Décolleté wrinkles: how to care for your neck and décolleté

Wrinkles on the décolleté show early because the skin there is thin and produces little sebum. Sun, dry air and sleeping on your side add to it. Skincare does not smooth deep wrinkles. It hydrates the skin and softens the look of dryness lines. The best habit: extend your facial skincare to neck and décolleté every day.

We moisturise our face, we moisturise our legs. We usually stop at the collarbone. Yet the neck, décolleté and hands are among the areas where skin ageing can become especially visible. They are often forgotten in daily skincare. This guide shows you where crepey lines on the décolleté come from and what you can do yourself.

Why do wrinkles appear so early on the décolleté?

The skin on the décolleté is noticeably thinner than facial skin and has considerably fewer sebaceous glands. Sebum is what keeps skin supple and forms its natural protective layer. Where less of it is produced, skin loses moisture faster.

On top of that, there is little fatty tissue beneath the skin here. It sits almost directly on the bone. That makes it mobile, but also prone to fine dryness lines. These are the crepey little creases that are sometimes visible in the morning after a night spent sleeping on your side.

What puts the most strain on the skin of the décolleté?

• Sun. The décolleté is called the sun terrace for a reason. In summer it is almost always uncovered. It still gets forgotten at the sunscreen stage.
• Dry air. Central heating in winter, air conditioning in summer. Both draw moisture out of the skin. You can read more in our guide to dry skin in winter.
• Sleeping position. If you sleep on your side, the skin on your décolleté is compressed for several hours every night.
• Friction. Bra straps, sportswear, coarse fabrics: anything that rubs puts extra strain on thin skin.
• Shower habits. Hot water and heavily foaming products strip oils from the skin.

How can you tell that your décolleté needs care?

A few signs are fairly clear: your skin feels tight after showering. It feels rough when you run your hand over it. Fine lines are visible in the morning and fade over the course of the day. Or make-up and self-tanner settle unevenly in this area. Often the skin there looks tired and dull as well. Its natural radiance is missing.

None of this is dramatic. They are signs that the skin is short on moisture. That is exactly what regular care can change. The aim: more moisture, a smoother skin feel and a healthy glow.

How do you care for your neck and décolleté?

Your neck and décolleté do not need a separate programme. We recommend extending your facial skincare to neck and décolleté as a matter of course. These three steps help.

1. Exfoliate regularly, but gently

Once or twice a week is enough. Exfoliating lifts away dead skin cells so that your care doesn't sit on top of a dry layer. One thing matters: work without pressure on the décolleté. The 2in1 AHA Body Scrub combines mechanical and chemical exfoliation, so you barely need any force.

2. Cleanse, pat dry gently, then moisturise

The most important step. Cleanse your skin and then pat it dry gently. After that, apply your skincare to face, neck and décolleté every morning and evening. Massage it in gently and let it absorb. If you prefer a light texture under your clothes: the Décolleté Serum with Hyaluronic Acid absorbs quickly and leaves no film.

Beauty tip: Spread any leftover product over the backs of your hands. The hands are often forgotten in daily skincare.

3. Seal and protect

In summer, sunscreen belongs on the décolleté every single day. In winter, a richer layer on top does no harm. The Dry Touch Body Oil cares for neck, décolleté and body like a rich oil and leaves no greasy film. And if you feel like it, add a little Golden Glow Oil to your décolleté and shoulders on good days. Pure pleasure, not a must.

Which ingredients make sense for the décolleté?

Hyaluronic acid binds water. One hyaluronic acid alone is not meant to cover every need. Long-chain hyaluronic acid works mainly on the surface of the skin and gives it a smoother, more cared-for feel. Short-chain hyaluronic acid complements hydration on another level and supports the plumper, hydrated look of the skin.

Ceramides are a natural part of the skin barrier. They help the skin hold on to moisture.

Paracress (Acmella Oleracea) contains the natural active spilanthol. In cosmetics it is used for a visibly smoothed complexion. The effect is temporary and purely cosmetic.

Caffeine leaves a firmer skin feel and is therefore a frequent companion in body care.

What helps with spots on the décolleté?

Dryness is not the only thing that shows on the décolleté. Sweat, friction and sunscreen also encourage blemishes there. Cleanse the area soon after exercise and wear loose, breathable fabrics. The Clarifying Body Wash cleanses with AHA and BHA and is made for blemish-prone skin on the body. You will find the full background in our guide to spots on the body.

Frequently asked questions about décolleté wrinkles and care

Can you get rid of wrinkles on the décolleté?

No cream smooths deep wrinkles. Dryness lines look visibly softer when the skin is well hydrated. Daily sun protection helps prevent further strain from UV radiation. For anything beyond that, a dermatology practice can advise you.

Where do crepey lines on the décolleté come from in the morning?

Mostly from sleeping on your side. The thin skin is pushed together for hours. When it is well hydrated, the lines fade faster over the course of the day.

Is my face cream enough for the décolleté?

Yes. Take your facial skincare down to your décolleté every day. If you prefer a lighter texture under your clothes, use a serum there.

Which skincare suits wrinkles on the décolleté?

Skincare with humectants such as hyaluronic acid and with lipids. It makes the surface of the skin look smoother and plumper. During the day, sun protection goes on top.

When should I start caring for my neck and décolleté?

As soon as you notice the skin there feeling tight. It is not a question of age. It is a question of skin moisture.

How long until I notice something?

A moisture effect is felt quickly. For the skin to feel more even overall, give it a few weeks of regular use.

How often should I exfoliate the décolleté?

Once or twice a week is enough. Work without pressure and apply a moisturiser afterwards.

The short version

Your neck and décolleté do not need elaborate care, but they do need regular care. Extend your facial skincare to neck and décolleté as a matter of course. Find more for neck, décolleté and body in our body care range.