starting to have a negative impact. From backaches to neck pain, people far and wide are starting to complain of the ways that their bodies are reacting to the change in their workspace. A common issue that we have seen crop up time and time again is that of “tech neck”—the feeling of pressure/tension in the neck and back and the appearance of lines, jowls and creases in the skin as a result of constantly looking down at technology, often at a 45-degree angle.
If you can relate to this issue or want to get one step ahead, here’s all there is to know and a roundup of the very best neck-firming products around.
The recently coined term “tech neck” refers to the common issues that our necks face as a result of increased use of technology. Maryam Zamani, oculoplastic surgeon and aesthetic doctor at the Cadogan Clinic explains, “Thin, pigmented, crepey chest skin is a common complaint amongst patients, as is sagging of the neck. Tech neck has become a rising concern because of increased gadget use, which can accelerate these findings.”
The theory goes that increased gadget use puts more strain on our neck from constantly looking down and creates creases from short, rapid movements that stretch the skin. But why is it that our necks show such dramatic signs of ageing compared to elsewhere? “The skin on the neck is generally slightly thicker than the face and has significantly fewer glands (and therefore less oil and collagen production) which help to maintain a youthful glow,” says Zamani. Not only does a lack of oil and collagen production result in the skin on the neck looking less glowing, but it also means it is usually less plump and prone to wrinkling and sagging.
Realistically, in modern times, spending less time looking at gadgets simply isn’t doable. Plus, skin issues on the neck can arise at any time given its more temperamental nature. In fact, some experts argue that increased use in technology is actually only drawing our attention to skin issues that have always existed. The main reason the skin on our necks is more prone to ageing? We’re simply not doing enough to look after it. “Many people still neglect the neck area, despite having a thorough skincare regime for their face. Our necks aren’t benefiting from the same brightening, smoothing and softening treatments that our faces are used to,” explains consultant dermatologist Anjali Mahto. While certain moisturising creams and line-reducing treatments for the neck can help improve the situation, Zamani says that prevention is the key. “As we generally see the first signs of ageing on the face, we focus our attention there, but it’s important to not forget the neck. Prevention is always a better approach to treatment. Extending all face skincare to the neck and décolletage is essential,” she says. However, if you’re after a more intensive treatment, keep scrolling for the best neck creams and treatments for firmer skin.
For a smoothing and nourishing everyday treatment, this firming and reviving cream is a great choice.
Along with peptides, niacinamide and potent botanicals to help deliver hydration and rejuvenate skin, this complex also contains vitamin C and other antioxidants to help brighten and reduce the appearance of pigmentation.
You may have seen this mask on your Instagram feeds already. It’s super expensive, and we don’t claim that any mask or cream has the ability to totally eradicate wrinkles, but having said that, this particular sheet mask certainly gives the skin a much more youthful glow.
Elemis’ Pro-Collagen range is an anti-ageing favourite amongst beauty editors, celebs and skincare experts alike. This richly hydrating and nourishing balm helps with smoothness and elasticity.
For use on both the face and the neck, this affordable cream actually contains powerhouse-ingredient retinol to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
With both ferulic acid to protect against free-radical damage and retinol to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. If you ask us, this neck emulsion is one of the most powerful serums around.
A much more affordable mask option, this “lifting” sheet mask uses acupressure to boost circulation and improve firmness.
With shea butter, barrier-supporting ceramides and niacin, this powerful neck cream is a wonderful way to prevent any unwanted creases appearing.
This clever cream uses phytosterols, peptides and proteins to strengthen the skin’s collagen structure and make your complexion appear tighter and plumper.
From the people that brought us The Ordinary, this neck cream uses a whole bunch of clever technologies to help improve elasticity.
As you might have guessed already, firming neck creams don’t come cheap. This particular product might have a super steep price tag, but it also has smoothing abilities like few others.
With retinyl palmitate to help resurface and improve texture and liquorice root extracts to brighten, this particular formula is a real winner.
The price tag on this one might bring a tear to your eye, but if you’re serious about looking after your neck and have the money to spare, listen up. With copper complex, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and omegas, this cream is formulated with high-tech plasma technology to intensify results.
Believe it or not, this range is one of Marks and Spencer’s best-selling beauty products. Complete with two different types of retinol to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it’s one of the most-loved neck creams around.
With a whole bunch of powerful ingredients such as white truffle enzymes, edelwiess flower extract and polysaccharides, this neck cream works to resurface, plump, hydrate and lift all at once.
Loved by celebrity facialists, this particular neck and jaw cream is rich in vitamin C to help reduce the appearance of age spots and pigmentation. Plus, nourishing oils make skin appear more hydrated and plumped.
