Founder & Medical Director at New York Cosmetic Skin & Laser Surgery Center
Answered 4 months ago
In my dermatology office, I tell patients the neck behaves like thin facial skin with less oil. The best formulas are proven. A retinoid at night, retinol or tretinoin if your skin can tolerate it. Support it with peptides, niacinamide, and barrier lipids like ceramides. Hyaluronic acid helps the feel, not the lift. Broad spectrum SPF on the neck and chest does more than any jar. When you buy, look for an airless pump, minimal fragrance, and a texture you will use. Start retinoids two nights weekly, then build. Put moisturizer over it if you get dry. Do not chase high strength on day one. The biggest misconception is that a cream can tighten loose skin like a procedure. It cannot. A 2025 network meta analysis of 23 RCTs with 3,905 people found retinol and tretinoin improved fine wrinkles, and tretinoin had the most favorable safety profile: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-12597-0