The Skin Below the Chin- Part II

The decolletage (say it day-coal-tage), in my opinion, is one the most beautiful features on a woman. What is this glamorous French body part, you ask? Well, in American terms, it's your chest. No no no, not that part of your chest. The decolletage is the most upper part of your torso- the part below your chin and above your, well, boobs.

Marie Antoinette's Lovely Decolletage 

Circa 1775 

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia 

Even before it's first usage in English literature around 1832, the decolletage has been a source of men's fascination and has been a major influence in  fashion. Portraiture and formal gowns of aristocratic classes have showcased this lovely body part for ages, and it's a body part that is almost universally flattering on all women.

But guess what? The single most noticeable feature of the decolletage is, you guessed it, your skin. Sure, it helps to have a long neck and good posture, but the decolletage is mainly a place to display your healthy, glowing skin. It's also one of the places to first show aging, when it is not taken care of properly.

The good news is, with very little care and product, you can keep this little stunner looking supple and lovely. Mainly, this area just needs a daily dose of sunscreen, and a nightly application of moisturizing cream. Using a cream, instead of a lotion, tends to work a bit better. If you have long hair, tie your hair up, and really give your shoulders, neck, and chest a good rub before you hit the hay. Sleeping on your back can also help to prevent wrinkling in this area, as when you sleep on your side, this skin spends 6-8 hours smashed up between your arms.

As I mentioned, sunscreen for this area is also very important. You'll notice in all the portraits of queens and ladies, not one single one of them is brown from the sun. Sun can cause wrinkles, as well as cancer, and that is NOT a pretty look. So stay out of the tanning bed, and get into the big floppy hat style when you hit the beach.

My favorite cream for this area is, I am afraid, discontinued. Burt's Bees made a Decollete Creme that smelled heavenly and made your chest look like you just stepped out of an evening gown from a night at the Oscars. It's great stuff. (I have emailed them about this, and even promised to buy entire cases if they will bring it back, but to no avail.) Here are a few others I also like:

Renoir's Fair Skinned Lady, 

Madame Henrio, in 1876 

A great body cream is Clinque's Deep Comfort Body Butter. This jar will cost you around $26 dollars, and it's a cream so divine that you'll want to practically bathe in it, when you try it. Of course, it will last longer if you save it for just your decolletage, but while you're at it, do yourself a favor and give your elbows a little rub, too! You'll find it's great on rough patches, especially in the winter.




If you're in the market for something a little more wallet-friendly, Eucerin is a line that I like a lot, and their Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Body Creme should only set you back around $7 at your local drug store. This brand is especially good for you sensitive or dry-skin ladies.

I don't typically like scented lotions, but the decolletage can take a little scent, depending on your sensitivity level. If you'd like moisturizing your decolletage to be a heavenly-scented nightly ritual, and you're willing to make a bit more of an investment, you might consider trying Dr Hauschka's Regenerating Neck and Decollete Cream, which is really great stuff.  

One thing that is important to keep in mind when it comes to selecting the right cream, is that there are some really pricey options out there for your decolletage. Don't be fooled. Unless you have serious issues with aging or acne on your decolletage, a normal, reasonably-priced cream will work for you. There are creams out there that range from $7-$250, and you don't need to blow the bank to keep this skin looking healthy. For most people, simply using sunscreen and a nightly application of a lotion or cream will maintain this skin just fine.

Perhaps the most famous decolletage, 

Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, 1506

Important Author's Note: This skin is not typically prone to acne like the skin on your face. Depending on your hormones (pregnancy, menstrual cycles, etc) you may experience an occasional break out in this area and if you do, I recommend you see a dermatologist. This skin is, in fact, different than your face, and needs special care. "Chest acne" is not all together uncommon, but it is different than the acne you find on your face. If you have concerns about acne, moles, or other issues on your decolletage, see a doctor!