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• Method 1 of 2: Firming the skin on your neck through your lifestyle
• Method 2 of 2: Achieve tighter skin with medical treatments

One of the most striking signs of aging is the lack of firmness in the skin. With age, our skin loses the elasticity of our early years, causing it to fold and sag. This process is often most evident on the face and neck. While it's not possible to turn back the clock, you can become proactive and try different forms of medications and self-medications and treatments to tighten the skin on your neck.

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Method 1 of 2: Firming the skin on your neck through your lifestyle

1. Exercise the muscles in your face and neck. There are several exercises that are a good mix of stretching and training the muscles in your neck and lower facial muscles. Repeat this once or twice a day to strengthen your neck so that it looks firmer.
   • Place one hand on your forehead. Push your head against your hand without it moving forward. You should now feel the muscles in your neck tighten. Hold this for about 10 seconds. Collapse your hands behind your head and push back with your head to create pressure - hold this again for 10 seconds.
   • Sit with your back straight. Lift your head back so that your chin is towards the ceiling, but keep your lips closed. Now make a chewing motion with your mouth. You feel your neck and facial muscles being put to work. Repeat this about 20 times.
   • Sit back straight and lift your head back so that your chin is towards the ceiling, but keep your lips closed. This time pursing your lips in a kissing motion. Repeat this exercise twice. This may feel the same as the previous exercise, but exercise other parts of your neck and face.
   • Be careful with this exercise as it can overextend your neck muscles. Lie on the bed with your head over the side. Slowly and gently lift your head towards your torso, with only your neck doing the work. Lower your head slowly and carefully. Repeat this about 5 times. Stop immediately if you feel pain.
2. Avoid repeating facial expressions. Certain movements and expressions, such as tilting your head for disagreement, can weaken the opposing muscles. Look for puffs on your face to keep the skin on your neck firm for longer.
   • When you use the muscles in your face or neck, a groove forms under the skin. As the elasticity of the skin diminishes over time, it is no longer possible to fill this groove and a permanent wrinkle or skin fold can develop.
3. Eat healthy. There are indications that a healthy and balanced diet can protect your skin. By avoiding unhealthy foods and junk foods, you may be able to keep wrinkles and a loss of skin elasticity at bay.
   • High-fat and high-sugar diets can slow down the cell cycle. Don't overeat fried foods or sweets - Limit your simple sugar intake and focus on complex carbohydrates instead.
   • Foods high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, such as fruits and vegetables (eg raspberries and carrots), can accelerate cell division for healthier skin.
   • Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene. Combined with plenty of water, this speeds up cell division resulting in healthier skin that is not prone to damage (which can otherwise cause clogged glands).
   • Foods rich in essential fatty acids (alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids), such as walnuts or olive oil, can help keep skin cells hydrated.
   • An unhealthy diet also takes the place of foods you should eat in order to get the necessary vitamins and antioxidants to promote healthy skin.
4. Make sure you get enough fluids. Skin that is hydrated is generally more plump and firm and less likely to have folds or wrinkles. Getting plenty of moisture every day can help keep the skin on your neck looking taut again.
   • Drink at least 9 glasses of water a day for sufficient fluids as a woman and 13 cups if you are a man. Athletes and pregnant women need up to 16 cups of water per day.
   • Water is the best choice for hydration, but you can also drink tea that does not contain caffeine or juices diluted with water.
   • Consider drinking coffee or tea and soft drinks in limited quantities, but keep in mind that they can dry you out a little.
5. Apply moisturizer every day. Use a skin type-specific moisturizer every day to help stimulate collagen and elastin production. Well-hydrated skin can help firm the skin on your neck.
   • Even if your skin is a bit oily, it may still need a moisturizer. Choose an oil-free product without comedogenic.
   • Seek the advice of a dermatologist or skincare specialist to assess what type of skin you have. You can buy products specially formulated for your skin type needs from most pharmacies and many retailers, including department stores.
   • There are many products that not only stimulate collagen and elastin production, but can also improve the appearance of the skin on your neck, plumping it up with products such as silicone and hyaluronic acid.
   • Using a moisturizer with a built-in sunscreen can increase the skin-firming benefits.
6. Don't overexpose your skin to the sun. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun accelerates natural aging by breaking down the collagen and elastin fibers that keep the skin firm. Reducing or preventing sun exposure can keep your skin firmer for longer.
   • Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (minimum factor 30) when you go outside to do some shopping or other activities.
   • You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat to further protect your skin from sun exposure.
   • If you go to the beach or the pool, you can sit under an umbrella. Use a water resistant sunscreen.
7. Stop smoking. Like sun exposure, smoking speeds up the natural aging process by hindering blood flow to the skin. Stop or limit smoking to help prevent skin aging so that your skin stays firm for longer.
   • If you find it difficult to quit smoking, talk to your doctor. This can help you develop an effective treatment plan.
8. Avoid sudden changes in your weight. Weight can cause your skin to stretch, resulting in sagging skin when you lose weight again. Sudden weight loss will not give your skin time to adjust and will make it look loose. Maintain your current weight or lose weight gradually to avoid sagging skin around your neck.

