How to Get Rid of Chest (Décolletage) Wrinkles
As one of the first things you notice about a person, it’s no wonder that people take better care of the skin on their faces than the skin on their chests. Many come to find that chest wrinkles, also known as décolletage wrinkles, can appear suddenly and contribute to confidence issues. These wrinkles are completely normal and signify a life well-lived, but given the choice, most of us would like to keep our chest skin smooth for as long as possible. So how do you get rid of lines on your chest?
If you’re researching prevention, we’ve got some tips for keeping décolletage wrinkles at bay — and if you already have these wrinkles etched into your chest, suggested treatments are listed below.
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What Does “Décolletage” Refer To?
The word “décolletage” stems from the French word “décolleter,” which means, “to expose the neck area.” Collectively, the décolletage refers to the neck and chest area. It’s the area that shows when you wear a low-cut top or a plunging neckline. This region of the body is susceptible to premature aging and sun damage and is typically neglected when it comes to skin care. Most skin care products target facial wrinkles despite the fact that your chest area is equally as important for preventative care.
What Are Chest Wrinkles and What Causes Them?
Occasionally, you might wake up with chest wrinkles from side sleeping, but they probably go away as your day progresses. But, one day, they may not disappear. Those deep cleavage creases are usually the first to show up when you start getting chest wrinkles. Chest wrinkles manifest as crepey chest skin with a finely wrinkled or sagging appearance, and it can be caused by a number of factors:
- Overexposure to the sun: The sun is a top contributor to the aging of the chest skin. If you spend a lot of time outside or frequent tanning salons, do so sparingly; UV rays break down the collagen and elastin content of your skin. The chest skin is already thin and susceptible to wrinkles.
- Sleeping on your side: If you sleep on your side at night, you’re causing your skin to fold over on itself and creating a crease down the middle of your chest.
- The aging process: Over time, the aging process involves the natural slowing of collagen production, which can contribute to décolletage wrinkles.
- Push-up bras: In the same way that repetitive facial movements like frowning and squinting can cause frown lines and crow’s feet, push-up bras scrunch up the skin on your chest and create wrinkles.
- Rapid weight loss: Losing weight rapidly can sometimes leave behind saggy, wrinkled skin. In older people, the skin generally doesn’t have sufficient collagen or elastin content to snap back into place.
How to Naturally Prevent and Get Rid of Chest Wrinkles From Sleeping
If your chest skin is starting to wrinkle, there’s no need to rush to the nearest medical spa quite yet. There are simple steps you can take at home to avoid the progression of décolletage wrinkles and see if they get better without medical intervention.
Don’t Sleep on Your Side
Sleeping on your back is easier said than done when you find yourself waking up on your side. It can be hard to control the positions you take while sleeping, but with a little support, you can make sure you don’t end up on your side in a position that wrinkles your skin. Prevent chest wrinkles while sleeping by tucking pillows around your hips so you don’t roll over in your bed.
Avoid the Sun
When we advise you to avoid the sun, we don’t mean that you should hunker down in your house like a vampire. Vitamin D is great for your body, but there are specific times of day when the sun is most damaging to the skin. Try not to directly expose your bare skin to the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you can’t avoid going out during these times, at least wear sunscreen, a hat, and/or clothing to cover your chest area, and stay in the shade whenever possible.
Cover Up When Possible
In the summer, it’s fun to wear flattering bathing suits at the beach all day — but if you’re not careful, you can do serious damage to your décolletage. On those long days in the sun, take care to wear a wide-brimmed hat, a swimming suit coverup, or bring an umbrella.
Wear Sunscreen Daily
The importance of sunscreen can’t be stressed enough. If you do nothing else for your skin, wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or more every day. Even if you only plan to be in the sun for a few minutes, apply sunscreen. Damage can occur in less than 20 minutes.
Chest Wrinkle Treatments
If your skin is already showing the effects of aging and sun damage and you can’t figure out how to get rid of those chest wrinkles, you may need to take a trip to the dermatologist for a more extensive solution. Medical spas and dermatology offices can provide professional treatments, such as chemical peels, microneedling, and laser therapy to encourage collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and improve your skin quality.
Silicone Neck Pads
Medical-grade silicone pads are a great solution for neck and chest wrinkles. They can be purchased online or in drug stores. Simply apply them before bedtime and wear them throughout the night to keep your décolletage hydrated and prevent the skin from folding and creasing overnight.
Moisturizers and Serums
When was the last time you remembered to moisturize your chest? To maintain the youthful appearance of your décolletage, consider adopting a serum and moisturizer with some hyaluronic acid in it to promote hydrated, elastic skin.
Exfoliant
Exfoliation will remove dead skin cells from your décolletage and reveal a fresh-looking skin surface. For best results, exfoliate two or three times a week to polish dull skin and reduce the appearance of chest wrinkles and fine lines.
Retinoids
Over-the-counter retinoids are a powerful anti-aging ingredient. As you implement it into your skin care routine, use a small amount at first and build up a tolerance to it. Using too much too soon could cause irritation and drying out of the skin.
Cleanser
Not all cleansers are created equal. Some will refresh and brighten your skin while others will strip it of its natural oils and contribute to accelerated aging. Find a dermatologist-recommended cleanser for your face and décolletage that is gentle and non-drying. Avoid products with parabens and sulfates, as these are toxic ingredients that can leach your skin of moisture.
Fillers
Fillers are best for people who have noticed their wrinkles progressing and getting deeper rather than new wrinkles that have only just become noticeable. Fillers like Juvederm, which contain hyaluronic acid, can be used on the chest area to plump the skin and rejuvenate its appearance.
The Main Takeaway
If you only remember one thing from the information above, let it be that your chest and neck should be as much of a focus in your skin care routine as your face. Start by cleansing and exfoliating your décolletage regularly and wearing sunscreen on this area of your body to prevent premature signs of aging. Before implementing a regimen, however, consult with a qualified dermatologist to ensure the products you use are a match for your skin type.
Looking for more anti-aging advice? Visit the DefenAge blog for science-backed skin care solutions you can trust.