What is the décolletage area? We’ve all heard the word, but what, exactly, does it mean? The commonly accepted definition is the area from the chin to the upper chest, including the neck and shoulders. While the area truly shows our feminine side, it also tends to show our age quickly and requires special care, ideally starting in our 20s.
We all want to keep our décolletage youthful, so here are a few tips to take care of it properly.
Be gentle.
When in the shower or bath, gently wash with a mild soap and water. There is no need to scrub away or use a harsh cleanser on your décolletage. The skin on the neck and upper chest is thinner and less resilient than the skin on other parts of our bodies. Be careful that shower water isn’t too hot, as it can strip the natural oils from the skin.
Anything that you use to treat your face, such as a warm mask or a paraffin treatment, will benefit your décolletage too, so make your products do double duty. Don’t forget to exfoliate with a soothing, mild product that won’t scratch the skin.
Moisturize frequently.
This area also has fewer oil glands than skin elsewhere on our bodies, so moisturizing often is necessary. Use a moisturizer with some staying power, such as a body oil or body butter. Products specially formulated for the décolletage area can be expensive, and regular, high-quality emollients are all you need.
Watch the sun.
The easiest way to damage your décolletage is to let it sunburn a few times. That’s easy to do, as we tend to forget to put sunscreen on the area. Remember to cover it or use sunscreen every time you go out.
Feed and hydrate it properly.
If you don’t stay well nourished, your décolletage will show it—the skin will become dry, wrinkled, and pale. Be sure you get plenty of good fats from avocados, fish, and nuts to keep the skin supple and moist. Eat fruits and veggies for their vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Water is a must for beautiful décolletage also.
Carry yourself properly.
Poor posture can cause the skin on your décolletage to droop or sag, and if you lie on your stomach or side while sleeping, you can create sleep wrinkles in your neck and chest skin. Stand up straight, with shoulders back and chin up. Lie on your back to avoid those wrinkles… and moisturize every night before bed, just in case.
See a dermatologist if necessary.
If you notice that your décolletage area is showing signs of age, see a doctor. He or she can prescribe special anti-aging creams or offer other alternatives to halt or reverse the signs of aging. Often, creams containing vitamin A and fruit acids are given, which have been shown to improve appearance.
What are your best tips for caring for the décolletage area? Share them with us here or on our Facebook page.
