Thyme extract may help soothe and heal the skin

The earthy herb thyme not only looks lovely growing in a pot and adds depth to soups and stews, it also has been shown to have some significant benefits when its oil extract is used topically.

Skincare-News.com reports that thyme is a common ingredient in skin and hair care products for its ability to provide antibacterial and antioxidant benefits to the epidermis.

MedicineNet.com supports this notion, reporting that thyme extract may help soothe itchy or irritated skin.

These properties suggest that thyme may be an appropriate addition to anti-aging creams, since irritation and inflammation are known to accelerate the effects of aging.

Moreover, the herb's scent is so lovely it has been immortalizes by Francis Bacon, an English philosopher.

"Those herbs which perfume the air most delightfully, not passed by as the rest, but, being trodden upon and crushed, are three; that is, burnet, wild thyme and watermints. Therefore, you are to set whole alleys of them, to have the pleasure when you walk or tread," Bacon said.

Ladies who desire firm neck skin but don't want to turn to harsh chemicals or invasive treatment should consider the best neck creams that contain natural extracts to reduce the appearance of saggy jowls.

 

Sunscreen may help keep skin firm as well as prevent serious conditions

Many women are sure to use ample amounts of sunscreen each day in order to keep wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots at bay. But this good habit may also go a long way in staving off melanoma, a very serious form of skin cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that roughly 45,000 individuals were diagnosed with melanoma in 2004 through 2006 in the U.S., making it the third most common form of skin cancer in the country.

As a result, the agency called for increased public education on the prevention of melanoma and other types of skin carcinoma.

“New policies and prevention strategies are needed to address the leading preventable causes of melanoma, enabling people to be healthier, live longer and continue to be productive," said Marcus Plescia, M.D., M.P.H., director of CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control.

Staying out of the sun during peak hours, wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats as well as using liberal amounts of sunblock on exposed areas may help prevent any serious skin conditions. This may also have the added benefit of keeping saggy jowls at bay, as the sun's rays are known to contribute to aging.

 

Neck lifts can be costly and may come with risks

Women with saggy jowls may at some point consider a neck lift operation to obtain a more youthful appearance. While the procedure may provide noticeable effects, it is not without its drawbacks.

A neck lift can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000 depending on a number of factors, according to FacialPlasticSurgery.net.

First, physicians in urban areas like Los Angeles and New York City are likely to charge more than those who work in the suburbs due to demand. Women who seek a chin augmentation or a full facial lift can expect to pay more than those who just want a firmer neck.

Insurance companies are very unlikely to cover an elective procedure like a neck lift, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, if the procedure is in some way meant to correct a medical condition, it may be possible to obtain coverage.

Additionally, all surgeries come with risk of infection, scarring and loss of sensation in the affected area.

Before going under the knife, women may want to consider seeking out the best neck creams on the market in order to firm neck skin in a non-invasive manner.

 

Rosemary extract may stimulate the skin for a youthful appearance

The woody herb rosemary is a regular accompaniment to lamb and poultry, and has also made itself a name as a popular aromatherapy scent, as its earthy aroma is known to relax the nerves and instill feelings of warmth, according to Discovery Health.

Additionally, OrganicFacts.net reports that it is regularly used as an ingredient in hair care as it may stimulate growth, prevent hair loss and soothe scalps.

The news source reports that the herb is unfortunately underutilized in skin care, even though it has been shown to moisturize and tone the complexion.

Skincare-News.com also touts the benefits of rosemary extract when used topically. The source reports that rosemary can potentially reduce the appearance of and prevent broken blood vessels, leading to a younger-looking appearance.

Moreover, the herb has been identified as a source of antioxidants, which are known to fight free radicals that that can accelerate aging.

Women who want firmer neck skin without the need for scalpels, needles or lasers may want to consider a rich neck cream that contains rosemary and other natural extracts.

 

Pomegranate extract provides major nourishment for aging skin

A glass of pomegranate juice each day can help keep the body healthy, as the tart beverage is packed with vitamins A and C, folic acid and other antioxidants that may help prevent disease, according to WiseGeek.com.

