Smartphones have changed the way we live.  Some of those changes have been for the better (maps, music, fitness tracking), and some for the worse (anxiety, eye health, disrupted sleep). Now there’s one more thing you can add to the list of negative effects of smartphones: neck lines. 

Yes, you heard us right. Our phones are giving us horizontal neck lines.  Even if you’re taking great care of the skin on your face, keeping it youthful and radiant, your neck may be giving the impression that you’re older than you are. The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent them or minimize their appearance. Read on for more information about how to get rid of horizontal lines on the neck. 

What causes horizontal neck lines?

In general, horizontal neck lines are caused by the same conditions that cause other types of wrinkles. But many of us overlook the neck when it comes to proper skincare.  Even people who are religious about protecting and treating their skin often forget to give their neck the same care they give their face. Here are some of the main factors that cause horizontal neck lines: 

• Sun damage - Sunscreen blocks UV rays, but only in the places where it’s applied.  Failing to slather sunscreen on the neck results in a breakdown of the collagen and elastin, and the formation of horizontal lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.  

• Thin skin - Neck skin is thin, which means it doesn’t have the healing capacity of the skin on other parts of the body. Wrinkles can set in on the neck skin easily.

• The genetics of aging - If you come from a line of people who wrinkle early or easily, you may be prone to developing horizontal neck lines at an early age.  

• Skin dehydration -  Wrinkles love dry skin. If you’re not prioritizing neck moisturization the way you do your face, horizontal neck lines may set in earlier and be more pronounced.  

• Repetitive motions - Just as repeated facial expressions cause wrinkles on the face, repetitive motions of the neck can also cause horizontal neck lines.  This is where your phone becomes part of the problem. When you spend a lot of time looking down at your phone, you’re at a risk of creating those unsightly neck bands that have earned the nicknames, “Tech Neck” and “Text Neck.”

So, what now? 

How to get rid of horizontal neck lines

The best way to get rid of horizontal neck lines is to go back in time and prevent them from forming in the first place. You can do this by:

• Improving your posture  - Try lifting your phone up to your face instead of looking down at it. This is a much less comfortable way to look at your phone, but it may have the added bonus of causing you to use your phone less. 

• Applying sunscreen to your neck daily - The less sun exposure on your neck, the less likely it is to wrinkle.

• Prioritizing skincare on your neck - Treat your neck skin the way you do your face, using mild cleansers, gentle exfoliating products, moisturizer, and even masks and serums.

Prevention first, always. But if you do find yourself with horizontal neck lines, you have a few different options, depending on whether you catch them at the early stage of development or need to address them once they’ve been etched in deeply. 

Early neck lines 

Serums and other products containing retinoids, antioxidants, and skin-firming ingredients can help combat sun damage, boost collagen, and firm up the skin on your neck before the lines set in. The Skinmedica TNS Essential Serum helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone and texture of the neck and décolleté. 

Microneedling is a procedure that involves creating tiny wounds in your skin by way of very fine needles. It stimulates the production of collagen and improves skin tone, texture, elasticity and firmness. When used on the neck, microneedling can help eliminate the appearance of horizontal neck bands. 

Deeper neck lines

When it comes to the deeper horizontal neck lines, hyaluronic acid fillers do a remarkable job of minimizing their appearance. While there are a number of different dermal fillers to choose from, an experienced practitioner will opt for the softer, more supple fillers to avoid plumping the area too much. For example, at Siti Med Spa, we may use JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA XC, which is typically used to fill in lip lines and wrinkles. When used to treat horizontal neck lines, it works subtly and beautifully, providing natural-looking results that last up to a year. Depending on each individual’s needs, other Juvéderm products may be more appropriate. 

Although the actual injection involved with dermal fillers is a simple procedure, it does require the skill, precision, and artistic eye of an experienced injector who understands how to fine-tune the procedure to create the most beautiful results. 

So how will you get rid of your neck lines? The best way to determine which products or procedures will be best for treating your horizontal neck bands is to visit Siti Med Spa for a consultation. We’ll evaluate your skin, listen to your concerns, and customize a treatment plan that helps you achieve results you feel good about. 

Treat Horizontal Neck Lines At Siti Med Spa In San Diego

For more information on our products and services, or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at 619-717-8484 today.