Discover simple neck exercises that may help tighten sagging skin—plus other effective ways to combat "turkey neck."
That loose, crepey skin beneath your chin has a rather unflattering nickname: “turkey neck”. It happens to almost everyone eventually—the result of aging skin, losing collagen, weakened neck muscles, weight fluctuations, and years of looking down at phones and computers.
If you've started noticing this change, you're likely wondering if there's anything you can do without resorting to surgery.
The good news? Maybe!
With the right combination of targeted exercises and smart skincare, you might make significant improvements to your neck's appearance.
In this guide, we'll share six effective exercises you can start today, along with complementary approaches that enhance your results for a more defined neck and jawline.
Neck exercises work by strengthening the platysma, that thin sheet of muscle extending from your jawline down to your collarbone. When toned, this muscle provides better support for the skin above it, creating a more lifted appearance.
Plus, these exercises improve circulation, which helps deliver nutrients to your skin cells and remove toxins.
Like any fitness routine, consistency is key. Most people begin to notice improvements in muscle tone after 4-6 weeks of regular practice. Your neck may appear slightly more defined, and you might experience better posture and fewer neck aches as additional benefits.
However, it's important to understand what exercises can and cannot do.
Neck exercises for turkey neck excel at:
What exercises alone can't address:
Think of neck exercises as one powerful tool in your anti-aging toolkit—not a standalone solution.
When combined with proper skincare ingredients that stimulate collagen production and protect skin from further damage, the results can be significantly more impressive than either approach alone.
Please note, if you experience any pain or discomfort while performing these exercises, it's best to stop and talk to your doctor. Engaging in repetitive movements that cause pain can cause a lot more harm than good. These neck exercises should be painless and even relaxing. Think of it as your neck yoga.
Try these 6 turkey neck exercises for strengthening the platysma muscle.
This fundamental exercise helps correct forward head posture while strengthening the muscles that support your neck.
How to do it:
Suggested routine: 10 repetitions, 3 times daily
This safer version targets the platysma without straining your cervical spine.
How to do it:
Suggested routine: Start with 5 repetitions and gradually work up to 10, once daily
This exercise creates tension in the neck and jaw muscles to improve tone and definition.
How to do it:
Suggested routine: 5 repetitions, twice daily
This facial exercise helps tone the muscles around your mouth, jaw, and upper neck.
How to do it:
Suggested routine: 10 repetitions, once daily
This flowing movement helps with both strengthening and flexibility.
How to do it:
Suggested routine: 8-10 repetitions, once daily
This gentle stretch helps with overall neck flexibility and blood flow.
How to do it:
Suggested routine: 3 repetitions on each side, once or twice daily
Important note:
If you have any existing neck problems, arthritis, or have had neck surgery, consult your healthcare provider before beginning these exercises. Stop immediately if you experience pain, dizziness, or unusual discomfort.
While exercises help strengthen underlying muscles, proper skincare is essential for addressing the skin itself. Here are four science-backed approaches to rejuvenate your neck area:
The neck's skin is significantly thinner than facial skin and has fewer oil glands, making it more vulnerable to irritation from standard retinoid products.
What makes it effective: Tretinoin, when properly formulated for the neck area, stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell turnover—directly addressing the root causes of sagging and crepey texture. Look for gentle concentrations (0.02%-0.05%) paired with soothing ingredients.
Expert tip: Start by applying retinoid neck products just 2-3 times weekly, gradually increasing frequency as your skin adjusts. Always use upward strokes when applying to work against gravity.
While waiting for long-term ingredients to rebuild collagen, immediate tightening ingredients can provide visible results you can see right away.
What makes it effective: Ingredients like DMAE create a temporary tightening effect that's perfect for special occasions or an instant confidence boost. When combined with caffeine, these ingredients reduce puffiness while creating a more taut appearance.
Expert tip: Apply firming products in the morning for all-day tightening, especially before occasions when you'll be wearing neck-revealing clothing.
A compromised skin barrier accelerates aging and makes the neck more susceptible to environmental damage.
What makes it effective: Ingredients like niacinamide not only strengthen your skin barrier but also help your neck tolerate other active ingredients better. Sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) hydrates multiple skin layers, restoring that youthful bounce while supporting barrier function.
Expert tip: Layer your neck products from thinnest to thickest consistency, allowing each to absorb before applying the next.
The neck is often neglected in sun protection routines, yet it receives significant UV exposure, especially while driving.
What makes it effective: Daily application of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ prevents further collagen breakdown and protects the results you're achieving with your active ingredients.
Remember that retinoids increase sun sensitivity, making protection even more crucial.
Expert tip: Extend your facial sunscreen down to your neck and chest every morning, reapplying throughout the day if you're outdoors. Consider UV-protective clothing for extended sun exposure.
Finding products that effectively combine all these approaches can be challenging. Most neck creams either focus solely on moisture or offer just temporary tightening without addressing the underlying causes of neck aging.
Strut Neck Formula takes a comprehensive approach, combining both immediate and long-term benefits in one science-backed formula. With tretinoin carefully calibrated for the neck's delicate skin, plus DMAE for instant tightening, niacinamide for barrier support, and lactic acid for gentle exfoliation, it targets neck aging from multiple angles.
Unlike over-the-counter options that can only address surface concerns, this prescription-strength formula works at the cellular level to rebuild firmer, stronger neck skin over time—all while providing the immediate satisfaction of visible tightening.
The most effective strategy for addressing turkey neck pairs targeted exercises with prescription-grade skincare. This combination delivers significantly better results than either method alone.
While neck exercises strengthen the underlying platysma muscle to create a firmer foundation, prescription ingredients like tretinoin address the skin itself, stimulating collagen production and improving elasticity from within.
For optimal results:
This comprehensive approach tackles both the muscular and dermatological aspects of neck aging, providing visible lifting and smoothing that neither approach could achieve independently.
Getting started with prescription-strength neck treatment has never been easier.
Complete a quick online consultation that takes about 15 minutes. A US-licensed physician will review your information, and if prescribed, your custom-formulated neck cream is compounded fresh in the U.S. and shipped directly to your door—all for just $29 per month.
No waiting rooms. No awkward conversations. Just effective, physician-prescribed neck care delivered discreetly to your home.
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