Don't neglect the DÉCOLLETAGE!

Do you have crinkly cleavage? What about speckle?....can you draw connect-the-dots with all the freckled sun-damage on your upper chest?  Does your chest resemble crepe paper?  Do you know what I'm even talking about? Do you even care? I'm talking about a woman's décolletage....her most alluring, most beautiful, most sensual and feminine asset, in my opinion. The décolletage is the part of a woman's body, from neck to bust-line, including the shoulders.  It is, however, fragile, often neglected and forgotten........oh the horror!

Similar to a woman's hands and eyes, the décolletage is one of the first areas on the body to show signs of aging. This delicate skin is a bit drier (similar to the hands), and is vulnerable to sun exposure. It is often ignored, and can crinkle, freckle and dry-up quickly so listen up!

Ever present throughout the body, collagen is part of the skin's connective tissue which keeps the skin plump, firm and supple (think of the cheeks of a 6 month old baby). Although collagen is needed for the renewal of skin cells, production slows down significantly as we age and eventually these cells weaken, resulting in the inevitable: saggy, wrinkled, thin skin.  Collagen breaks down significantly after repetitive, unprotected exposure to the sun. Aging is obviously a factor as well, however, there is no question that the UVA and UVB rays of the sun affect this break-down considerably. 

Let's compare a  75 year old woman to a 15 year old. Regardless of serums, creams, "collagen boosters" and sunscreen, the aging process is inevitable. Take proper care of yourself and the aging process can be a beautiful and graceful transition....why accelerate the process by denying your skin the protection it needs?  However, most women spend countless hours and money on facial products and treatments, yet seldom think too much about their décolletage. 

Think of the décolletage as an extension of your face. Have you ever received a professional spa facial?  The treatment is offered from forehead down to cleavage.  Why?....because this skin is as important  as the delicate skin surrounding  the eyes, and needs to be cared for as tenderly and as thoughtfully. Aside from the breakdown of precious collagen, sun damage also breaks down elasticity in the skin (also a member of precious connective tissue). Think of how a brand new rubber band looses its snap after repetitive use....that's precisely what happens to epidermal elasticity over time and/or as a result of sun damage. 

How can one remedy crepe-paper cleavage? Here are a few basic tips:

1. Do you exercise? Is your bra size a B cup or higher? If you answered yes, then WEAR A SPORTS BRA....a good one!  I like Under Armour's padded sports bra.

It's comfortable and wicks always the sweat....but most importantly, it keeps everything in place. Repetitive movement of the bosom can wrinkle the cleavage. If you exercise often (as all women should) then invest in a few good quality, supportive sports bras  

2.  Do you sleep flat on your back all night long?  If you answered no, then you'll need to support your bust as you rest! The position in which we sleep is a MAJOR factor in cleavage-crinkling.  So if you're a side sleeper, then think about investing in a few cotton  camisoles with a built-in shelf bra, for support. There are cleavage-supporting pillows and devices on the market made specifically for sleep (believe it or not), so look into what will work best for you and your lifestyle. 

 This one's from Victorias Secret. They come in soft, stretchy cotton, come in a bunch of colors and are comfy enough to dream in. Best of all, they provide invaluable bosom-support for those side sleepers like me :)

3.  Serums and Creams:  Don't neglect the décolletage!  There are a myriad of "neck and décolleté" creams and serums on the market (hallelujah). To ease into décolleté maintenance, however, I recommend using what you've got (for now). For instance, when you apply eye cream to your eye skin, add a little to the space between your bosoms as well. When you apply your day or night serums, as well as facial creams (SPF for day), then APPLY TO YOUR DÉCOLLETAGE as well. Whatever your skincare routine is, pertaining to facial maintenance, institute the same routine for your décolletage!

4.  Sunscreen:  As previously mentioned, the damaging rays of the sun break down precious collagen and elasticity in the skin. The skin of the décolletage is fragile, therefore, protect it with a minimum 30 broad spectrum SPF (on a daily basis)....and don't forget the space between your bosoms! The cleavage is vulnerable to the sun, especially when wearing lower cut garments, so be conscious of the parts of your body being exposed to its damaging rays. 

5.  Injectables and Laser Treatments: If you are really unhappy with the skin on your décolletage, not all hope is lost. Visit a recommended dermatologist or doctor specializing in medical esthetics. There are options such as injectables (like Restylane) which can create a temporary plumping of the saggy area. Laser technology is amazing as well. There are lasers that can firm and tone the skin, as well as boost the production of collagen. Laser technology is fantastic and can help minimize the appearance of crinkly skin. The only draw back?  These procedures are costly, so they're not for everyone. 

6. Drink plenty of water and avoid salty foods. There are on-line calculators which can help you figure out how much water is needed for your body, based on weight, sex and age. But keep in mind that fruit and veggies (like oranges and cucumbers) are hydrating as well.  Salt is dehydrating and too much of it can create lackluster skin. Be a conscious eater and enjoy salty foods in moderation. It's incredible how diet (and exercise) can affect skin, in a positive or negative way. 

I recommend that you consult with your doctor or dietician and inquire about what the recommended daily water in-take for you is (as well as what nutrients you may be lacking). A good dietician can customize a water and nutrient-rich diet that works best for YOU. Despite what the Supreme Court says, we're not all created equal (when it comes to the histology of your skin that is). Therefore it is important to have a customized, YOU-specific dietary plan in place. 

7. Exfoliate: (see my blog on Exfoliation).  I recommend using a chemical exfoliator (a few times per week) with an Alpha Hydroxy Acid, to encourage cell turn-over. If you have stubborn sun spots and hyperpigmentation, consult with your dermatologist. A medical-grade microdermabrasion procedure may help. However, your doctor may suggest a topical prescriptive. 

8.  Wear a turtleneck!  If you're like Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind, you may not
"give a damn" about whether your cleavage is crinkly or not.  If that's the case, then COVER IT UP!.......But oh, what a travesty that would be......just ask Scarlett ;)

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--Ciao for now  xo