Why your neck and décolletage age faster than your face (and what to do about it)

I'm almost certain that most of us are pretty good at looking after our face. We cleanse, apply our serum, moisturise morning and night and (hopefully!) never forget our SPF. But when it comes to our neck and décolletage? I'm guessing many of us simply use whatever product happens to be left on our fingertips! Then one day we really start to notice the fine lines, the loss of firmness and the crepey skin that's suddenly replaced what was once soft and smooth. The thing is, our neck and décolletage often show the signs of ageing before our face does. So why don't we pay them the same attention? If you're starting to notice changes in that area, it’s not too late to do something about it! Keep reading to find out why your neck ages differently to your face, and the simple changes that can make a real difference.   So, why does our neck and chest age faster? Unfortunately, the skin on our neck and décolletage is naturally thinner and more delicate than the skin on many other areas of the body. It also contains fewer oil glands, meaning it doesn't retain moisture quite as well and is more prone to dryness and dehydration. Over time, this makes fine lines and crepey texture much more noticeable. However, thinner skin isn't the only reason your neck ages more quickly. Several other factors are working against it too; Years of sun exposure Your neck and chest receive almost as much sun exposure as your face, yet they're often forgotten when it comes to sunscreen! UV exposure is one of the biggest causes of premature skin ageing because it breaks down collagen and elastin, the fibres responsible for keeping skin firm and resilient. The result? Wrinkles, pigmentation and a gradual loss of firmness. Collagen naturally declines with age From our late 20’s onwards, collagen production gradually slows. As we move through our 40’s and beyond, this decline becomes more noticeable, particularly around the neck where the skin is already more delicate. Less collagen means less support, allowing the skin to become thinner, looser and more prone to wrinkles. Your sleeping position may be contributing This one is a worry! Especially if you are a side sleeper like me! You may notice vertical lines developing across your chest over time. Spending several hours each night with the skin compressed in the same position can gradually contribute to these sleep lines, which may eventually become more permanent (great!) While I’m certainly not suggesting you stop sleeping on your side! it's just another reason why this area deserves a little extra care. Modern posture doesn't help either How many hours a day do you spend looking down at your phone or laptop do you think? The scary thing is constantly bending your neck creates repeated folding of the skin. Over time, these repetitive movements can contribute to the horizontal lines many people begin noticing earlier than expected. It's even earned its own nickname "tech neck"!   Should you use a separate neck cream? One question we're often asked is whether you really need a dedicated neck cream. If you're already applying your serums, moisturiser and sunscreen all the way down to your neck and chest every day, you're already doing far more than most people! However, targeted neck products can be beneficial because they're specifically formulated for the unique challenges of this area. Many combine intensive hydration with ingredients that help improve the appearance of crepey skin, uneven tone and loss of firmness, while offering textures designed for the thinner, more delicate skin of the neck and décolletage.   Small habits that make a big difference Looking after your neck and chest area doesn't require an entirely new routine. Simply make it an extension of the skincare you're already doing. Remember to: Cleanse your neck whenever you cleanse your face. Apply your serums and moisturiser from your face down to your décolletage or better still introduce a dedicated neck and chest treatment. Never skip sunscreen on your neck and chest. Be mindful of prolonged sun exposure. Apply products using gentle upward strokes rather than pulling the skin downwards. Consistency really is the secret. A few extra seconds each day can make a noticeable difference over time!   The neck and decolletage product we are loving Phytomer Décolleté Parfait Neck and Décolleté Renewing Care If you like the idea of using a targeted product specifically designed for the delicate neck and chest area, this is the one for you! It’s a beautifully non greasy, lightweight gel-cream that deeply hydrates while visibly smoothing the appearance of fine lines and "creased" skin. Marine-derived ingredients, including Glasswort Oil and a Brightening Marine Complex, work to replenish moisture, improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation and leave skin looking smoother, firmer and more radiant. “This product is the consistency of liquid silk. It feels so very smooth and comforting to the skin, Parfait is the perfect name for it! I've been using for only ten days and already see and feel an improvement of the skin on my throat and upper chest. I have tried three or four other decollete creams and this is the best by far! I also have sensitive skin and this has been well tolerated. Yipee! Definitely recommend!” – Sarah     Remember, your face shouldn't be the only part of your skincare routine. The neck and décolletage are exposed to the same daily stresses as your face (often more!) yet they're usually the last areas we think about. Giving them just a little extra attention each day can help keep your skin looking smoother, healthier and more youthful for years to come.

