Beauty

BANISH TURKEY NECKS

It's no good buying expensive anti-ageing creams and dieting half your lifetime, if you don't look after your neck.

Never fear. There are ways to keep your swan-like neck and decolletage smooth and sexy through the years.

• Treat your neck skin with the same care and respect as you do your face. That means, cleanse thoroughly and gently and moisturise.
• It's never too early to start this regime. In your 20s get used to applying your moisturiser to your neck as well as your face. As you get older, it will become habit.  Don't be stingy about using the cream on your neck and décolletage – you may pay a little more now but it'll be cheaper than a face-lift in the long run.

• Treat your neck to the occasional mask – just as you do your face. And exfoliate too but remember to be gentle.
• Wear a SPF15 or over on your neck every day and if you have short hair, apply it to the back of your neck and the sides too. A wide-brimmed hat will also protect your neck in the sun too.
• Gently massage your neck with an upward stroke. This will stimulate the skin – be careful not to pull or stretch the skin though. An occasional salon facial will also help the skin on your neck.
• Putting on weight can result in an unsightly double chin. The fat accumulates around your neck easily – which means it will shift when you lose the weight. Another incentive to keep eating healthily.

• Remember your posture – straight back and chin up will keep you looking taller and your neck slimmer. Pull in your tummy and tuck your bottom down and your whole body will look better.
• Sitting at a computer can result in your neck and shoulders becoming tense and hunched. Ensure your computer and desk is at the correct height and take regular screen breaks. While sitting at your desk, do slow exercises by turning your head from one side to the other and dropping your ear to your shoulder slowly and repeating on the other side. Yoga and Pilates will also keep your upper body and neck supple.
• Try these simple facial exercises to tone up your neck. Do them every day if you can.
• Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling while keeping your lips closed and then start a chewing movement. You will feel the muscles working in your neck and throat area. Repeat 20 times.
• Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Pucker your lips together in a kiss and stretch the kiss, as if you were trying to kiss the ceiling. Keep your lips puckered for 10 counts, then relax, bring your head back to its normal position and repeat 5 times.

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