But the oil of the fruit – just one pound of which requires 200 pounds of fresh pomegranate to produce – may have significant benefits when used topically in fighting the signs of aging, according to NutritionCenterResearch.org.

The oil is typically extracted through a cold-pressing technique, which yields a pure, concentrated form of the fat to deliver the highest antioxidant content to the skin.

A University of Michigan Medical School study examined the effects of pomegranate oil on the skin revealed that the substance is effective in helping the skin regenerate, suggesting that it can be an effective ingredient in creams and other anti-aging potions.

Women who want to reduce the appearance of saggy jowls but don't wish to resort to an invasive neck lift may see a noticeable difference when using the best neck creams that contain pomegranate oil and other natural extracts.

 

Model talks about graceful aging

Most of the time, when a supermodel is interviewed by a major magazine, the topic tends to stay on subjects of what's next in fashion, upcoming projects and beauty secrets. However, in a Forbes magazine interview with Amber Valetta, the subject of conversation quickly turns to her grandmother.

The model was recently featured in a W magazine shoot wherein she is shown progressing from a 20-something to an old woman with wrinkles and liver spots.

She goes on to tell Forbes that she was comfortable putting herself in a not-so-glamorous light because of the beauty and strength she has observed in her grandmother.

"She’s in her 80s, and she’s stunning. Like, stunning. She doesn’t fight it–getting older–but she still looks beautiful. She still makes an effort," Valetta said, quoted by the news source.

The model said that the current obsession with youth and beauty is largely due to high definition entertainment, where every spot or fine line is visible on the big screen.

Woman's Day reported on their top favorite celebrities who have aged gracefully. Angelica Huston, 59, Tina Turner, 70, Sophia Loren, 76, and Susan Sarandon, 63, all made the magazine's list of actresses and performers who wear their age with style and confidence.

For many women, part of graceful aging is forgoing treatments like Botox injections and neck lifts in favor of rich, natural creams to help firm neck skin.  

Animals need not suffer for humans to have firm neck skin

Many socially-conscious companies today develop their neck creams, serums and potions without testing their product on animals, a practice that is becoming more common.

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden are working to develop laboratory-grown human cells to be used by pharmaceutical or cosmetic companies in order to create the most effective products without having to use test animals.

Authors of the study noted that the cells are already able to provide clues as to whether skin will be sensitive to a cosmetic or medication, or if the product is likely to cause an allergic response.

"Our lab-based alternative to animal testing, although in an early stage of production, is faster, out-performs present alternatives, and, because the cells are human in origin, is more relevant," said researcher Carl Borrebaeck, Ph.D.

The scientists noted that their method is also likely to identify whether a product will trigger a reaction from eczema.

Women seeking firm neck skin may want to check the labels of creams and lotions to be sure that the company that manufactures the cosmetics does not practice animal testing.

 

Stars not willing to go under the knife to look younger

Tabloid reports of celebrities getting invasive surgery or minimally-invasive procedures like Botox seem to have normalized going under the knife or needle in order to appear younger. However, many stars prefer a more natural approach to beauty.

Kate Winslet, 35, recently went on the record as being anti-cosmetic procedures, saying that they are against her morals and that she does not wish to have a "frozen expression."

"I will never give in," said Winslet, quoted by ABC News.

Other acclaimed actresses such as Rachel Weisz, 41, and Emma Thompson, 52, have also told media outlets that they plan to age naturally, according to the news source.

Celebrity aestheticians spoke with Allure magazine on their tips and tricks for looking young without surgery or injections.

Winslet's skin expert Tracie Martyn told the news source that the areas most vulnerable to aging are the jawline and cheekbones. She said that women can help reduce wrinkles by sleeping on their backs, as this position doesn't put pressure on the face.

Additionally, she noted that a good-quality moisturizer is key to helping firm neck skin. 

Don't neglect the neck when trying to look younger

An article in the Daily Mail reports that women often shell out a lot of money on fancy face creams, all while forgetting about one of the first parts of the body that show age: the neck.

"The neck area does not have fatty tissues, making the skin less elastic. As a result, the skin in this delicate zone can become far more wrinkled, saggy, crepey and pigmented than that on our face," according to the news source.

