I'm 28 years old and about to turn 29. I've always been well aware that time brings some less-than-ideal skin changes along with it (it's the price we pay for the privilege of aging!), but I was still somehow surprised when I spotted signs of aging on my own skin. One day, I looked in the mirror and noticed an accumulation of sun damage, as well as lines and wrinkles forming. I was struck by the realisation that maybe my skin wasn't "bouncing back" like it used to.

That was especially true for the skin on my neck. While I had never given my neck a second thought when I was younger, I was suddenly focusing on it all the time because of the newly entrenched horizontal lines that appeared somewhere around my 25th birthday. This so-called "tech neck" results from a forward, tilted head position that's usually brought about by constantly looking down at phone and computer screens. For me, this checks out. I have a job that requires a lot of screen time, and I'm not immune to the temptation of TikTok doom-scrolling. Pair that with sun damage, and my neck looks older than it I feel it should. It's the kind of thing that I'd never notice on someone else, but I've become acutely aware, and can't un-see the development.

Listen, I'm not claiming I'm old; I'm still in my twenties for Pete's sake. But that doesn't mean I can't do something about the health of my skin, and hopefully, reverse the clock a bit. That's why I decided to reach out to two dermatologists to ask for the ultimate anti-aging neck skincare routine. I needed to know what at-home products to use, which professional treatments could help, and so on.

Here's a makeup-free and filter-free photo to show what I'm working with. My main concern is the deep line that spans my neck from jawbone to jawbone.

Here's a front-facing view. I have three different neck lines, which I'd rather try to lessen.

Step 1: Use an SPF Moisturiser Every. Single. Morning

This one didn't surprise me, because I know moisture and sunscreen are both critical for soft, plump, and youthful-looking skin. Still, it's a good reminder that it's necessary every single day, rain or shine, even when I'm feeling lazy and spending all day watching Netflix on my couch. Take it from Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. "As we age, our bodies make less collagen and elastin, which are structural proteins in the dermis that provide structure and rigidity. The sun contributes to the aging process by accelerating the degradation of these proteins."

The sun—more specifically, the UV rays that come from it—contribute to all signs of aging, including the ones Camp sees more often in his dermatological practice. The first is that aforementioned tech neck. "'Tech neck' refers to horizontal lines that are accentuated when we tilt our heads down while looking at our phones," he says. The second is skin laxity, also known as sagging. This is "a result of aging and sun damage and is a concern for some patients." And yes, a simple SPF moisturiser can treat and prevent both.

Step 2: Apply a Retinol Serum a Few Nights Per Week

Retinol can turn back time on your neck just like it can on your face. "Retinol serums or moisturizers, when used regularly over time, are known to improve collagen production," Camp says. "Remember to gradually ease into the use of retinol because it can cause side effects like redness, dryness, and itching, especially on the delicate skin of the neck."

According to board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology, Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, the skin on the neck is different than the skin on other areas of the body. "The skin on the neck is more delicate than the skin on the face and should be treated more gently. It is more prone to irritation and takes longer to heal after injury due to a lower number of follicles and stem cell reserves."

Camp agrees, saying, "Neck skin is often not as tolerant of facial skin to topical treatments, like retinol. Part of the reason is because there is a lower density of sebaceous glands on the neck."

Step 3: Use a Targeted Neck Serum With Peptides on the Other Nights

While retinol is great for so many things, including minimising the appearance of lines and wrinkles, peptides play the long game to firm skin over time. Translation? They help prevent sagging or lax skin, which is a huge component of neck aging. "Peptides are skincare ingredients that act as building blocks of proteins, improving levels of collagen and elastin," Camp says.

Step 4: Try Professional Treatments

If topical skincare isn't enough, the good news is that there are a multitude of in-office treatments I can turn to to reverse-age my neck. Camp recommends microneedling and Botox and/or filler. "Microneedling is an in-office treatment that creates small superficial injuries in the skin, which in turn stimulates collagen production," he explains. "This stimulates the production of new collagen to tighten and firm neck skin."

As for Botox and filler, they work in different ways to encourage a more youthful-looking appearance. Hyaluronic acid filler can be injected into the area to soften the appearance of lines specifically. Neurotoxin injections, like Botox "can minimise the appearance of platysmal bands, which often become more pronounced with age," Camp says. "The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle on the anterior neck. By limiting the ability of the platysma to contract, the bands become less pronounced."

As for Geddes-Bruce, she recommends a multitude of professional treatments depending on specific cases and goals. "There are so many different in-office treatments to address these concerns. My favorites are Ultherapy, Genius Radiofrequency Microneedling, and Fraxel non-ablative resurfacing, sometimes augmented with biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra or hyperdilute Radiesse."

