NEW YORK — It’s the daily ritual of the modern day tribe we know as millennials: Head down. Thumbs tapping. Limited attention.
This regular habit that has become standard protocol in the digital age is leading many to show signs of early aging.
The so-called “Teck Neck” — defined by rings on the neck and a puffy look of a double chin caused by looking down too often — is a trend that’s on the rise, says Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Julie Russak.
“It’s relatively recent,” Russak told PIX11 News. “In their early 20s, patients are coming in and asking me about the rings on their necks, or the lines on their necks — we’ve never had that before.”
Screen fatigue is another growing problem sparked by long periods in front of screens and phones.
“We are straining our eyes a lot so we’re starting to notice a lot of lines around the eyes in very young people,” she said. “We’re also starting to notice a lot of aging on the skin of the face.”
Dr. Russak is helping clients tackle their aging concerns. One procedure called “CoolMini” freezes fat cells from under the neck, which significantly reduces the appearance of a double chin.
“When the fat cells are frozen under a certain temperature they actually die,” Russak said.
Ultherapy, another non-invasive neck lift, uses ultrasound energy to smooth and lift the skin.
For those who want to opt out of having a procedure, there’s a wide selection of creams that could do the job.
For tech neck, Russak recommends StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream that repairs the elastin fiber in the neck and Skin Ceuticals Neck, Chest and Hand Repair, which revitalizes and redensifies skin.
For screen fatigue, Garnier’s “Clearly Brighter” moisturizer and M-61 Hydraboost eye cream will get the job done, she said.
Considering that the average American spends three hours a day on their mobile device, the market for products and procedures like these will almost certainly widen.
For more information on Dr. Julie Russak, visit her website.
Here is more information on the products:
StriVectin TL Advanced™ Tightening Neck Cream
This high-performance neck cream includes exclusive Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex™, designed to help rebuild the elastin fiber architecture so critical to tightening and lifting the neck and décolletage area, and to improving resistance to gravity over time. The surface of the skin is instantly hydrated, feeling tighter, smoother and more supple. Over time, the visible effects of aging appear reversed for even more refined, toned definition and sculpted silhouette. With even more effective results than the original, 86 percent of panelists agreed it’s the best neck cream they’ve ever tried.
Price: $95, Available at Ulta.com
SkinCeuticals Neck, Chest & Hand Repair
Targeted for aging skin of the neck, chest, and hands, this revitalizing treatment is specifically formulated to brighten and redensify difficult-to-treat skin areas. This dual-action treatment contains targeted skin brightening and plumping agents to reduce discoloration, redensify skin and restore a healthier appearance in areas prone to skin aging as a result of time and overexposure to environmental elements. This optimized formula uses Hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid which removes surface pigmentation and inhibits melanin transfer, resulting in skin brightening and a reduction of excess hyperpigmentation. Sodium tetrahydro-jasmonate and vigna aconitifolia seed extract redensify and firm the skin by promoting cell renewal and collagen synthesis. Additionally, sodium tetrahydro-jasmonate stimulates desquamation action to assist in the removal of excess hyperpigmentation.
Price: $70, Available at SkinCeuticals.com
Garnier Clearly Brighter Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
Designed with an Antioxidant Complex of Vitamin C & E, Pine Bark Essence, and gentle exfoliating Lipo-Hydroxyl Acid (LHA), this fast absorbing, non-greasy formula helps prevent skin damage from exposure to screens while correcting damage already incurred; turning dull, rough skin into smooth, polished-looking skin with a more radiant, even tone.
Price: $14.99, Available at mass retailers nationwide or garnierusa.com
m-61 Hydraboost Eye Cream
We’re all glued to our phones, and it’s aging us. M-61 is ahead of the game; this peptide-packed hydrating and firming eye cream combats photo aging caused by environmental aggressors, including those from screens and cell phones, with an antioxidant-rich blend of vitamin B5, tamarind, white mulberry, and soy. Paraben, gluten, synthetic, and fragrance-free, dermatologist and allergy tested.
Price: $78, Available at Bluemercury stores nationwide and bluemercury.com
