The skin is the body's largest organ, but it's also among the more delicate ones. As we age, our skin loses its natural elasticity and collagen, which are responsible for maintaining skin's firmness and smoothness.

Additionally, the sebaceous glands¹ in older skin no longer produce as much sebum² — a natural oil complex comprised in part of triglycerides, fatty acids, and wax and cholesterol esters —that helps protects the skin from friction and moisture loss. As a result, our skin starts to sag and becomes drier, with fine lines and wrinkles appearing around our eyes, mouth, and neck. Without the proper hydration to plump up skin, those wrinkles will look deeper and even more noticeable over time.

Other factors can speed up this natural process of aging. Even glancing down at your phone too often can lead to “tech neck," explains Dr. Jenny Liu, board certified dermatologist. “Repeated bending and flexing of the neck over time can increase wrinkles."

Fine lines and wrinkles are indeed a normal part of aging, but that's of little consolation when you're staring in the mirror at the ones on your neck. While we can't reverse time, we can be proactive in discouraging new ones as we focus on the best treatment for neck wrinkles.

“First and foremost, sun protection is key," says Dr. Liu, noting that you should apply sunscreen regularly and wear sun-protective clothing. Too much sun exposure can cause wrinkles, as well as an increased risk for skin cancer, which is why it's important to choose skincare solutions that include SPF for daytime use. But even when you're out of the sun, it's important to use a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.

Doing anything to boost your overall health is also a good move, she adds. A regular exercise routine and a healthy diet balanced in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help decrease signs of premature aging.

There's even a way of preventing tech neck lines from deepening. If less screen time is not an option, try elevating those screens so you're looking up instead of down, allowing your neck skin to stretch rather than sag.