While we know that addiction to technology can lead to serious health issues like headaches, neck cricks, aching shoulders, pain in the back etc., the world is now discussing its cosmetic hazards.
Most people, especially women, spend more than two hours a day, constantly looking down into their handheld devices like smartphones and tablets. Dermatologists believe that this 'hunching over' is one of the reasons causing the skin of the neck, above the collar bone and the jowls to sag, thus resulting in premature wrinkling and creasing.
Till a few years ago, early ageing of the skin on the neck was an issue that women faced once they hit their 40s. But today, because of the rise in tech neck, it is affecting younger women, in the age group of 18-39, who peer into their devices up to 150 times a day.
Why it happens
Our movements cause our ageing. For example, frowning gives frown lines and smiling gives crow's feet. Similarly, if you are going to constantly look down into your phone or tablet, the repeated action will cause folds and appearance of wrinkles in the skin, says dermatologist Dr Swati Srivastava. When the neck is constantly bent forward for long periods of time, it puts a strain on neck muscles, which shorten, causing the soft tissues to contract.
How to keep tech neck creases at bay
Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist and laser surgeon, says, Take frequent breaks while using your electronic gadget. Try a few neck exercises daily. Use anti-ageing creams that contain antioxidants, vitamins, retinols, hyaluronic acid etc. Massage your neck with these every night. Ultrasound and radio frequency treatments can also help tighten the skin.
A cream that combats tech neck wrinkles
Apart from the increase in demand for non-invasive surgeries like facelift and chin lift, thanks to all the buzz around the tech neck, an international luxury beauty brand has come up with a cream to combat tech neck creases. The special molecules in this formula fight the loss of elasticity in the skin around the body's Y-zone — the lower face, throat and decolletage. When you apply the cream, the skin is infused with micro-droplets that create smoother and plumper skin.
BDST: 1721 HRS, APR 22, 2015
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor
