The Ultimate Skincare Routine for Your Neck

The skin beneath your chin may be out of sight and out of mind, but a simple, consistent care routine can go a long way (and you don't need a slew of new products). With a few lifestyle adjustments (lift up that phone!) and smart formulas, you'll feel positively swan like. Here, several dermatologists share how to craft the ultimate skincare regimen for your neck.

Nourish Your Neck

Dry skin equals dull skin, and not just on your face, says Chicago dermatologist Sonya Kenkare. Smooth your usual facial moisturizer down past your collarbone, and then keep this area soft and even in tone. To prevent fine lines and discoloration, antioxidants are essential. The most powerful forms, like vitamin C, help brighten all skin tones and fend off potential damage from sun exposure. Beverly Hills dermatologist Ava Shamban likes Instytutum Anti-Wrinkle Brightening C-Erum ($98, instytutum.com), which pairs powerful free-radical foragers with soothing squalane.

Protect It

You might skip applying SPF to your neck and chest most days, but don't: They heal slowly from sunburns, and over time that can lead to spots, wrinkles, and sagging, says Dr. Shamban. She likes Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+ ($55, amazon.com) for face and chest; the silky liquid rubs in clear and contains plankton-derived enzymes to repair existing damage from UV light.

Firm Up

The skin cells on your décolletage turn over more slowly than those on your face, Dr. Shamban says. Nighttime is when they naturally regenerate, so consider applying a serum before bed to let the benefits really sink in. "Peptides promote the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin," says Bernardsville, New Jersey, dermatologist Meghan Feely. Get them from No7 Laboratories Firming Booster Serum ($41.99, ulta.com). Glide the applicator from neck to jawline.

Get Even

For fading dark spots, use the potent Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30% ($160, dermstore.com). Then prevent discoloration with kojic acid, found in La Roche-Posay Mela-D Pigment Control Concentrated Serum ($39.99, cvs.com).

Smooth Lines

"Retinols are best for softening wrinkles," says Dr. Kenkare, who likes RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($19.89, target.com). They exfoliate the skin, which increases cell turnover, stimulates collagen output, and also helps prevent breakouts.

Mind Your Posture

"The repetitive act of curling your neck over a screen can create horizontal wrinkles," says Dr. Shamban. Position your computer at eye level, and get in the habit of holding your phone parallel to your chest (rather than at your waist) to avoid developing what dermatologists call "necklace lines."

Rest Easy

Sleeping on your side can exacerbate fine lines down the center of your chest, per Dr. Shamban. You could switch to drifting off on your back, or, if that sounds like a nightmare, she recommends applying a reusable self-adhesive silicone patch, like the one by Dermaclara Beauty ($30 for up to 30 uses, dermaclara.com).