Frequently asked questions
What do dermatologists recommend for a crepey neck?
To treat this issue, dermatologists recommend “daily sun protection in the form of SPF, and use of targeted neck creams that help build elasticity and collagen and fight free radical damage,” says Dr. Mraz. She also emphasizes pairing topical products with professional treatments to enhance results, like a collagen-stimulating filler with radiofrequency microneedling. “This combination can help firm the skin and improve texture by encouraging collagen and elastin over time,” she says.
Do neck-firming creams really work?
Neck-firming creams aren’t necessarily miracle workers—i.e., you can’t expect to apply the product and watch your sagging neckline instantly bounce back—but they do help. “Since thinner neck skin (which is often dry and delicate) doesn’t contain the same oil composition as the face, a good neck cream will add needed moisture,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama.
Not interested in stocking a drawer full of dedicated products? You can absolutely just use your go-to face serum, like one of the best retinol serums, collagen creams, or skin-tightening moisturizers. “I stress to patients that most skin care products should also be applied to the neck and chest, not just the face,” says Dr. Palm. But a neck-specific formula may be a good idea if you’re concerned or have mature skin. Neck-firming creams are specifically formulated with ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid to target dryness, plus peptides to boost collagen and increase elasticity. Some also have other antiaging superstars like retinol or brightening ingredients like vitamin C.
Can you tighten the skin around your neck without a procedure?
Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology, says that you can improve the look of the skin with neck-firming creams, but true tightening is limited without procedures. “That said, using retinol, sunscreen, and well-formulated skin care consistently can make a noticeable difference in smoothness and overall quality. At-home devices can offer subtle improvements, but expectations should be realistic,” she says.
The neck-firming creams that made the cut had effective ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants that helped lift and smooth areas of aging skin. Our testers evaluated format and texture, i.e., how lightweight the creams were and if they did a good job in hydrating and protecting the skin (especially if they had SPF). They also looked at efficacy and how long it took to notice a difference in their neck wrinkles after incorporating one of these lotions into their regimen. Our final list is made up of the best six neck creams that firmed skin and made things like tech neck, sagging, and crepiness look a lot less noticeable and smoother.
- Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and president and cofounder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama
- Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego
- Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology
