by Senior Skincare Specialist, Sammy Viljoen
As we celebrate Women’s Month, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of self-care and skincare as acts of empowerment and self-love. Women’s Month is not just about acknowledging the achievements and contributions of women but also about encouraging women to invest in their well-being.
One way to celebrate this month is by focusing on skincare beyond the face, extending to the hands, neck, décolleté, and breast areas – the delicate skin that embodies femininity. These regions are often more exposed to the elements, show early signs of aging, and require special attention to maintain their youthful appearance.
So, if invasive approaches and cosmetic injectables are not for you – then this blog is. In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at the characteristics of the skin in these delicate areas, the various causes and concerns treatable, recommended skin care products and targeted treatment solutions, and specialist tips on prevention.
The Unique Characteristics of Delicate Skin
The skin on our hands, neck, décolleté, and breasts has unique characteristics that make it more susceptible to aging and environmental damage compared to other body areas.
Differences in Skin Types
- Hands: The skin on the hands is often thinner and more exposed to environmental stressors. It has fewer sebaceous glands, which means it produces less natural oil, leading to dryness and increased vulnerability to wrinkles and age spots.
- Neck and Décolleté: These areas have thinner skin with less subcutaneous fat and collagen, making them prone to sagging, fine lines, and pigmentation. The skin here is frequently exposed to the sun, leading to premature aging.
- Breast Skin: This skin is delicate and elastic, similar to the décolleté. It can lose elasticity over time due to hormonal changes and natural aging processes, leading to sagging and stretch marks.
Common Skincare Concerns in These Areas
- Wrinkles and Fine Lines: These often appear due to the lack of natural oil and exposure to the sun and other environmental factors.
- Pigmentation: Sun damage and hormonal changes can cause uneven skin tone and dark spots.
- Loss of Elasticity: As collagen and elastin fibers degrade with age and exposure to stressors, the skin loses its firmness and becomes saggy.
Causes of Skin Aging in Delicate Areas
Besides the general aging process, many other factors can contribute to skin aging prematurely, and most of them are avoidable. Here are the top 4 causes of skin aging in delicate areas such as the hands, neck, and décolleté.
Sun Exposure
UV rays are one of the primary causes of skin aging. The neck, décolleté, and hands are often exposed to the sun without adequate protection, leading to sunburn, pigmentation, and a breakdown of collagen and elastin. Regular application of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is crucial for preventing further damage.
Environmental Factors
Pollution, wind, and harsh weather conditions can accelerate skin aging by depleting the skin’s natural barrier and causing oxidative stress. These elements contribute to dryness, rough texture, and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hormonal Changes
Menopause and other hormonal fluctuations can significantly affect the skin’s health. Declining estrogen levels reduce collagen production, leading to thinner, drier, and less elastic skin. This hormonal imbalance can also result in increased pigmentation and a loss of firmness, particularly in the neck and décolleté.
Neglect in Skincare Routines
Many people focus primarily on facial skincare, neglecting other areas that are equally exposed to environmental damage and aging factors. This neglect can lead to noticeable aging signs in the hands, neck, and décolleté, which are often more exposed to the sun and pollutants than the face.
Effective Topical Skincare Solutions
While topical treatments alone will not provide radical skincare transformations, they will make a difference when used alongside professional treatments. It is also essential to help prevent premature aging and assist with professional treatment maintenance. Let’s take a look at some of our favourite skincare products for the treatment of the neck, chest, and hands.
Retinoids and Retinols
Retinoids and retinols are vitamin A derivatives that promote skin renewal and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They work by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. For example, products like our ZO’s Retinol Skin Brightener, Wrinkle + Texture Repair, and Radical Night Repair as well as our Mesoestetic SkinRetin 0.3% retinol are effective for targeting aging signs in delicate areas.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants like Vitamin C and E protect the skin from oxidative stress and repair damage. They brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. Consider using products such as the Mesoestetic Age Element Brightening Concentrate or the Mesoestetic AOX Ferulic serum, which provides comprehensive protection and rejuvenation.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrating agent that plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines by attracting and retaining moisture. A product like the Mesoestetic HA Densimatrix is excellent for keeping the delicate skin of the neck and décolleté hydrated and smooth. It is a great ingredient to incorporate into the skincare routine as it plumps up the skin as the molecules hold onto moisture.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help in building proteins like collagen and elastin in the skin. They enhance skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Products such as the AQ Solutions Active Serum are ideal as they contain patented skin-identical Growth factors that support skin rejuvenation, repair, and healing in the skin. Another favourite is the NeoStrata Tri-Therapy Lifting Serum which is formulated with a proprietary triple anti-ageing complex to help volumise sagging skin, renew skin tone, and smooth rough texture while improving overall signs of photo-damage.
Effective Professional Skincare Treatments
When it comes to the rejuvenation of the delicate skin of the hands, neck and décolleté, many professional skincare solutions can be considered. The treatments recommended in order to achieve results will however depend on the concerns, skin type, areas being treated, and the patient’s lifestyle post-treatment.
