Aging brings with it many lovely milestones—wisdom, self-acceptance, and a peculiar fondness for early dinners. But the term "turkey neck" isn't exactly a badge of honor we’d like to add to that list. So what is a "turkey neck" anyway, and how can we keep it confined to our gravy pots instead of our profiles? This post breaks it down with a few laughs, tips on how to avoid and reduce turkey neck, and, because I’m committed to making it all relevant, a turkey neck gravy recipe for Thanksgiving!
What Is Turkey Neck?
"Turkey neck" is a somewhat affectionate term for the sagging or wrinkling that appears around the neck and chin area as we age. It happens due to a mix of factors: decreased skin elasticity, weakened neck muscles, and, let’s be honest, gravity’s relentless pull. While we can't exactly send gravity packing, we can take some steps to reduce its impact and preserve that smooth, graceful neckline.
Why Turkey Neck Happens
Several culprits are at play when it comes to turkey necks, but here are the main offenders:
Loss of Collagen and Elastin: Collagen and elastin are the dynamic duo that keep our skin firm and elastic. Aging slows down the production of these proteins, and skin around the neck is thinner, so signs of sagging show up here sooner.
Sun Damage: If you’ve spent summers soaking up the sun without SPF, the UV rays have likely been thinning your skin and accelerating aging on this delicate area.
Posture and Tech Neck: With our tech-driven lifestyles, the infamous “tech neck” can actually create wrinkles and creases in our neck and jawline. The constant looking down doesn't help gravity's case.
Genetics: Sometimes, it’s simply in the genes. If your mom or dad developed a turkey neck early on, you might need to be extra proactive to prevent it.
So, here’s the good news: while we might not be able to dodge some of these, there are definite ways to delay or even reverse turkey neck. Let’s get into it.
How to Avoid Turkey Neck: Your Anti-Gobble Guide
Daily SPF – Yes, Even on Your Neck!
Most people slather sunscreen on their face and leave their neck bare to fend for itself. The skin on your neck is just as vulnerable as your face to UV rays, so make SPF part of your neck’s morning routine. Opt for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Hydrating your neck with a rich moisturizer can help prevent dryness and sagging. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides, which help boost moisture and firm skin. A little upward massaging motion while you apply your moisturizer can help too!
Take a Tech Break
Be mindful of your posture, especially with phones and laptops. Try lifting your devices to eye level and take breaks often. There’s even a simple exercise called the “turkey tuck” (yes, it’s real!) where you simply bring your head back, engaging the muscles along your neck and jawline.
Watch Out for Dramatic Weight Changes
If you’re planning to lose weight, go slow and steady. Rapid weight loss can exacerbate the look of sagging skin.
How to Reverse Signs of Turkey Neck
Already seeing signs of sagging? Don’t despair! There are treatments and exercises to help tighten up and tone the area.
Non-Invasive Treatments
Retinoids and Firming Creams
Retinoids can work wonders to boost collagen production, which will gradually firm up your skin. Just be cautious with these, as the neck area can be more sensitive than the face.
Adonia Organics Neck & Chest Plant Collagen Serum
- Helps form connective tissue
- Reduces sagging in the neck area improving skin health
- Visibly improves skin pigmentation on neck and chest
Microneedling and Radiofrequency Treatments
If you’re willing to visit a dermatologist, microneedling (tiny pinpricks in the skin to stimulate collagen) and radiofrequency treatments (heat-based skin tightening) can give great results.
Laser Therapy
A laser treatment can be very effective in firming up the neck area by stimulating collagen growth. There are various kinds of laser treatments, so it's worth consulting with a dermatologist to find the best one for your skin type and needs.
At-Home Exercises for a Firmer Neck
Yes, you can work out your neck just like any other part of your body! Here are a couple of easy exercises that may help:
The Chin Lift
Tilt your head back and lift your chin towards the ceiling. Now, push your lips out as if you’re giving the ceiling a big, exaggerated kiss. Hold for five seconds, relax, and repeat 10 times. Try not to laugh—these exercises look ridiculous but they’re surprisingly effective.
The Chew Stretch
Sit up straight, tilt your head back, and pretend you’re chewing gum. The motion works your jaw and neck muscles. Do this for a minute or so each day to tone the area.
A Thanksgiving Gravy Recipe Worth Gobbling Up
Enough about necks. Let’s talk about using that turkey neck for its true purpose: making a rich, flavorful gravy! If you're like me, you can't imagine a Thanksgiving without that savory elixir to drizzle over everything. Here’s a simple turkey neck gravy recipe for your holiday table.
Turkey Neck Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 turkey neck
- 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Simmer the Neck: Place the turkey neck in a saucepan with 4 cups of broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This will give you a rich, flavorful base.
Sauté the Veggies: While the neck is simmering, melt the butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, cooking until soft.
Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour into the pan with the butter and veggies, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. It’ll turn into a thick, bubbly paste.
Add the Broth: Remove the turkey neck from the saucepan (you can shred any bits of meat and add them to the gravy if you like!). Gradually pour the broth into the roux, whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the gravy thickens.
Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste, and maybe a dash of thyme or sage for that extra holiday flavor. Serve hot and get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe!
Wrapping It Up
Turkey neck belongs at Thanksgiving dinner, not in your mirror. With a few preventive measures and regular neck care, you can keep your profile looking youthful and graceful. So enjoy that gravy guilt-free, knowing you’re equipped to keep turkey neck at bay, while serving up the best Thanksgiving gravy on the block.
