When it comes to hiding your age, makeup can help you go a long way… for the face. Yes, makeup can hide those dark spots, lines and wrinkles on the face. But your neck will refuse to stay on your side because neck wrinkles cannot be easily hidden. Those pesky lines and folds on the neck are stubborn and, unfortunately, age-telling. Unless… you decide to get rid of them altogether!
Yes, clinical treatments, chemicals and over-the-counter anti-aging creams, special formulas and peels may work. But you may be apprehensive of using chemicals on your face and neck for fear of side effects. You may also not be willing to splurge on clinical procedures to get rid of neck wrinkles. However, if you’re willing to invest a little time and effort, there are some really simple and easy neck wrinkles home remedies that can do the job effectively!
Read on to learn about how your kitchen holds just about all the ingredients for the perfect anti aging kit to treat neck wrinkles.
What causes neck wrinkles?
You may have a general idea that aging is natural and we’ve seen all old people have lines and wrinkles on their neck. But have you ever wondered why they occur? Understanding this can help you think about what to look for in your everyday skincare.
1. Sensitive skin
You may not realize it but the skin on the neck is very thin and delicate and is therefore easily prone to damage. Collagen, which is responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and rejuvenation, reduces with age. This leaves the skin loose and hanging to form folds and lines.
2. Strain
The neck carries the weight of the head. The neck muscles are responsible for holding it in place and for its movements. Think about how much you move your head around. Think about all the strain you put on the neck muscles while staring at your computer screen. Yes, it’s a part of life but the neck, unfortunately has to deal with the strain and bear the consequences of gravity.
3. Neglected care
The face is the most prominent part of the body so we put in all our skincare efforts on it while the neck gets ignored. While cleansing and moisturizing your face, do you extend the services down to the neck? The neck is naturally prone to aging at a faster rate because of the neglected skin care.
4. Environmental exposure
Your neck is just as susceptible as your face is to the damage of sun, wind and pollution exposure. Dry skin on the neck can leave the cells undernourished and therefore make it difficult to rejuvenate. Exposure to UV rays kills the proteins responsible for skin cell growth.
5. Food and lifestyle choices
If your diet is poor in nourishing vitamins, proteins and triglycerides, it is definitely going to show on the weak spots – the neck. Smoking causes immense damage to the skin and leads to premature aging.
6. Genetics
Unfortunately, this is beyond our control. Some people are just dealt the worst cards and are more prone to aging than others. What is in control though is how to treat the neck to reduce the effect of the genes and the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
How to remove neck wrinkles at home
Now that you’re better equipped with the knowledge of what’s going on with the skin on the neck, here are the most effective neck wrinkles home remedies:
1. Ginger-honey mask
Ginger is known for its healing properties because it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. These prevent free radicals from causing oxidation and damage to the skin cells by neutralizing them. Ginger works especially well when paired with honey. Honey rejuvenates the skin and stimulates collagen production to increase the elasticity of the skin. Ginger can also be used to promote metabolism and works as a natural fat burner.
Grate a one-inch stick of ginger and add a tablespoon of honey to these shavings. Also mix in a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mix on the neck and gently massage for 4-5 minutes. Leave the mask on for about 20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.
2. Kiwi-yoghurt mask
Kiwi is an excellent fruit for the skin because it is rich in vitamin C and E. It is also abundant in antioxidants and phytonutrients that reverse aging and boost collagen production. On the other hand, lactic acid in the yoghurt helps dissolve dead skin cells and tighten the pores. It is also an excellent moisturizer. Together, the two work effectively to make the skin taut and supple.
Simply peel a kiwi and cut it up into small pieces. Blend it together with 3 tablespoons of yoghurt to make a smooth paste. Apply this paste on the neck and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.
3. Lentil mask
Lentils are packed with vitamin C and proteins that can stimulate repair and rejuvenation in the skin cells of the neck.
Soak a small cup of lentils overnight and grind it to make a thick, smooth paste. Add in two tablespoons of rose water to it and mix well. Rose water also has anti-aging effects as it works as a cleanser and astringent that cleans out the pores and tightens them. Apply this mask on the neck for 20-25 minutes and wash it off.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe gel is a boon for all skin-related issues because of its healing and nourishing properties. Not only is it rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, it is also a natural moisturizer. It increases the collagen production in skin cells and makes the skin tighter to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It increases skin elasticity thereby reducing neck lines too.
Aloe gel is the juicy, transparent inner flesh of the aloe vera plant and it is best when extracted fresh. Simply cut up a stem, extract the gel and massage it gently on the neck in circular motions for about 3-5 minutes. You could also mix in a vitamin E capsule in the gel for better results.
5. Banana mask
Bananas are packed with antioxidants and nutrients like carotene, vitamin E, C, B and B1. It also contains potassium which moisturizes the skin. Amino acids strengthen the connective tissues which are responsible for maintaining skin strength and elasticity.
Take a ripe banana and mash it to make a smooth paste. Mix in a tablespoon of honey and half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mask on the neck and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off.