Let’s take a look at our top skincare treatment solutions for the rejuvenation of delicate skin
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the skin, promoting the shedding of dead skin cells and stimulating new cell growth. They are effective in reducing pigmentation, fine lines, and improving skin texture. From superficial fruit acid peels to more intensive TCA chemical peels, there is a chemical peel solution available for all skin types and concerns, making this a very versatile solution for the treatment of the hands, neck, and chest.
Laser Therapies
Laser skincare treatments refer to a wide variety of laser therapies each targeting a specific skincare concern. Harmony XL Pro offers two of our top solutions. The ClearLift and Erbium iPIXEL Pro. ClearLift Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser treatments have become quite popular for its efficacy in addressing pigmentation and stimulating collagen production, improving skin texture and firmness in the neck, hands, and décolleté. The Erbium iPIXEL Pro is a more intensive solution (being a fractional ablative laser) that resurfaces the skin and targets concerns such as skin texture, pigmentation, sun damage, and much more.
One of the most popular solutions for skin rejuvenation of the neck, chest and hands is our signature I-Peel-L Bespoke treatment, which combines the use of Lumecca IPL (intense pulsed light) for targeting redness and pigmentation, combined with a Skin Tech TCA Peel to enhance the appearance of the skin texture and tone. The I-Peel-L Bespoke is excellent at treating sun damage and is a great option for those looking to achieve results after just one session.
3D Skin Needling
Microneedling involves creating tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It’s effective for improving skin texture, reducing scars, and enhancing overall skin tone. At our practice, we’ve taken this one step further and created a 3D Microneedling approach that combines the power of micro-needling with scientifically proven active ingredients and collagen induction for the ultimate skin rejuvenation treatment. Excellent for neck and chest rejuvenation, this treatment remains a top choice of many of our patients.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) Therapy
PRP therapy uses the body’s own growth factors to rejuvenate the skin. By injecting platelet-rich plasma into the skin, it promotes healing, enhances collagen production, and reduces wrinkles and sagging. Here too we’ve taken the PRP facial a few steps further and created a 3D PRP approach that targets all the skin’s layers in one intensive treatment.
Our signature 3D MD PRP treatment improves on the normal “PRP facial” treatment by including a sterile medical-grade hyaluronic acid along with a specifically chosen active ingredient to tend to your skin needs when injecting the platelet-rich plasma for even more improved skin rejuvenation. The PRP and active ingredients are also introduced into the skin in two ways, first by an Aesthetic Doctor using a mesotherapy technique, and then by a Skincare Specialist using a microneedling technique. A top choice for neck and chest rejuvenation!
Preventative Measures
When it comes to the aging of our delicate skin, prevention will always be better than cure. Taking the necessary preventative measures from an earlier age, will delay the aging process and keep your neck, chest, and hands looking youthful for much longer. Here are some specialist tips on how to help prevent common concerns associated with premature aging of the hands, neck and décolleté.
Daily Sunscreen Use
Yes, even in winter and when indoors… With UV rays being one of the leading contributors to premature skin aging, applying sunscreen daily is crucial for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays (which are present during all seasons and even indoors). Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Heliocare has a wide range of sunscreens available and will remain one of our top “skin protection” brands. Don’t forget your hands!
Optimal Hydration and Nutrition
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals will support skin health from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water (even in the cooler months) keeps the skin hydrated and helps in flushing out toxins. Radiant skin really does start from the inside out…
Skincare Consistency
Consistency is what transforms average into excellent, and it couldn’t be more true than with skincare. Consistent use of targeted products, such as moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens, helps maintain skin health and prevent aging signs. Remember, as the seasons and our lifestyles change it is important to continuously consult with your skincare specialist regarding which products are ideal to help you reach and maintain your skincare goals.
Protective Clothing
Last, but not least… Wearing gloves, scarves, and UV-protective clothing can shield delicate skin areas from harmful environmental factors and sun exposure.
Customised Skincare for Optimal Results
No one person’s skin is alike… Therefore, seeking advice from experienced skincare professionals is essential to help understand your specific skin needs and concerns. Starting your skincare journey with a personalised consultation will ensure you receive tailored recommendations for products and treatments that are most effective for you.
At our practice, all patients start with a VISIA skin analysis consultation. The VISIA skin analysis is a cutting-edge diagnostic tool that provides a comprehensive evaluation of your skin’s condition. By capturing detailed images and analyzing factors like pigmentation, texture, and pore size, it offers an in-depth understanding of your unique skin needs. This data allows skincare professionals to create a customised treatment plan tailored to address your specific concerns, such as acne, aging, sun damage, and more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nurturing delicate skin on the hands, neck and décolleté, is essential for maintaining a youthful and vibrant appearance. These often-overlooked areas require specialized care due to their sensitivity and vulnerability to environmental stressors. By incorporating targeted and consistent skincare routines, hydration, and sun protection, you can effectively rejuvenate and preserve the health of these delicate regions. Embracing a targeted and consistent skincare regimen not only enhances the appearance of your hands, neck and décolleté but also contributes to overall skin health and confidence.
Remember, taking a holistic approach to skincare that includes proper nourishment, protection, and treatment can make a remarkable difference, ensuring that your skin remains radiant and resilient for years to come.
Should you be ready to make a change, email us at skinclinic@drnwilkinson.co.za to start your Skin Science journey to radiance today.
Written by Senior Skincare Specialist, Sammy Viljoen
