https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neck_Anatomy.svg, InjuryMap, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Deborah Tosline published the book “Skin Remodeling DIY: An Introduction to the Underground World of Do-It-Yourself Skincare” in 2015. Her approach to skin care is based on a scientific background, love of research and over 40 years of DIY skincare experience.

It requires focused effort over time to maintain good neck health and a sharp facial profile (see Chapter 10, page 26 of the Human Maintenance Handbook, ha ha I wish!). This includes muscle strengthening, practicing good skin care and promoting circulation. I feel like one day I woke up and noticed that I had drooping neck muscles that were taking the overlying skin with them in a downward direction. It’s easier to maintain than to resurrect but sometimes we simply don’t notice changes until we see them in a photograph. I’m no different. Photos at the end.

HISTORIC TIMELINE OF AUTHOR’S NECK CARE

Nobody told me nothin about skin or neck care, so I researched and listened to my instincts.

In my mid-20’s, I became aware of the impact of sun exposure on my neck and chest. I had a strong tan line on my chest showing the outline of the U-shaped scoop-neck T-shirts that I wore. I realized that I provided no protection for my upper chest and neck which were often subjected to long periods of sun exposure while driving and during other outdoor activities.

I proactively began to apply sunscreen to my neck and upper chest 365 days a year. Yep. I live in sunny Arizona where the sun will find you.

In addition, I began to physically cover my neck and upper chest whenever I was exposed to the sun. I bought all of the silk scarves at the thrift stores for sun protection. I have 2 to 3 scarves in my car at all times and I wrap them around myself as needed to cover exposed skin.

When I turned 40, I began practicing resistance training facial exercises. These exercises included several varieties of standard neck exercises with some advanced variations. I completed the routine 5 times a week for about a decade. Although I’ve reduced the frequency, I’ve consistently practiced resistance training facial exercises for 25 years.

Twenty years after beginning neck exercises, I noticed that my standard neck exercise routine was not enough. My platysma was weak and drooping and the overlying skin obligingly followed. While the tone of my neck skin was decent, it was degrading and my genetic neck lines were getting deeper.

It was then that I decided to take action and focus on strengthening my neck muscles and rejuvenating my neck skin.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sobo_1909_267.png, Dr. Johannes Sobotta, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

AUTHORS PERSONAL NECK REJUVENATION PROCESS

Muscles

In 2020, I took action to further strengthen my platysma and wrote about it in an article here.

I had tried the advanced resistance training neck exercises but felt that I needed more. I sought demanding neck strengthening exercises. It got weird trying to apply weights to my head while doing head lifts from the edge of my bed. I divulged my pursuits to a fellow skin care enthusiast who shared that she used a Pilates circle to strengthen her neck muscles. I began doing standing neck “pushups” by using my neck muscles to push the Pilates circle against a doorframe. This is challenging. I have used this method for several years to strengthen the front, sides and back of my neck. If I had neck issues I would not do this exercise.

I’ve worked diligently, but could do more and probably will, to strengthen my platysma muscle. For me, this has been a successful experience. My platysma is much stronger!

This is a worthwhile effort! Think about it. The platysma supports the neck, vertebrate and spinal cord. A loose platysma muscle cannot offer the same support as a strong healthy platysma. Strengthening the platysma enhances general health and maintains the aesthetics of one’s facial profile.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Figure_36_02_01.jpg, CNX OpenStax, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Skin

My neck skin got a little stretched out when my platysma was drooping. I realized that I would need to be diligent with my neck skin rejuvenation practices to see any results. I implemented additional skin tightening methods and slowly, over time my neck skin has improved.

If you use facials or skin rejuvenation tools, you may have the same issue that I used to have, I would primarily focus on my face. I began to make more time in my schedule to include treatment of my neck skin during daily maintenance and whenever I practice DIY advanced skin care.