Method 2 of 2: Achieve tighter skin with medical treatments

1. Apply topical retinoids. Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that counteract fine wrinkles, blemishes and roughness of the skin. Apply a topical retinoid as directed by your doctor to improve the appearance and elasticity of your skin around the neck.
   • Tretinoin and tazarotene are two types of retinoids that your doctor can prescribe.
   • You need a prescription for a retinoid from your doctor, so make an appointment to see if this is a possible option for you.
   • Apply a pea-sized amount of retinoid cream once a day at bedtime or on the face in the evening for the palliation of fine wrinkles.
   • Be aware of the sensitivity to UVA light when using this medication. Minimize exposure to sunlamps or sunlight.
   • Note that some insurance companies will not reimburse retinoids used for cosmetic purposes.
   • There are a number of over-the-counter skin creams with a low retinoid content. Keep in mind that these don't work as powerfully as prescription retinoids and may not improve your skin in the long run.
   • Retinoids can cause redness, dryness and a burning sensation in the skin.
2. Undergo laser, light, or radio frequency therapy. The growth of new collagen in the skin can be stimulated with the help of laser, light or radio frequency treatments. Follow one of these treatments to firm the skin on your neck.
   • Laser and light treatments damage the outermost layer of the skin and heat the underlying skin layer to stimulate collagen growth. As the damaged skin heals, smoother and tighter skin is formed.
   • It can take several months to heal completely from such treatment and there are risks, such as scarring or lightening or darkening of the skin.
   • Consider non-ablative laser treatments for less creased skin.
   • Radiofrequency treatment can also be considered as a non-ablative variant. While you won't get the same results as with a laser or light therapy, it can produce slightly tighter skin.
   • Note that most insurance companies will not reimburse such treatments for cosmetic purposes.
3. Peel the skin. There are less invasive treatments to strip away the outer layers of the skin. Dermabrasion, chemical peels and microdermabrasion remove the outer layer of your skin and may improve not only its elasticity but also its appearance.
   • With a chemical peel, the doctor will apply an acid to the top layer of your skin. This will burn away the skin on the treated area along with some of the wrinkles, fine lines and freckles. Chemical peels may take several weeks to heal and may require multiple treatments to see results.
   • Dermabrasion scrapes away some of the top layer of your skin with a rotating brush. This stimulates the production of a new skin layer, which can make the neck skin firmer. It may take months to see results and heal completely from treatment.
   • Microdermabrasion is similar to dermabrasion, but only removes a small layer of skin. Several treatments may be required to see results with dermabrasion, but the total healing takes less time than the alternatives. Microdermabrasion also only produces modest results.
   • Note that most insurance companies will not reimburse these cosmetic treatments.
4. Ask for Botox injections. Botox, aka Botulinum toxin type A, can prevent muscles from contracting, making the skin appear smoother and less wrinkled. Use Botox injections for mild sagging to firm the skin on your neck.
   • Botox remains effective for three to four months and the injections must be applied repeatedly for lasting results.
   • One of the side effects of Botox is an inability to move the facial and neck muscles. Be aware that this can limit how well you can express emotions.
   • Note that most insurance companies do not reimburse Botox injections for cosmetic purposes.
5. Inject soft fillers. There are different types of soft tissue fillers such as fat, collagen and hyaluronic acid. Injected into the neck area, this can help plump and firm the skin of the neck.
   • Swelling, redness, and bruising are possible with soft filler injections.
   • Like Botox or microdermabrasion, repeated injections may be required as most fillers only last for a few months.
   • Note that most insurance companies do not reimburse cosmetic filler injections.
6. Consider a surgical facelift. If your skin sags around the neck, surgery is an option. This is the most extreme form of skin tightening treatment and should only be considered when absolutely necessary or other options don't work.
   • Not as with all cosmetic surgery, you should be fully aware of the risks and consult a licensed surgeon and clinic.
   • A facelift requires the removal of excess skin and fat from your neck after which the muscle and connective tissue underneath is pulled taut.
   • It can take a long time to heal from a facelift, and you can still experience bruising and swelling for many weeks after the procedure.
   • The results can remain visible for five to 10 years.
   • After surgery, wear comfortable clothes that you can pull over your head easily and comfortably. Have pillows available to keep your head and neck in a good position. Have someone stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery.
   • Quit smoking completely and stop taking blood thinners (under the guidance of your doctor) prior to surgery. Smoking cessation is necessary for a good cure, and blood thinners increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
   • Keep in mind that most insurance companies will not reimburse a cosmetic facelift.