Could screen time be aging your neck area? A new trending term that is making the rounds these days is “tech neck” and it’s not just a clever name. The struggle is real.

So what is tech neck and what causes it?

Tech neck refers to an increase in the formation of neck wrinkles, due to repetitive strain from staring down at your phone or other mobile devices on the regular. Because the skin of the neck tends to be thinner and more delicate compared to your face and body skin, this area is extra vulnerable to creasing. Additionally, because we lose tightness and elasticity with age, the issue is further exacerbated by sagging skin and a loss of natural collagen.

Although aging and the stress of modern life are inevitable, there are a few things you can do to lessen the effects of tech neck, without having to give up your favourite devices, but I would highly recommend a tech break :)

Here are a few tips to try:

Treating Tech Neck: A few things you can do to minimize the effects:

Know about ingredients that are youth-boosting First, one of the easiest ways to bolster delicate skin is with proper skincare. For this, we recommend seeking products focused on moisture retention so that the skin is better able to bounce back after prolonged periods of time in one position.

For nourishing the skin, we like hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, as well as oils–like jojoba, avocado, evening primrose, squalane, and rosehip–all of which are antioxidant and omega-rich. Additionally, a few good ingredients that support collagen synthesis–such as Vitamin C and peptides–would be good to incorporate into your daily skincare routine.

Professional Treatment options

If you opt for professional skincare, this is also a great support to prevent tech neck, as many esthetic treatments cover the neck area in addition to the face. Modalities such as LED, Micro-needling, or nano needling can be helpful non-invasive options. Or you might consider seeking out a professional who focuses on facial massage, which can work wonders to rejuvenate and retrain your skin the natural way.

Other important ways to support delicate skin

● At-home massage - If you can’t swing a visit to the skin clinic you can still practice facial massage at home using a roller tool, gua sha stone, or just your hands. Add a nourishing facial oil, such as our Luminous Facial Oil or Barrier Repair Facial Oil, to infuse moisture and prevent stretching or tugging on the delicate skin.

● Take stretch breaks - If you work regularly on your device, it can be a good idea to take regular breaks from looking down and even do some gentle, counteractive stretching or yoga. This will not only help prevent strain and preserve the health of your spine, but will give your skin a chance to recover as well.

● Practice good posture - Of course, the best method to prevent tech neck is avoiding strain in the first place. If possible, you may want to invest in support tools such as a monitor or phone stand to keep you from looking down as much, and try changing up your angle regularly to avoid repetitive positions.