Lines that appear in horizontal patterns on the neck may be the result of sun exposure, as UV rays tend to damage collagen and elastin, the Mail reported. These may also be caused by simple movements of the head.

Saggy neck skin typically occurs because of gravitational forces combined with diminished collagen and elastin, which happens naturally with age.

The Mail also reports that a crepey or discolored decolletage, which is the area between the neck and the breasts, is probably another result of sun exposure.

In order to help correct these issues, the Mayo Clinic reports that antioxidant-rich moisturizers may be ideal.  

Botox does not serve double purpose

Women who experience both chronic neck pain and saggy jowls may be tempted to get Botox injections because of claims that the toxin can reduce lines and wrinkles as well as relieve persistent discomfort.

However, a new study published in The Cochrane Library that includes findings from nine clinical trials reports that Botox makes little to no difference for women experiencing chronic neck pain.

In fact, the review revealed that many experience pain, weakness and adverse reactions from the toxin.

"Based on current evidence we have no reason for supporting the use of [Botox] as a stand-alone therapy for neck pain, but we do suggest that researchers consider further study to clarify whether the dose can be optimized for neck pain," said Paul Michael Peloso, a Merck spokesperson.

Women looking to relieve neck discomfort should consult with their healthcare provider regarding safe treatments. Additionally, those seeking firm neck skin may want to consider using the best neck creams on the market in favor of potentially dangerous procedures.  

Tanning beds may exacerbate loose neck skin

Everyone knows that the sun's UV rays are one of the single most harmful forces that contribute to aging skin. Many people mistakenly believe that the light emitted by tanning beds is safer than the sun, but this is a myth and the beds may be especially bad for saggy jowls.

Sunshine naturally hits people from the top, meaning that individuals rarely experience sunburns in areas like the neck. However, in a tanning bed, UV light spreads evenly across the body, including under the chin and the decolletage.

Moreover, an article on ConsumerReports.org states that tanning beds emit both UVA and UVB rays, which are known to penetrate the skin deeply and cause serious damage. This puts individuals at risk of something much more serious than a saggy neck: skin cancer.

Aside from staying away from the tanning bed, there are a few things women can do to improve the appearance of a wrinkly neck. The American Academy of Dermatologists reports that moisturizing the skin can instantly make it appear younger by plumping up fine lines.  

Skin may have different needs in the colder months

Finding the right moisturizer can be a tricky task, especially considering that skin changes with the seasons. As autumn rolls in, women may want to begin thinking about the creams and potions that will keep their complexions looking great during the colder months.

Typically, cooler air means less humidity - which can equal dry skin for many people. As a result, it may be a good idea to seek out a moisturizer that contains natural plant oils and extracts to keep skin hydrated and glowing.

A good moisturizer will act as a barrier between skin and the elements, protecting the epidermis from getting chapped from the wind or dulled by air pollution. A product that contains antioxidants may help neutralize harmful ions found in smog and car exhaust before they reach delicate skin.

Aging necks may especially be in need of a rich cream, since it tends to lack natural oils. The best neck creams on the market can both reduce the appearance of saggy jowls while protecting skin from the elements.  

Protecting the skin may stop the progression of saggy jowls

The sun's powerful UV rays are largely responsible for the signs of aging that show up on skin - namely, wrinkles, age spots and dryness. As a result, many women already know that in order to maintain a youthful appearance, they should use sunscreen and avoid excessive sunlight.

However, there are some other things that ladies can do to stop aging in its tracks.

First, try to limit time spent in hot water. This is known to draw natural moisture from the skin and accelerate wrinkles and the loss of volume. Women should also remember to pat themselves dry after a bath or shower, and never to aggressively rub skin.

Next, be sure to use a good quality moisturizer when going out in the cold. This can prevent chapping and provide a barrier to cold winds.

Free radicals are harmful molecules that are associated with a number of unwanted conditions. As a result, ladies should avoid smoking and polluted air, and remember to use a face and neck cream that contains antioxidants, which are known to neutralize free radicals.

These efforts may help to prevent saggy jowls from giving in further to the forces of gravity.  

Vitamin E: Nature's wrinkle-reducer

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that has been shown to play important roles in keeping the immune system healthy, staving off retinal damage and potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers.