9 More Neck Treatments I'd Recommend

As a beauty editor who has experienced acne throughout my adult life, I know how the skin condition can affect those who have stubborn blemishes or hormonal acne. Finding the best skincare products for acne can be a case of trial and error. My job as a beauty journalist has been a double-edged sword. While I've been lucky enough to try almost everything—the most premium skincare brands right through to the affordable budget buys—testing a whole load of products on my skin only made matters worse (cue inflamed angry skin).

On the flip side, I've been able to seek the advice of dermatologists and skin experts who have pointed me in the right direction. I resolved my cystic acne after taking a course of spironolactone, as my breakouts were hormonal, but everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another

There's a lot of misinformation in the world of skincare but particularly so when it comes to skin conditions such as acne. Thankfully, dermatologists are the voice of reason in a world full of noise, particularly on social media. I'm always all ears for hearing about the products that dermatologists use, as well as what acne myths and mistakes they're keen to debunk. Thankfully, dermatologist and all-round acne expert Anjali Mahto for Purifide has shed some light on some of the most common acne myths and mistakes out there.

Myth #1: Diet can cause acne

The link between acne and diet has long been debated. While it can vary from person to person, in most cases, it is not the direct cause of acne. "People often think that their skin is directly influenced by diet. However, clinical trials confirm that acne is more down to hormones and genetics, for example the makeup of your microbiome and size/density of your oil glands, which is hereditary," says Mahto. "Diet can play a role but not in the instantaneous way that some might think. A small select group of people find that cutting out dairy can affect their skin positively, but improvement will happen over time rather than within days," she adds. "A blocked comedone will have kick-started roughly 28 to 32 days prior. Sometimes people will say they had dairy recently and now they've got a spot. However, chances are that spot was brewing underneath the skin several weeks before."

Therefore, it's not always necessary to follow a restrictive diet. Paying attention to what you eat can help you draw possible links, but what might cause acne in one person might not necessarily trigger acne for you. There may be underlying triggers that are responsible for your acne breakouts. "There are a couple of factors that can predispose you to acne," says Mahto. "If a first-degree family member suffers with acne, this increases your chances of suffering with it by 50% to 90%. Genes have large part to play in the makeup of your skin. It is also very common for women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) to suffer with acne, and this condition is far more common that you think, affecting 8% to 10% of the female adult population," she says. "Your skin tone can also play a part, with some tones more predisposed to oiliness."

Myth #2: Uncleanliness causes acne

When you have a skin condition, you might receive unsolicited advice (insert eye roll) from those who may mean well, but it can be very frustrating. One of the most common myths is that acne is directly linked to cleanliness. "Lack of cleanliness and poor hygiene are often thought of as a cause of acne. This just isn’t the case. In fact, people with acne are very aware of hygiene and are more prone to overwashing or cleansing, which can makes things worse," explains Mahto.

In reality, acne is much more deep-rooted than simply cleansing your skin. "The cause of acne is primarily from the increase or change in hormones during adolescence, which causes the oil gland to produce too much oil, blocking the pores," she says. "The bacteria that live on the skin can act on this blocked pore, causing deeper inflammation. It’s a perfect storm." So while cleansing the skin can help remove excess oil, it's not the be all and end all to prevent acne altogether. Mahto recommends using a gentle cleanser to cleanse your skin morning and night. Look for cleansers with salicylic acid, which help to break down excessive oil in the pores.

Shop cleansers for acne:

Myth #3: Acne-prone skin doesn't need a moisturiser

Now, if you were to get a group of skincare experts in a room together, this topic may well be contested. While everyone will have a preference on what works best for their skin, Mahto sits in the camp that acne-prone skin types should be using a moisturiser—it just needs to be the right one. "It is a myth that oily or acne-prone skin doesn't need moisturiser. Remember oily skin does not mean hydrated skin, you still need a moisturiser to help support the skin barrier," she says. "Moisturise with a gentle moisturiser. Again, look for useful ingredients such as salicylic acid, lipids like ceramides or squalene, zinc, sulphur, AHAs, BHAs or PHAs."

Facialists and dermatologists also generally recommend avoiding oil in your skincare if you're acne-prone. Instead, you may prefer mattifying water-based moisturisers. These usually have a gel consistency that feels lightweight. They can help control shine and tend to clog the pores less so than heavy moisturisers. 

Shop moisturisers for acne:

Myth #4: SPF clogs the skin

"Many believe that sunscreen will block your pores and cause spots. In fact, acne-prone skin can be more in need of sun protection, as UV exposure can increase pigmentation," says Mahto. "Prolonged sunlight can also drive comedones (blocked pores that form a bump) or blackheads, so it can actually make your acne worse. Short-term ultraviolet light can be good for the skin, as it can be anti-inflammatory, but we all need to be protected from long-term damage." Indeed, the sun is one of the biggest drivers of skin ageing (not to mention that UVA rays can also cause skin cancer), so protecting your skin is paramount.

