Beauty review: Dermalogica’s Neck Fit Contour Serum

A surprisingly delicate area, the skin on our neck is inclined to age faster than its facial counterpart, but is often neglected. While many of us religiously cleanse, hydrate, and treat our faces, our necks are left to fend for themselves and essentially, go without. The end result? A neck that looks out of synch with our faces, which if we look after our skin, can retain their youthful bounce that belies our years.
In derm terms, the neck lacks sebaceous glands and tends to be less oily than the face, which is why it’s more vulnerable when it comes to showing the early signs of ageing. This is compounded, as we age, by a laxity in the strong neck muscles and connective tissues, which causes a ‘turkey neck’.” Thanks to thinner skin, the area is also more prone to environmental stress, sun damage, photosensitisation from fragrances, and the wrinkle-deepening motion of looking down at your devices, otherwise known as Tech Neck.
Over the years brands have released dream creams that promise to help the neck area, many of which are little more than a thicker cream. The act of massaging them in often does more for the neck than the cream actually does, but that’s another story!

Some do make a difference however, and the latest I’ve found that fits the brief is from the iconic Dermalogica. Called the Neck Fit Contour Serum (RRP $159), it is lightweight, roll-on serum that immediately tightens skin (love that), and tones it over time, for a more visibly lifted and sculpted appearance.
At its heart is high-performance Flex Lift Contour Technology, which acts like invisible mesh to provide a visible lifting and tightening effect. It also smoothes fine lines and helps protect skin against pollution, which can lead to premature signs of skin ageing. Clever plant-derived ingredients in the formula include Rye Seed Extract , which works with a novel Palmitoyl Tripeptide-42 and Rambutan Extract to deliver Retinol-like results, visibly smoothing, firming and toning skin. A Resurrection Plant-inspired polysaccharide helps strengthen skin’s moisture barrier for a smooth, even appearance and Griffonia Seed Extract provides antioxidant defense to help safeguard results against free radicals.

With a specially designed, stainless-steel roller applicator that I have fallen in love with, Neck Fit Contour Serum also comes with personalised neck workouts to help sculpt your neck’s appearance from both the inside and the outside. You can effectively train your neck muscles to appear longer, leaner and more contoured – complete with guidance from a Dermalogica skin therapist (to get your personalised workout routine, visit neckfitcontour.com)
To use this clever little beauty, turn the applicator ON then tilt your chin up and roll the applicator over entire neck, from the décolleté up to the jawline. Gently squeeze tube to dispense the serum while rolling. Return the applicator to the OFF position and continue rolling it in an upward motion over the skin to massage in the serum. Keep your chin up until the serum dries and then apply your chosen skincare regime on top. You can use this morning and night too, depending on your requirements.
Although it isn’t cheap, a lot of R&D has gone into this release (par for the course with Dermalogica) and I’ve noticed a real difference after using a press sample over the past month. It’s not going to eradicate a seriously compromised neck, but it will improve the appearance of what you’ve got and get you into the habit of a) not neglecting the area and b) observing better posture all round!

Neck Fit Contour Serum is available from 3 February at authorised Dermalogica Skin Centres, Department Stores, Life Pharmacies and online at dermalogica.co.nz