This multi-purpose vitamin may also promote a youthful, wrinkle-free neck and decollatage.

A study by researcher at Indiana State University School of Medicine has shown that vitamin E has the ability to reduce inflammatory damage caused by the sun. Considering that UV rays are a top cause of accelerated skin aging, this was an important finding in the field of skin care.

Vitamin E has also been proven to be an effective emollient, which is a type of moisturizer that protects the skin against water loss, according to WiseGeek.com. Wrinkles form when skin loses its volume, so keeping the epidermis plump with creams and lotions containing vitamin E is an effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Women seeking firm neck skin may want to consider seeking out the best neck cream containing vitamin E, as well as other powerful vitamins and antioxidants.  

Men get saggy neck skin, too

Many skin care products targeted toward women can work great on men as well. After all, aging males are often just as concerned with their loose neck skin as the ladies. As a result, guys shouldn't be ashamed to develop a skin care regimen to help reverse the signs of aging.

According to the International Business Times, men tend to have oilier skin than women because their pores are often larger. However, this doesn't mean that harsh cleansers are necessary, since some may dry out skin. The news source recommended a semi-mild face wash used twice daily.

An article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that men may want to try skin care products with natural ingredients, since synthetic preservatives and additives may irritate skin, as well as drive up the cost of cleansers and creams.

Men who are particularly concerned about saggy jowls should seek out the best neck creams on the market that contain natural plant extracts and antioxidants. These can help firm neck skin while avoiding an overly flowery scent.  

Athletes may be at risk of saggy jowls

Women who have been runners for most of their lives likely have toned legs, a healthy heart and little body fat. However, they may also be more susceptible to loose neck skin than their more sedentary counterparts.

This is due, in part, to gravity since pounding the ground can stretch out skin from impact. Additionally, small amounts of body fat means a more gaunt look, especially in the face where padding is already sparse for most people, according to SkinInc.com.

“There are several solutions to rejuvenating gaunt, aged skin that has developed wrinkles or volume loss,” said New Jersey board-certified plastic surgeon Brian S. Glatt, M.D., quoted by the news source.

In addition to remembering sunscreen when going outdoors, female runners should develop a skin care regimen meant to firm neck skin.

Rosemary extract is known to rejuvenate the skin, helping stimulate blood flow for a more youthful appearance. The plant oil is commonly used by athletes because of its tension-relieving properties, according to Skincare-News.com.

Also, vitamin E is a tried-and-true emollient. The antioxidant is known to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blend age spots.  

How does a moisturizer compare to a neck lift?

Women with saggy jowls will go to many lengths to gain firm neck skin. For some, this means undergoing an invasive neck lift, while for others it means a strict beauty regimen. But which one is best? 

According to an article in the UK news source The Express, a neck lift can easily cost well over $4,500. The operation requires general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours to complete.

While the procedure can provide noticeable results - especially when the patient is careful about choosing their surgeon - there are also risks that come with surgery, including infection and scarring.

The news source reports that a good quality moisturizer can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Ladies should remember to apply their neck creams in an upward motion, so as not to give gravity any help.

According to Medscape.com, moisturizers work by reducing friction in the skin and hydrate top epidermal layers, giving a plumped appearance.

Going under the knife is no easy decision. Perhaps the best course of action would be to try out the best neck creams on the market before scheduling an appointment with a plastic surgeon.  

Highlighting the cheeks may reduce the appearance of loose neck skin

Makeup and concealer are not useful tools to hide saggy jowls when applied directly to the neck. Women who do this are likely to end up with a cakey appearance that will further accentuate any imperfections.

However, by using the right makeup and techniques on the cheeks, ladies may be able to draw attention away from areas that give away age.

First, choose a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. If this color does not match neck skin, it will be glaringly obvious. Try out a few brands and shades or see a professional to find the right foundation.

Next, work on finding a bronzer or blush that suits both your complexion and personal tastes. When working with a powder, use a big soft brush and sweep on the apples of the cheeks. With a cream product, use a clean makeup sponge and dab on until blended.

Additionally, using a rich cream to help firm neck skin may help give a more youthful look without an invasive procedure.