It took time for my neck skin to begin to show improvement, but it has! At my age, I think that any enhancement is amazing! Luckily, the skin is responsive. With a good overall personal health routine, regular skin maintenance and DIY advanced skin care, neck skin and all skin areas may be rejuvenated. It takes time, effort and resources; DIY methods may reduce costs when compared to retail skin care.

Lymph

Sometime in my 30’s, I began to develop little pouchy bags under my eyes. I tried most everything that underground DIY’ers were promoting at the time. I was practicing facial exercise, facial massage, using facial tools, special tightening serums, hemorrhoid creams ha, ha, you may understand what I mean.

Finally, while searching the internet, I found a facial lymphatic massage site. They provided free instructions for a facial lymphatic massage routine. The routine included completing the massage once per day for two weeks and then doing the massage once per week thereafter so that the lymph system would not be over-stimulated.

The lymph collects cellular waste, toxins, and debris from the body’s tissues and conveys it to the liver and kidneys where toxins are processed for elimination.

Funny thing, the lymphatic system does not have its own pump system. You have to move your body to stimulate lymphatic flow. When we do not move… where does the lymphatic fluid go? Nowhere. It builds up, may become congested and may be evident as puffiness under the eyes, in the face, under the chin and in the neck.

I followed the facial lymphatic massage instructions and in two weeks, my eye puffiness was gone and has never returned. I may have some puffiness when I am not well, but under normal conditions, I typically have minimal puffiness under my eyes or in my face and neck.

I continue to practice the facial lymphatic flow massage routine that I found so many decades ago. However, I forget… unless I see evidence, like the start of puffy eyes. I always perform the facial lymphatic massage when I have head congestion to keep waste flowing, plus it helps me to feel better.

IMHO, I believe that poor lymphatic circulation significantly contributes to puffiness in the face, under the chin and in the neck. This changes the facial profile. As I developed my personal neck rejuvenation routine, I integrated additional lymphatic massage techniques that I use beneath my chin and ears, from my jaw to my chest. This is an important part of my neck enhancement routine.

A recent YouTube search provided many examples of folks and their associated success stories who are using lymphatic flow massage to manage face and neck puffiness.

POSTURE

Notable mention, the appearance of the neck is dependent on posture. I work to improve my neck posture on a regular basis, but first I had to improve my overall posture. I wrote about neck posture in an article in 2022 here.

AUTHORS RESULTS

In 2020, I began doing strenuous neck exercises. In about 2022, I began to rejuvenate my neck skin and enhance my lymphatic drainage. My DIY skin care practice continuously evolves over time. I try to maintain a high level of personal health because I know that good health supports my skin care goals and practices. Skin rejuvenation involves internal biochemical processes to make new collagen and elastin and good health supports this process. My goal is to age gracefully. Today at age 65, my neck region may not be perfect, but I am comfortable and content with my neck muscle profile and neck skin health. I’ll continue to strive to enhance my neck appearance for myself.

Photos of author ‘s neck and chin over time.

The photo compilation consists of random photos taken through the years. The photos are not touched up. A direct comparison cannot be made, the photos were taken in different locations, there was different lighting, varying expressions, my head and chin were held in different positions as well. Despite the photo inconsistencies, it is apparent to me that I was able to improve my neck muscles and skin health over time. Before my DIY neck enhancement, an hour after applying physical sunscreen, the sunscreen would pool in my neck creases. Currently, the sunscreen does not pool or only minimally pools in the creases. This demonstrates to me that my neck rejuvenation routine is working.

The human body is amazingly resilient. It is possible to implement new self-care practices at any time and reap the benefits. It is possible to change one’s being with consistency, discipline and time.

If you need more information, check out the local library, search the Internet, or check out my past Blog articles. It would be an honor for me if you purchased my facial care book. Thank you!

Take good care of yourselves!

XO Deborah

This article is intended to be used as general information only and is in no way intended to replace medical advice, be used as a medical treatment program, diagnosis, or cure of any disease or medical condition. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the effectiveness of the practices described in this article. Products or substances discussed herein are for educational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations of the author.