If
you’re like most of us, you’re spending more and more time each day — about
four hours, according to a recent study — hunched over your smartphone, tablet
or computer. You may also have the telltale signs of Tech Neck: pain,
discomfort and poor posture. (You know the look: rounded back, shoulders caving
inward, head pitched forward at an unnatural angle.) But you may not realize that
your extensive screen time is also having a seriously aging effect on your neck.
Neck
skin is thinner than the skin on your face, with fewer sebaceous glands and
less collagen, so it’s naturally more prone to wrinkles and sagging. Though sun
exposure is the primary cause of aging neck skin, repeatedly tilting your head down
to stare at a screen can speed up the process by exacerbating the development
of horizontal lines, says Rodan + Fields product-expert-in-residence Mary
Radford, RN.
So
what can you do about this extra-unfortunate side effect of tech use? Here are
some tips:
PREVENTION
Put down your
phone
Giving
it up completely is unlikely, but try dialing it back a bit. Many devices now
track your usage so you can tell exactly how much screen time you’re racking up
and can adjust accordingly. Take frequent breaks from your screen(s), and
exercise regularly. Gentle stretches for your back, neck and shoulders will
help, too.
Pay attention
to posture
Instead
of gazing down at your phone or tablet, bring it up to your face. Invest in a
stand that elevates your computer to a height that keeps your head above your
shoulders and your chin parallel to the ground. You can also practice good
posture at your desk by placing a tennis ball between your shoulder blades and
sitting back into your chair. If the ball rolls down, you’re slumping, which
suggests your head is dropping and your neck is wrinkling, too.
TREATMENT
Don’t neglect
your neck
People
tend to pamper their face but stop at the chin. Mary recommends using the Rodan
+ Fields REDEFINE Regimen to minimize the appearance of fine lines, visible pores and loss
of firmness on your neck (as well as your face), and layering in Rodan + Fields
ENHANCEMENTS Active
Hydration Serum for extra hydration. She’d combine that with the Rodan + Fields AMP
MD Derma-Roller ; its micro-exfoliating tips help enhance the penetration and
effectiveness of your skincare Regimen and will leave the skin on your neck
visibly firmer over time. “Start slowly,” she cautions. “One or two rolls, once
or twice a week — since the neck area can be extra-sensitive.”
Slather on
the SPF
You’ve
heard it before: Sunscreen is a critical step in any skincare routine, and that
goes for the skin on your neck, too. Mary recommends applying sunscreen every
morning before leaving home and re-applying it every two hours if you’re
outdoors, swimming or sweating.
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