When it comes to anti-aging, many people invest in expensive serums and treatments for their face—but often neglect one of the first areas to show signs of aging: the neck.
Because the skin on the neck is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the face, it can develop fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging more quickly. According to Dr. Greg Bichler, making a few simple lifestyle changes may help slow the process.
“I’m 70 years old, and I’ll be the first one to tell you the neck is the one place I wish I paid more attention to,” he says. “Three things are destroying your neck after the age of 40, and most people do all three.”
Here are the habits he recommends avoiding.
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1. Constantly Looking Down At Your Phone
If you spend hours scrolling on your phone every day, your neck may be paying the price.
"Looking down at your phone all day—tech neck is real, and it shows," Bichler says. Frequently tilting your head downward can contribute to horizontal neck lines over time and may place extra strain on the muscles and skin.
Holding your phone closer to eye level and taking regular breaks from screens may help reduce repetitive stress on the neck.
2. Sleeping Completely Flat
Your sleeping position could also affect how your neck ages.
"Sleeping flat is number two," Bichler explains. "Gravity pulls everything down overnight while you sleep." While there's no perfect sleeping position for everyone, using a supportive pillow that keeps your head and neck properly aligned may help reduce unnecessary strain.
Side and back sleepers may also benefit from pillows designed to provide better neck support.
3. Skipping Moisturizer And Sunscreen
According to Bichler, this is the biggest mistake people make.
"Skipping moisturizer and sunscreen on your neck," he says. "The skin here is thinner than your face, and it ages twice as fast." Many people stop their skincare routine at the jawline, leaving the neck exposed to ultraviolet (UV) damage and dehydration.
Applying moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen to your neck every morning can help support the skin barrier and protect against premature aging caused by sun exposure.
The Bottom Line
While aging is inevitable, small daily habits can make a difference in how your skin looks over time. Dr. Bichler says paying attention to your posture, supporting your neck while you sleep, and extending your skincare routine below your chin are simple ways to help keep your neck looking healthier after 40. "Now I can't go back," he says. "But you can."