Whether you enjoy treating yourself to regular treatments at your local spa or clinic, or you've ever searched for the best ways to achieve plumper, healthier-looking skin, chances are you've come across mesotherapy. It's become one of the most popular professional treatments for boosting hydration, restoring radiance and softening the appearance of fine lines by delivering hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants directly into the skin. So, when a skincare product claims to be "mesotherapy-inspired", it's only natural to wonder... can it really deliver similar benefits without a single needle? Vie Collection's Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask has built something of a cult following for exactly that reason! While it doesn't replace an injectable treatment, it has earned its reputation as mesotherapy in a bottle thanks to its powerful cocktail of hydrating ingredients, skin-loving vitamins and instant glow-boosting results. Want to know if this product is for you? Keep reading!   Firstly though, exactly what is mesotherapy? Mesotherapy is a professional cosmetic treatment that involves tiny micro-injections of ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals directly into the middle layer of the skin (known as the mesoderm) to deeply hydrate, rejuvenate tissue, support collagen production, improve skin radiance, and smooth the appearance of fine lines, leaving skin looking pumper and more youthful.   So...is Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask really mesotherapy in a bottle? While no topical skincare product can replicate injectable mesotherapy because it doesn't place ingredients directly into the skin via micro-injections, Vie Collection's Mesoforce Mask was specifically designed to take inspiration from mesotherapy by delivering many of the same hero ingredients that make professional treatments so popular. Instead of needles, your skin receives a concentrated infusion of: Three forms of hyaluronic acid Vitamin C Vitamin B5 Vitamin E Skin-revitalising trace minerals All in one go! The result? Exceptionally hydrated, plumper, smoother-looking skin with a healthy glow that appears in minutes. That's why so many skincare professionals affectionately describe it as "mesotherapy in a bottle."   What makes it so effective? 1. Three forms of Hyaluronic Acid Unlike many masks that contain just one type of hyaluronic acid, Mesoforce combines three complementary forms! This includes; Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid that works deeper within the skin to help plump the appearance of fine lines while strengthening the skin barrier. High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid to create a protective moisture reservoir across the skin's surface to lock hydration in and encapsulated Hyaluronic Acid which releases hydration gradually over time, helping skin stay comfortable and hydrated long after you've rinsed the mask away. 2. A powerful vitamin cocktail Mesotherapy treatments are famous for delivering vitamins directly into the skin. Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask takes the same philosophy by combining Vitamin C to help brighten dull skin while providing antioxidant protection against environmental damage. Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) to boost hydration, soothe the skin and supports barrier repair and Vitamin E to help defend against free radicals while keeping skin soft, supple and comfortable. 3. Trace minerals Healthy skin relies on more than hydration alone! Trace minerals help support normal skin function while giving tired, stressed complexions a healthier, more energised appearance.   What results can you expect? One of the reasons Mesoforce has developed such a loyal following is because the results are often visible after just one use! Within around 10 minutes, skin looks more hydrated, plumper, softer, brighter, smoother and more dewy! It's the perfect rescue treatment before a special event, or anytime your skin simply isn't looking its best. So, if you have dehydrated, dull, tired or stressed looking skin, are concerned about early signs of ageing (we are talking fine lines, loss of ‘bounce’) or are in need of a serious pick-me-up, this is for you! That said it’s suitable for virtually every skin type and is especially good for mature skin that needs an urgent hydration boost!   The verdict While Vie Collection's Mesoforce Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin Mask isn't quite mesotherapy in a bottle (it can't replace the injections performed during a professional treatment), what it does do exceptionally well is capture the philosophy behind mesotherapy by delivering an intensive blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants in one luxurious treatment. If your skin is looking tired, dehydrated or lacking its usual glow, it's one of those products that genuinely makes you look in the mirror afterwards and think, "My skin looks so much better."   What our customers are saying "This product is amazing. My skin feels hydrated, smooth and plump. A little goes a long way, and one tube lasts me almost six months with regular use. Can't be without it!" — Erin "My skin was feeling patchy with the changing seasons, but after one application it felt better moisturised and fresher. Dry, flaky patches were soothed, my foundation sat beautifully the next day and my skin stayed plump and fresh for days afterwards." — A. McBride   How to use the mask It’s simple and all you need is approximately 10 minutes. Simply apply a generous layer to cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse with water or remove with damp cotton pads. For the best ongoing results use once or twice a week (or when you skin needs an instant hydration and radiance boost of course!)  