Like moisturisers, it's about finding a formulation that works for your skin. There are now so many good SPFs for acne and oily-prone skin to choose from. Look for an oil-free and mattifying or oil-controlling formulation.

Shop SPFs for acne:

Myth #5: Expensive products are better

It's a myth that more expensive skincare equals better results. Of course, there are premium skincare brands that we love to invest in occasionally, but you don't have to spend a fortune to get results. In fact, Mahto says that spending lots of money and constantly changing your skincare products is a mistake. "You do not need to spend an absolute fortune on good skincare. I think it's really important this message gets out, as products that are formulated well work similarly," she says. "If you look at really expensive products and budget-friendly, high-street products, they often will contain exactly the same ingredients. The money often goes into the extra marketing, packaging and branding."

If you are tackling a skin concern and trying active ingredients (think salicylic acid or retinols), Mahto recommends being patient. "Give the routine and products time to work because the skin cycle is roughly every 28 to 32 days, meaning this is how often skin cells shed and blackheads can form. In fact, most acne clinical trials run for a minimum of 12 weeks because it takes a few cycles to see a difference," she says.

However, if after a couple of months you're not seeing results, don't be afraid to speak to your GP to seek other options or ask to be referred to a dermatologist. "If you've been doing that for a period and haven't found the right cleanser or the right moisturiser, remember it's not your fault, and it might actually just be a sign that you need to escalate treatment."

Myth #6: Makeup causes acne

There's a misconception that makeup can cause acne, and those with acne-prone skin are often told that makeup will make acne worse. "I definitely don't think we should be shaming people for wearing makeup, as long as they are guided on the types of products they should be using and the application process," says Mahto. "There are clinical trial data that show that wearing makeup will give acne sufferers more confidence. Makeup alone doesn't cause acne. Likewise, going makeup free won't stop excess oil, bacteria or dead skin cells shedding in the pores or control the spot-causing bacteria."

If you want to wear makeup, then you can. Mahto has a few pointers on how to make your makeup work best for your skin. First, ensure your hands are clean and your brushes are also clean. "I would recommend that makeup brushes are cleansed on a weekly basis," she says. After applying your moisturiser and SPF, assess what areas you'd like to address. "If you're acne prone, you may find it helpful to just use makeup in the areas that you need it and allow the skin where you've got no acne or blemishes to remain uncovered," she says. "If you still want to go for a heavy base or a heavy concealer, look for products that are noncomedogenic. These can include mineral-based products, which can help dry up the skin and tend to be more mattifying." Matte foundations, for example, tend to work better on oily or acne-prone skin.

Colour correctors can be particularly helpful if acne scarring and pigmentation are concerning you. "A lot of people with acne find that it's the redness or the discolouration that bothers them. Someone with lighter skin tones might get away with just using a green colour corrector that will neutralise redness with a little bit of concealer rather than applying a heavy foundation everywhere," she says. "Similarly, for those with darker skin tones who experience dark marks rather than redness, using peach colour correctors underneath their makeup or concealer can help neutralise dark marks."

Shop makeup for acne-prone skin:

Up Next, I Tried Everything for Acne, But This Dermatologist Recommendation Worked

Skincare can be a challenging category to navigate. Even as a beauty editor, I get overwhelmed trying to figure out what skincare products actually work and which premium beauty brands are really worth the money. There has never been so much choice when it comes to shopping for skincare. And while this can be a great thing, it can also make choosing—and finding—products that work for your own skin type and concerns quite tricky.

Scrolling through social media, you'll often find influencers and beauty lovers raving about their favourite skincare products and brands. While we love a word-of-mouth recommendation, what works for one person might not necessarily work for you. And as a result, you might accumulate products that end up gathering dust that are not suited for your skin, leaving a big hole in your wallet, too. After all, the pretty packaging of an expensive product may draw us in, but are the contents really worth the investment?

When it comes to skincare advice, there is one type of expert I trust wholeheartedly for an unbiased recommendation, and that is a dermatologist. During an appointment with a dermatologist, you'll receive impartial skincare recommendations, and more often than not, their suggestions will be affordable. To find out which skincare products are really worth it, I asked three dermatologists to share the skincare products and ingredients that you should save on and the products to spend a little more on if you prefer. NHS dermatologist Cristina Psomadakis; consultant dermatologist Sharon Wong; and junior doctor, skincare expert and Inkey List ambassador Kemi Fabusiwa share their recommendations below.

Skincare Products to Save On

1. Cleansers

"Your cleanser literally goes down the drain, so you don't want to think about the money you’ve spent on it," says Psomadakis. "The main thing to look for in a cleanser is one that suits your skin type and routine and is a texture you find enjoyable. The Inkey List has a variety of cleansers, all incredibly affordable and suitable to a variety of skin types," she says.

