Understanding and Combating Neck Sagging: What Causes “Turkey Neck” and How to Fight It

As we grow older, our bodies go through numerous changes—some subtle, some more noticeable. One of the most visible and emotionally impactful shifts for many is the development of sagging skin under the chin and along the neck, often referred to as “turkey neck.” Though it’s a natural part of aging, for many people it becomes a source of self-consciousness and discomfort. Fortunately, understanding what causes it—and how to treat or prevent it—can help restore confidence and comfort in your own skin.

Why the Neck Ages Faster Than Other Areas

The neck is one of the first places where aging visibly sets in. Unlike the skin on your face, which may benefit from years of careful skincare, serums, and sunscreen, the neck often goes neglected. Yet the skin here is thinner, more delicate, and has fewer oil glands, making it more prone to dryness, sagging, and wrinkles.

The structure beneath the skin also plays a role. The platysma muscle, which runs vertically down both sides of the neck, becomes more prominent with age as the skin loses elasticity and fat pads shift. The connective tissue weakens, and as the body slows down production of collagen and elastin—the proteins that give skin its bounce and strength—gravity takes over.

This natural process is influenced by a variety of other factors:

Key Causes of Neck Sagging

1. Decline in Skin Structure

As early as your 30s, the body begins producing less collagen and elastin. Without these building blocks, skin becomes thinner, less firm, and more susceptible to drooping. The neck, with its finer skin, often reveals these changes first.

2. Sun Exposure

One of the most damaging forces on skin is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Prolonged exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, accelerates wrinkling, and contributes significantly to skin laxity. The neck and chest, often left unprotected compared to the face, bear the brunt of sun damage over the years.

3. Genetics

Just as some people inherit wrinkle-prone foreheads or under-eye circles, others inherit a predisposition to early neck sagging. If your parents or grandparents developed loose neck skin in midlife, you might be more likely to experience it as well. But genetics isn’t destiny—preventative measures can still make a difference.

4. Weight Fluctuations

Rapid weight gain or loss can stretch the skin beyond its ability to bounce back. After shedding pounds, especially in the face and neck, some people are left with loose, hanging skin. This can be more pronounced in people over 40, whose skin elasticity has already declined.

5. Lifestyle Choices

Smoking, poor hydration, excessive alcohol, and chronic stress all impact skin health. Smoking, in particular, decreases blood flow to the skin, depletes oxygen, and destroys collagen, leading to premature sagging.

What You Can Do to Prevent or Improve Turkey Neck

1. Skincare That Targets the Neck

Don’t stop at your jawline. Treat your neck as an extension of your face. Use moisturizers and serums with retinol, peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, firm, and support collagen production. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF daily—even on cloudy days—to protect against sun damage.

2. Stay Hydrated Inside and Out

Drinking enough water improves skin’s elasticity and flushes out toxins. Pair hydration with topical products that lock in moisture and plump the skin. Products containing ceramides and glycerin can also strengthen the skin barrier.

3. Facial Exercises and Massage

So-called “face yoga” has gone viral, and while scientific support is limited, many people swear by daily neck stretches and jawline sculpting exercises. Similarly, using a jade roller or gua sha stone may improve blood flow and reduce puffiness, offering temporary toning effects when used consistently.

4. Professional Treatments

If creams and exercises aren’t enough, a wide range of in-office options exist:

• Ultherapy and Thermage use ultrasound or radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and tighten skin non-invasively.

• Laser treatments help improve texture and promote new collagen growth.

• Botox injections can relax platysma muscles to reduce neck bands.

• Neck lifts or lower face lifts provide dramatic, long-lasting results for those open to surgical solutions.

Consult a dermatologist or aesthetic specialist to determine which option is best for your goals and budget.

The Role of Diet and Daily Habits

1. Eat for Your Skin

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and lean proteins helps nourish the skin from within. Foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, avocados, and fish support collagen synthesis and combat inflammation.

2. Posture Matters

Constantly looking down at your phone (a.k.a. “tech neck”) creates creases and weakens neck skin over time. Hold devices at eye level, stretch your neck muscles daily, and stay aware of your posture to prevent added strain.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Your skin repairs itself while you rest. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night to support overall skin regeneration and reduce stress—one of the major culprits behind premature aging.

Aging Gracefully with Confidence

Neck sagging is a natural part of growing older—but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Whether you opt for preventative skincare, targeted exercises, or professional treatments, you have options. With a thoughtful routine and some self-care, you can feel more confident in your appearance—and even learn to appreciate the character and story your skin tells.

Above all, aging should never be a source of shame. Beauty doesn’t vanish with time—it evolves. And with the right approach, so can the way we see ourselves.