The décolletage or décolleté is “the upper part of a woman's torso, comprising her neck, shoulders, back, and chest, that is exposed by the neckline of her clothing,” says good ol’ Wikipedia.
So why is the décolletage significant? Many of us forget the importance of taking care of our décolletages. Our neckline area is exposed to the same environment as our faces so it is only logical to care and protect it as we do our face. The décolleté is also one of the areas that can show signs of aging since there is less elasticity and thinner skin tissue in that area compared to our facial area. So what can we do to better care for our décolletages? Here are some steps to help you:
1. Clean & Moisturize. Clean your chest and neck with the same cleanser that you use for your face. Since the décolleté can be as sensitive as the face, using body soap may be a bit too strong for that area. Also, don’t forget to moisturize. It may be a good idea to use the same cream that you use for your face to your décolletage.
2. Sunscreen. Yes, we know. We say this over and over but our necklines, especially when we wear low cut clothing, are exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. Apply the sunscreen after washing your face. When you apply sun protection to your face every day, add a little more to cover your neck, chest area, and even your shoulders. The sun’s UV rays can also seep through windows so don’t think that if you’re indoors, you’re safe. Just wear sunscreen every single day to play it safe. Your skin will thank you.
3. Exfoliate. Salon-grade chemical peels might be too strong for the delicate décolletage area. If you are going to exfoliate, use less stronger peels or natural exfoliants like honey, yogurt, sugar scrub, etc. Here’s a good DIY masks article by health.howstuffworks.com to exfoliate your skin. Vitamin C is also effective in removing sunspots and if your décolleté is exposed to the sun a lot, you may notice some dark spots forming in that area. Rub lemon juice or lime 3-4x a week-- it works.
4. Massage. I bet that caught your attention? The oh-so-lovely massage works not only for the body and soul but it also can help get a better circulation for the décolletage removing waste from the body and neck area. Detoxifying the body helps the skin look better.
5. Sleep well and on your back. How you sleep can also add to the aging of your neckline. Do you notice that when you sleep on your side, your cleavage shows more? Wrinkles can form in your cleavage when pressure is being put on the sides. Sleeping on your back is better for your décolleté BUT what’s more important is that you get some good night's sleep.
Moral of the story: treat your neckline and chest area the same as you do your face and take care of it. Remember, don’t forgetté the décolleté!