Do you take care of your Decollete? Do you know what it is? Decollete is a French term given to the upper chest, neck, cleavage and shoulder areas. It is one of the first places on a woman to show age and so should be cared for in a similar way as we care for our faces. If you spend much time outside, this area is often exposed to sun too but we tend to not pay so much attention to putting sunscreen here. The Decollete is prone to hyperpigmentation and degradation of collagen that occurs due to exposure to UV light.
There are important physiological differences between the face and decollete. Skin on the face contains more sebaceous or oil glands that help lubricate and protect skin moisture. The skin on the neck and chest is thinner and has less adipose tissue. The dermis also quickly thins in the chest area. Together this means the chest is more prone to dry skin and ultimately results in a sagging, crepe – like appearance. Melanocyte activity also results in hyperpigmentation spots. Erythema (redness) and telangiectasias are also common. Telangiectasias are dilated blood vessels or spider veins. A common formation of wrinkles on the neck are those that occur in horizontal lines across the neck and are known as 'necklace' wrinkles.
Another condition found on the neck and chest is Poikiloderma of Civatte (PC). This refers to a combination of hyperpigmentation and dilated blood vessels that occur on the sides of the neck but avoids the front of the neck or throat area. It causes a mottled appearance to the skin. This condition is related to sun exposure but also to cosmetics or perfumes that are worn in that area of the neck. It is also related to hormones and increases with menopause.
So how do we care for the decollete?
Be sure to apply your sunscreen to the neck and chest area as well as your face.
Remember to always moisturize your decollete area and massage the moisturizer into the skin.
Focus on ingredients in moisturizers that address firmness and elasticity – hyaluronic acid, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, vitamin A, vitamin C.
Focus on ingredients that address hyperpigmentation and redness – vitamin C, kojic acid, lactic acid (fruit extracts), green tea, algae, niacinamide. This may mean using a mask several times a week in this area as you would on your face.
Products that we recommend for this area are Springtide Gold Face Cream, Razz Tightening Serum, Starbright Mask and Oasis Spray Lotion. Its not too late to care for your decollete! So go ahead and wear that great low cut dress and a necklace or earrings that draw attention! Realize your skin!
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