Face, Chest, and Neck Skincare: Can I use the Same Products?

I am 54 years old. Can I use Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Gel on my neck or is it just for the face?

The face, chest and neck skincare is more different than you might think. The main difference is that the face has many more oil glands than either the neck or the chest. Why does this matter? It matters because your entire life, your neck and chest need more moisturizer and are more easily irritated by skincare products.

Secondly, the chest or decolletage (the french version), for most women has had at least one horrible sunburn. If you have shorter hair, your neck may have a lot of sun damage too.

Sunscreen on the Neck and Chest. Can you use the same one?

Yes, definitely. You want one without tint though. I use a non tinted or “clear,” high zinc sunscreen every morning on my neck, chest and back of the hands……and then a high zinc tinted sunscreen on my face every morning. The key to all this is to use these every morning, or keep the area covered. But….you say…..there’s no sun today. It doesn’t matter because even in the winter, and through clouds and window glass you are getting UVA. UVA 365 days a year, even in small amounts, ADDS UP!

Chest and Neck Skincare: Antioxidants and Vitamin A Creams (Renova, tretinoin, retinols, etc).

Neck and chest skin tends to be more easily irritated than the face due to the lack of oil glands.   So the answer to your question above, is yes…….but with some precautions. Start the antioxidant like the Phoretin CF every other morning. If you tolerate that well after a week or so, try going up to every morning. Put the antioxidant on first and let is soak in for a few minutes. Add a moisturizer over that if needed. If you get irritated, use it less frequently until you find the right interval for you. Use in the morning under your sunscreen.

Another option, is Nectifirm Advanced, which is one of the best performing neck creams we’ve tested. It deals with texture and minimizing fine lines. Our patients really love this product.

For the retinols, start slowly as above and never start two different products at the same time. Make sure you adjust to one and then a few weeks later try adding the second product. The retinol or Retin A always goes on at night. Natural light will inactivate it. Again, go slowly and reduce the interval or dilute the Retin A with moisturizer if you get irritated.

If you use retinoid (Vitamin A cousins) cream, you MUST sunscreen or cover the area. They will make you just slightly more sun sensitive.

The same ideas above apply to glycolics, and alpha or beta hydroxy acids in your skincare products.

BOTTOM LINE:

  • Start one skincare product at a time about 2 weeks apart.
  • Start with less than every day and build up
  • Consider diluting the product with moisturizer if you get irritated, and see if that improves it
  • Yes….you can use the same products on your face, neck and chest
  • Sunscreen every morning or keep your neck and chest covered

 

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

Ask me your skincare question!

Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

  • All our content is written and researched by myself.
  • My medical office in Seattle has treated thousands of patients for 15+ years.
  • This site is not affiliated or financially tied to any product, treatment or device.
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