No matter your genetic makeup, developing a jeck is inevitable. Ageing brings with it a reduction in fat, elastin, and bone, resulting in a less-defined jawline. Our neck holds some of the thinnest skin on our body and it has less fat and elastic resilience than the skin on our face. As a result, the neck and jaw area is more prone to sagging, wrinkles, and age spots.
Some people suffer with jeck more severely than others, however there is one bad habit that accelerates the problem for everyone, and that is bad posture. Consistently looking down at your phone or laptop can increase your chances of jeck. And with the average woman checking her phone at least 85 times a day, it’s no wonder treatments for this issue are on the rise.
According to leading plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon Dr Osman Bashir Tahir, MBBS, MS, MRCS, MSc, there are several treatments that can correct jeck.
“Using specific injectables created especially for the jawline, we can build up the angle of jaw to create a more defined jawline. Fillers can also be used to improve projection of the chin, as well as the cheeks to provide optimum facial balance and contour. One of my treatments, the 'Nefertiti Neck lift' uses Wrinkle-relaxing injections to decrease the downward pull, thereby improving the jeck.”
Energy-based treatments can also be effective. As Dr Tahir explains, “treatments like the advanced and super-quick Ultracel HIFU Q+ (an ultrasound therapy for skin lifting) help create new collagen over a period of 90 days. The ‘linear HIFU technology' in this machine enables us to switch to different transducers, which are specifically used to decrease double-chin fat. In this way, we get an uplifted jowl and improved neck contour. Other energy-based treatments can be used as well, such as radiofrequency microneedling to help skin tightening in this area.”
However, according to DrTahir, the most successful and longest lasting option for treating jeck is a surgical face and neck lift, which can address all layers and provide a good outcome in the right candidate.
Aesthetic treatments aside, one of the best weapons in the fight against jeck is prevention through use of topical treatments. As far as products are concerned, Charlene DeHaven, M.D., FACEP, and Clinical Director of iS Clinical, recommends looking out for specific ingredients in skincare. “Collagen loss is the main cause of sagging, so adopting ingredients that stimulate collagen production is key. “Peptides are one of the best ingredients at preventing collagen loss, as when applied directly to the skin they instruct cells to produce more collagen. Retinol (Vitamin A) also plays an effective role in supporting collagen production, providing greater structural support for your skin”. DeHaven also recommends BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) for their exfoliating properties that “stimulate a wound healing response with new collagen production.”
For those with sensitive skin, Dehaven highlights Bakuchiol – a natural ingredient that acts in a similar way to retinol - promoting the same benefits but with no side effects. “Hyaluronic Acid is another gentle but effective ingredient for preventing jeck, as it has proven hydrophilic properties. It is able to attract and bind up to 1500 times its molecular weight in water, which helps hydrate, tighten, and plump the skin.”
For those already suffering from jeck, DeHaven finally recommends Caffeine as a temporary fix. “When applied topically, caffeine stimulates blood flow and causes vasoconstriction (constriction of the blood vessels) which can temporarily tighten and firm the skin”.
For those looking for great jeck-preventing skincare products, I have a few favourites...
iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex (£86 skincity.com). This revolutionary anti-ageing formula transforms the neck, jawline and décolleté to appear more lifted, tightened and defined. Containing fruit acids and white willow bark extract (a natural source of salicylic acid), the formulation gently exfoliates the skin to diminish the signs of fine lines and wrinkles whilst improving skin tone and texture. Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates, while Hydrolysed Quinoa defends against daily environmental aggressors. Clinical studies found that after just two weeks, 76% of subjects reported an improvement in skin elasticity, 80% reported an improvement in skin sagging and 77% reported an improvement in skin firmness.
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Neck Cream (£44 lookfantastic.com). This quick-absorbing neck cream is clinically tested to reduce the appearance of horizontal neck lines and improve the skin's firmness, smoothness, and elasticity. With a formula featuring fucoidan seaweed extract, shea butter, and a Tri-Structural Complex composed of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid, this firming moisturser delivers instantly smoother skin and a tightening effect with continued use.
Cosmedix Illuminate & Lift Neck & Décolleté Treatment (£75.43 skincity.com). Extend any existing anti-aging routine onto the neck and chest with the Cosmedix Illuminate & Lift Neck & Décolleté Treatment. This ultra-moisturising cream is formulated with a potent Vitamin C derivative to improve collagen production and brighten discolouration at the surface, alongside Edelweiss Extract and Matrixyl Synthe'6 peptide which promote elasticity and tighten slack skin. Added Shea and Cocoa Butters nourish and soften the skin, to combat uneven texture and to ensure the skin remains supple throughout the day.