When it comes to skin care, most of us focus on our faces, slathering on hydrators, moisturisers, and serums galore for a glowing complexion.
And while this is essential for a vibrant, youthful look, other parts of the body are often forgotten in the quest for beautiful skin.
It's for this reason that the hands and décolleté (neck, chest, and upper shoulders) often give the game away when it comes to our age, because even the most radiant face can't offset a saggy neck or wrinkled hands.
So, it's crucial to attend to these easily overlooked areas for a fresh appearance.
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Aesthetics doctor and founder of Dr Ducu Clinics, Dr Ducu, spoke exclusively to GB News about how to reverse ageing on the décolleté.
"These areas are often the first to show signs of ageing, yet they are frequently neglected in daily skin care routines," the expert warned.
'These areas are often the first to show signs of ageing, yet they are frequently neglected'
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"Unlike the face, the skin here is thinner and has fewer oil glands, which means it loses elasticity and hydration faster. Over time, this leads to fine lines, creping, and sagging."
Cosmetic treatments such as non-surgical skin tightening or injectable fillers can provide support for "advanced ageing".
"At Dr Ducu Clinics, we often combine tailored skincare routines with minimally invasive treatments to maintain a youthful, natural-looking neck and décolleté," the expert said.
However, if you're after a cheaper, easier anti-ageing method, you can also make a "significant difference" with natural methods.
Here, Dr Ducu shared how women can reverse ageing on their décolleté through strategic skin care practices and a healthy diet.
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"Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, antioxidants, and vitamin C help to boost collagen production, restore hydration, and protect against free radical damage.
"Incorporating these into moisturisers or serums and applying them daily with gentle upward strokes can help maintain firmness and radiance.
"Sun protection is critical. UV exposure accelerates ageing, so a broad-spectrum SPF should be applied to the décolleté every morning, just as you would on your face.
"Avoiding harsh exfoliants or fragranced products is also important, as these can irritate delicate skin and worsen ageing over time.
Diet
"What you eat plays a surprisingly important role in skin health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin C, like oily fish, berries, leafy greens, and citrus, support skin elasticity and repair.
"Staying well-hydrated is equally essential, as dehydration can exacerbate fine lines and dullness."
The doctor concluded: "By treating these areas with the same care as the face, it's possible to slow the visible signs of ageing and keep the skin looking healthy, firm, and radiant."
What about the hands?
As for the hands, these are ageing faster than your face, thanks to thinner skin and a lack of oil glands.
Experts warn that if they are sun-spotted, dry, or creased, they'll gradually reveal what the rest of your skin care is trying to hide – so get to work.
For smooth, soft, ageless hands, a dual approach is required: specialised skin care with cutting-edge technology.
According to Margaret Dabbs, founder of luxury foot, hand, and leg care company Margaret Dabbs London, LED therapy is "particularly effective".
"Red light helps stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation, while near-infrared light works deeper into the dermis to improve elasticity and firm the skin," she said.
Beyond technology, carefully selected ingredients can work wonders, according to Dr Mazin Al-Khafaji, dermatologist and founder of Dermatology M.
Speaking to skin care enthusiasts, he recommended humectants like glycerine and hyaluronic acid, emollients such as shea butter or cocoa butter, and antioxidants including vitamin E, lily bulb extract, and rose extract," he advised.
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