Summer is here and that means expose more skin and show off those bare shoulders and necklines. But what if you’re self-conscious about your aging neck? There are plenty of easy and fashionable ways to disguise a turkey neck when the temperatures rise. With a few styling tricks, you can draw attention away from your delicate neck area and show it some love at the same time.
What Causes Turkey Neck?
A turkey neck refers to the loose, wrinkly skin that sags around the neck area, usually as a result of aging. It happens due to loss of collagen and elastin over time, which causes the skin to lose its youthful elasticity and volume. Gravity also takes its toll, causing the skin to droop. Sun exposure is another major cause of neck wrinkles. Genetics can play a role as well.
While aging is the most common reason, bad posture and constantly looking down at phones or computers results in ‘tech neck’ The neck has to work extra hard to keep the head up, leading to banding of the neck muscles
How to Disguise Your Turkey Neck
Just because you want to hide your turkey neck doesn’t mean you have to keep covering it up even in summer. With the right wardrobe tweaks, makeup tricks and skincare you can draw attention to your best features and enjoy the warm weather with style.
Focus on Your Face
A bright lip color, bold eyes, or statement earrings will naturally draw eyes upwards away from the neck area. Play up your best facial features to keep focus on your face. Try flirty fluttery lashes, a red lip, or bronze smoky eyes.
Hairstyle Illusions
Certain hairdos can help camouflage a crepey neck. Let your hair down to graze over the neck. Soft waves or curls add volume around the neck, disguising wrinkles. Also try a messy top knot or bun on the crown to hide neck sagging behind the updo.
Scarves are Your Friend
A light, flowy scarf wrapped elegantly around the neck can conceal wrinkles stylishly. Go for soft fabrics like chiffon or georgette that won’t add bulk. Tie a simple knot in front and loosely drape the scarf to softly frame your neck. Infinity scarves are also great for effortless turkey neck coverage.
Distract With Sparkle
A glitzy necklace is a fabulous way to draw eyes away from your neck. Opt for pendants, chains or collars that sit high on the neckline rather than longer drop styles. The shimmer will do the distracting for you!
V-necks and Mock Necks
V-neck tops and dresses keep the focus on your face while narrowing the appearance of the neck area. A mock neck almost fully covers the neck so your wrinkles stay under wraps. Just be sure the fabric isn’t too constricting. Go for light, breathable knits.
The Perfect Print
Tops or dresses in eye-catching prints disguise neck wrinkles by keeping eyes on the pattern. Bold florals, graphic prints and geometric shapes work well. Be sure to choose a lightweight, breezy fabric that flatters your figure for summer.
Pop Some Collar
Pop the collar on a crisp button down or polo shirt to conceal neck creping while looking chic. An oversized collar really hides loose skin well. This works for both casual daytime and dressier date-night looks.
Turkey Neck Skincare Tips
While disguise tricks help, taking care of your delicate neck skin is crucial too. Just a few targeted skincare steps can help firm, tighten and smooth an aging neck over time:
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Moisturize diligently – Hydrating the neck daily is key to supple skin, Use a rich moisturizing cream morning and night
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Exfoliate 2-3 times a week – Gentle exfoliation sheds dead cells and improves tone. Use scrubs with soft jojoba beads or a washcloth.
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SPF is essential – Sun protection prevents further damage. Apply minimum SPF 30 daily and reapply often when outdoors.
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Use targeted treatments – Serums with retinol or peptides boost collagen and help minimize wrinkles over time.
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Massage neck daily – Take a minute to massage your neck each morning upward and outward to boost circulation.
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Do neck exercises – Simple stretches that strengthen neck muscles can make a noticeable difference in turkey neck. Chin tucks, neck rotations and side lifts are easy to do daily.
With the right mix of concealment clothing and dedicated neck care, you can enjoy your summer while happily hiding your turkey neck away. Don’t let loose neck skin stop you from baring your shoulders and glowing in the warm weather. With these simple tips, you can disguise away!
Why does our neck age?
As we get older we start to lose collagen, our necks begin to thin and lose its elasticity.
Unfortunately, necks are seldom protected from sun exposure by sunscreen. Even when I wear SPF 30 or higher my decolletage and neck tend to burn first.
Gravity and muscle activity also take a toll on our necks. I love the scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 when the sisters pulled their necks for a photo. I totally got that scene.
And all of this while everything from above is falling down on top of the jawline. The result is a neck that is crinkly, loose, falling, full of wrinkles, and with a loose jawline. Just lovely.
Wear A Higher Neckline or Pop Your Collar to Hide your Aging Neck!
Turtlenecks, mock turtlenecks, cowl necks, and higher necklines will also hide your aging neck and decolletage.
Related Posts:
If you are looking for a stylish and chic look to hide your aging neck, always remember the timeless popped (upturned) collar as another way to look classy. I love to starch my collars to keep them up.
Hide Sagging Jowls & Turkey Neck With Simple Makeup Tips
FAQ
How do you make turkey neck less noticeable?
How to conceal neck lines?