Many skincare routines are focused on the skin on our faces, whether we’re trying to enhance our complexion or battle the signs of ageing. However, since your skin is your body’s largest organ, good skincare should work from head to toe. As a result, you should focus on curating a routine that focuses on other areas of your skin, such as your décolletage.
Where exactly is your décolletage?
If loosely translated, décolletage means to “expose the neck”. As such, your décolletage refers to the area of your skin from below your chin to your chest (such as your neck and collarbone).
While often ignored in traditional skincare routines, this area of your skin is prone to damage in your daily life. For example, it is often exposed to the sun, a key catalyst for the premature ageing of the skin (photoaging). Furthermore, the skin on your neck and chest is very thin with fewer sebaceous glands and melanocytes. As such, this area of your skin is typically more prone to dryness and sun damage.
How to care for your décolletage.
Thankfully, there are various ways in which you can begin to care for your décolletage.
Tip #1 → Sun protection.
UV rays are the biggest cause of skin cancer globally, meaning it’s important that we all spend as little time in the sun as possible. However, this becomes particularly pertinent when caring for your décolletage, since melanomas “most commonly grow on the head and neck, chest or back” (1).
Not only does exposure to sunlight increase the risk of developing cancer, but it also leads to premature ageing. This is because the long wavelength UV rays are able to penetrate deep into the dermis, and damage the collagen and other dermal supporting components which result in the formation of wrinkles, fine lines and loss of elasticity. Sunlight is also the key culprit behind age spots and discoloration, as the UV rays cause pigment cells to become ‘overactive’. (2)
Therefore, you should try to minimize your sun exposure where possible and apply sunscreen diligently. If heading outdoors, find a shady place to sit, or keep sensitive areas of your skin covered for extra protection. If spending a lot of time in the sun, you should reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours. You should also ensure that you apply after-sun treatment when you return home.
Tip #2 → Use a gentle cleanser
Cleansing is an essential step in your beauty regimen, and when carried out effectively, can remove dirt, oil and other forms of bacteria from the surface of your skin. As a result, daily cleansing of your decolletage will help remove such impurities, helping you to retain a natural, youthful glow. However, as mentioned previously, the skin on your décolletage is rather thin and sensitive, meaning that you must use gentle cleansers in this area, such as DermYoung’s I-Genesis Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser. This product is great for sensitive skin since it is gentle and sulfate-free (sulfates have been found to cause “itchiness, redness, and dry skin”). (3)
Tip #3 Moisturize
Hydration is a top priority in the care of your decolletage due to the scarcity of sebaceous glands, which typically produce “sebum”, a waxy surface which lubricates and moisturizes the surface of your skin. As these glands are in short supply in the decolletage, your skin could appear dull, dry or even flaky when compared to the rest of your complexion.
However, moisturising this area regularly will ensure your skin has access to all of the necessary humectants, emollients and occlusives that can help form a superficial protective layer on your skin that prevents water from escaping. Additionally, effective antioxidants with anti-inflammatory functions and actives that can promote skin-barrier formation are essential in preserving the water in our skin – and many of these ingredients are present in moisturizers.
Tip #4 → Use DermYoung’s I-Genesis RevivOil to rejuvenate your decolletage.
The I-Genesis RevivOil for body is a high-performance multi-benefit oil, which not only help to sooth irritated skin after sun exposure but also correct pre-existing signs of sun damage, such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
The I-Genesis RevivOil is packed with a range of benefits, especially when it comes to caring for your décolletage. It contains a blend of three unique oils, including Cranberry Seed, Argan and Rice Bran oils, whose lipids and antioxidant profiles offer comprehensive nourishment for the skin. Furthermore, DermYoung’s proprietary turmeric and licorice extract blend provides powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, barrier building and collagen production boosting functions.
By applying this oil, your decolletage will not only get more nourished, and hydrated with the beautiful, healthy glow but also your rough texture, dark spots and wrinkles in this area will start to fade away. This product is easy to apply, simply pump the desired amount of the gentle oil onto your hands or skin and massage gently until the product is fully absorbed. This can be part of your morning routine, or simply used whenever you feel your skin is looking dry.
At DermYoung, we believe that everyone deserves to love their reflection, and an effective skincare routine is one of the easiest ways to to unlock this confidence. You can find out more about our simple, clean products here, or fill in our skin consultation form to find the I-Genesis regimen perfectly suited to you and your lifestyle.
Sources: 1) NHS, “Skin cancer (melanoma)” https://bit.ly/3J54xMJ
2) Scientific American, “How does sunscreen protect skin?” https://bit.ly/3J1h7N6
3) Woman and Home “ Is it time to banish sulfates from your beauty regimen? The pros and cons of this controversial ingredient” https://www.womanandhome.com/beauty/sulfates/