Some mornings you have time to get ready. Most mornings? If you’re anything like me, you're lucky to even have minutes! Between getting the kids out the door, answering emails, walking the dog, heading to work or squeezing in a gym class who has time for a face full of makeup that involves 10 products, 2 brushes and endless blending? The truth is, looking fresh, polished and put-together doesn’t require a complicated routine. It simply comes down to choosing products that work a little harder. When your base hydrates while evening out your complexion, your blush doubles as lip colour, and your mascara instantly brightens tired eyes, getting ready suddenly becomes much simpler. If your mornings feel like a race against the clock, this is the everyday makeup routine for you! Three multitasking products. Three minutes. One fresh, polished look.   Firstly though, why does multitasking makeup makes all the difference? When time is of the essence (which so often it is!) the best makeup products aren't necessarily the ones that do one job brilliantly, they're the ones that simplify your routine without compromising on results. Multitasking makeup formulas help you achieve more with less, saving precious time while creating a naturally fresh, effortless finish. Instead of layering product after product, these 3 everyday essentials work together to give you healthy-looking skin, a touch of colour and beautifully defined eyes in just a few minutes.   Step 1 ELES Mineral Glow Skin Tint Heavy foundation certainly has its place, but for everyday wear, most of us don't actually need full coverage. A lightweight skin tint is often all it takes to even out your complexion, soften redness and create naturally radiant skin, while still letting your freckles and natural skin shine through. That's exactly where the ELES Mineral Glow Skin Tint SPF15 comes in. More than just a skin tint, it combines skincare, natural sun protection and lightweight coverage in one easy step. Hyaluronic acid and squalane help keep skin hydrated and comfortable throughout the day, while antioxidant-rich botanicals leave your complexion looking fresh, healthy and luminous. Simply apply with clean fingers for the quickest application, then blend any remaining product over your eyelids and down your neck for an even, natural finish. Step 2 ELES Cheek and Lip Tint When we're tired the first thing to disappear from our face is colour. Our complexion can look a little flat, our lips lose their natural flush and suddenly we look more exhausted than we actually feel. A cream blush is one of the quickest ways to instantly brighten your face, especially when it does more than one job! Cue the new ELES Cheek & Lip Tint. It adds a fresh pop of colour to not only your cheeks but your lips (in seconds) too! Creating that healthy, just-back-from-a-walk glow. The creamy, buildable formula blends beautifully with inbuild brush brush and can even be dabbed across the eyelids or lightly over the bridge of the nose for a modern, monochromatic finish! What’s more the formula is enriched with skin-supportive ingredients and soft, satin finish. It's the ultimate multitasker and exactly the kind of product we all need! All you need to do is smile, tap onto the apples of your cheeks, then blend upwards towards your temples for the most natural-looking flush. Finish by swiping colour over lips.  Step 3 ELES Lush Mascara If you only have time for one final step, make it mascara! Nothing opens up the eyes quite like beautifully defined lashes. And the ELES Lush Mascara is no exception. It separates, lifts and lengthens every lash without clumping or flaking, making it perfect for everyday wear. One quick sweep is often all it takes to finish your look and give the impression you've spent far longer getting ready than you actually have! Just be sure to concentrate your first coat at the roots of your lashes before sweeping upwards. It creates the illusion of thicker, fuller lashes with almost no extra effort.   Remember, the best makeup routines aren't necessarily the ones with the most products, they're the ones that fit effortlessly into real life. By choosing multitasking beauty products that simplify your routine, you can be out the door in minutes while still looking fresh, polished and confident. Sometimes, less really is more.