Ladies, let’s talk.  I don’t care how old you are right now – this post is as much for you if you’re 16 years old as it is if you’re over 40.  If you’re like most people, your neck is probably the most neglected part of your body.  Male, female – it doesn’t matter, we just generally don’t think about our necks… until, that is, the day comes when we look in the mirror and all but scream, “What the h—-?!?!”

I watched an interview online a few days ago with a beautiful actress and author who is now in her sixties.  She has obviously taken great, great care of her hair, body, and face. However, her neck betrayed the rest of the team.  Her hair, alone, could have passed for a 20 year old. Her body? Easily as fit as a 30 year old. The face looked like it graced a woman in her late 40s.

Then there was the neck. Maybe it’s because it was surrounded by such over-achievers, but the neck looked like it called an 80 year old home.

After I watched the interview, I did what any sane, reasonable gal would have done. I ran to the bathroom and smeared every lotion in sight on my neck. Logical.

Then I made a vow to tell every female I knew (and even those I didn’t) to start paying extra attention to their necks TODAY.  Below are a few of the best tips I’ve found for keeping your neck looking young and to prevent (and improve) the dreaded “turkey neck.”

• Eat a healthy diet. Our bodies (inside and out) crave good nutritional food.  Getting the right amounts of vitamins, protein, and minerals help us look better on the outside and live healthier on the inside.  If your diet isn’t healthy, you aren’t going to look healthy – it’s as simple as that.  Your skin, hair, and nails need fruit, vegetables, protein, and minerals to look their best.
• Get plenty of rest. For some reason, when we’re tired, it shows. I’ve found that if I skimp on sleep, I look older and, well, worse for the wear. They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing!
• V-Neck tops seem to be more flattering to aging necks than scoop neck tops.
• Certain colors accentuate aging necks while others detract from them. This is one of those areas where you, yourself will be the best judge. When you see a top you love in the store, grab one in each color and try them on in the dressing room. You can  do the same with different styles of tops, jackets, and dresses. You’ll discover than certain styles and colors take 10 years off of you!  Of course, it only stands to reason that certain colors will add about 10 years – at least you’ll know what colors to avoid at all costs in the future.
• Experimenting with different colors and styles of clothing is one way to look younger – experimenting with hairstyles and hair colors is another. In the same way that v-necks are more flattering to aging necks, up-dos seem to also do wonders for drawing the eye away from the neck.  Even if you don’t pull ALL of your hair up, just pulling up the sides will help.
• Dangling earrings draw attention away from an aging neck – or simply an unattractive one, for that matter!
• Never wear short chain necklaces or chokers unless your neck looks as young and smooth as Keira Knitghtley’s. Wear longer necklaces or bright, eye-catching pins.
• I saved the most important one for last: Use moisturizer throughout the day.  Each time you go into the bathroom, put lotion on your neck.  Use lotion on your neck before going to bed, too. Basically, lotion your neck as often as you possibly can.  You can use whatever lotion you use on your face – if, that is, you buy good lotion. I also recommend using a great Firming Neck Cream (like the one shown above) regularly. More neck creams and lotions are shown below.

I just strongly urge everyone (all ages!) to start paying special attention to your neck today.  This is a part of your body that’s virtually impossible to hide, so treat it well!