Shop affordable cleansers:

2. Exfoliating Acids

"People can spend an absolute bomb on skincare, and higher cost doesn’t mean higher efficacy," says Psomadakis. Exfoliating acids fall under this category, and they're worth scrimping on. "AHAs (e.g., lactic and glycolic acid) and BHAs (e.g., salicylic acid) are exfoliating acids, which help to remove surface dead skin cells on the face and scalp to keep cell turnover healthy," says Wong. "Regular use of these acids is also helpful in keeping scale and dandruff in check, and with salicylic acid being lipid soluble, it can penetrate deeper to unclog pores, making it particularly helpful for oily faces and scalps that are prone to acne breakouts," she says. If you're new to using exfoliating acids, look for a low percentage, and use a couple of times a week at first to see how your skin tolerates it. AHAs like glycolic acid are great for brightening, while BHAs like salicylic acid help oily and acne-prone skin.

Shop affordable exfoliating acids:

3. Hyaluronic Acid Serums

Hyaluronic acid has become one of the buzziest skincare ingredients in recent years, mostly down to it being a great hydrating ingredient for all skin types and holding up to a thousand times its weight in water. You could easily spend three digits on a premium hyaluronic acid serum, but we're spilling the beans. It's a cheap-as-chips ingredient for brands to include, so you don't need to spend a fortune on it. "Spending significant amounts often doesn't equate to a higher-performing product—the consumer is often paying for the brand, the packaging and the perception of a higher-quality product," says Fabusiwa.

Shop affordable hyaluronic acid serums:

Skincare Products to Invest In

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is often hailed as one of the best skincare ingredients you can use. It helps to shield the skin from environmental damage, it brightens pigmentation, and it whips up collagen production too. That being said, vitamin C can be unstable ingredient and tricky to formulate effectively, so it's worth investing a little more on this skincare ingredient. "There are some ingredients like vitamin C or azelaic acid that are difficult to stabilize into safe, effective and durable products," says Fabusiwa. "They may also require a different type of packaging to ensure longevity. Some of these products may be worth an additional spend for the effects that they have on the skin," she says.

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2. In-Clinic Treatments

Products aside, aesthetic treatments can go a long way to help you achieve your skin goals. "Whilst a consistent skincare routine is the backbone of beautiful, healthy skin, it won't ever help to correct serious skin complaints such as scarring or severe hyperpigmentation," says Fabusiwa. "It is often worth saving money and spending it on advanced treatments such as lasers, chemical peels and micro-needling that have a strong evidence-based and high clinical efficiency," she says. This is even more crucial if you're considering injectable treatments such as Botox or fillers. "You absolutely want to pay for someone’s credentials and expertise when it comes to any surgical or injectable procedure," says Psomadakis. "If it goes wrong—and it can go very wrong—you want to be sure you are working with a qualified professional who can reduce the risk of complications and correctly diagnose and manage the situation if something does happen," she says.

3. SPF 

Whether you wear a chemical or mineral SPF, it is one of the most important skincare products to wear daily to protect from skin cancer and signs of skin ageing. While there are many affordable serums out there, what really sets apart the budget versions from the premium ones is the texture and how it feels on the skin. This might seem superficial, but if you hate the feeling of a cheap SPF on your skin, you won't wear it. And having it sit on your shelf is no good in protecting your skin. So sometimes it pays to find a premium SPF with an elegant formula that you like and will want to use.

"It is worthwhile to invest in a formula you love using," says Psomadakis. "That could mean spending a bit up front to try different ones out on order to find a favourite or keeping a few different ones around to suit different skincare and makeup pairings. In general, sunscreens can be more expensive to make based on the ingredients and the regulation that is involved," she says. "There are some great affordable options, so don't rule those out. Just be sure to prioritise your spending budget on a sunscreen you love to use daily."

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This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Up Next: Trust Us—These Are the 15 Skincare Brands That You Can Always Rely On

While social media can be a hub for all things fashion and beauty, skincare is a topic that can get a little tricky, especially when certain products start to trend. I'd be lying if I said I haven't been guilty of succumbing to a viral product only to be disappointed when it didn't exactly work for my skin. While following trends for clothes and makeup can be an easier feat, with skincare, it's crucial to be cautious because what works for others may not work for you, and some products may seem like they're working but can actually cause damage and irritation later on. It's important to pay close attention to the ingredients before purchasing a product and to consult an expert if possible, especially if you're facing specific skin concerns. 

Since I've been seeing quite a few products circulate around social media that have caught my interest, I thought I'd put them to the expert test and see if the products are actually worth it. I consulted Kiran Mian, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, who gave me her opinions on six products trending all over social and included some of her tried-and-true favourites as well. Keep scrolling to see what she had to say.

Mian's tried-and-true favourites: