Pronounced “day-kōl-tay,” décolleté is derived from the French word décolletér, which means to expose the neck. It can also refer to a low-cut dress style on a woman. When referring to the body and skin care, the décolleté is simply the upper torso, including the upper chest and back and shoulders, as well as the neck and jawline.
The décolleté is one of the most neglected and overlooked areas of the body, especially when it comes to protection from the elements, beauty rituals, strengthening the muscles, massage and even stretching. No one wants loose, wrinkled skin that looks like crepe paper. But, don’t worry, the area can be revived and looking splendid with a little bit of extra attention and TLC. Here are some tips from the expert massage therapists and skin care specialists at Massage Envy:
Cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize: When going through your daily beauty routine on your face, go a bit further down and thoroughly cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize the neck, shoulders, upper chest and back. You will be amazed at all the dry skin that is just begging to be removed and how regular moisturizing will reveal new, glowing skin for a gorgeous neck and shoulder line.
SPF: The Arizona sun is damaging all year around. We often apply sunscreen on our face on a daily basis. Be sure to include sunscreen on the neck and upper chest as part of our daily beauty and sun-protection routine.
Professional facials and products: The same therapies and products that target the face, such as masks, alpha hydroxy cream, waxing, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and more, are also great options to keep the décolleté healthy and beautiful.
At home products: Massage Envy’s Murad Skin Treatment products includes a Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Décolleté cream that rapidly firms, rejuvenates and reduces signs of aging on the neck and décolleté area.
Décolletage Massage
This special massage focuses on the area of the upper chest up to the jawline across the shoulders and the upper back. The massage is quite different from a regular facial massage. During a décolleté massage, the esthetician or massage therapist will gently massage the face in small circular motions and extend the motion to the neck, shoulders and upper chest. Next are firm upward strokes with the palm of the hands, which stretches the skin on the neck and upper chest upwards towards the jawline. The motion rejuvenates sagging skin, removes dead cells and helps distribute the collagen that holds the skin firmly on the neck.
Extensive massage with essential oils provides much-needed nourishment to your facial skin and neck skin. Your neck muscles can also derive relaxation and nutrition from these massages.
Décolleté massages can also stimulate the lymphatic vessels in the area. The lymphatic system is a complex network of ducts and vessels that transfer white blood cells and antibodies to your organs and tissues. These cells and antibodies arm your immune system and help your body combat infections. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to drain fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances, and maintain a healthy immune system.
When done in combination with a facial massage, a décolleté massage helps reduce sinus pressure problems, breathing problems and congestion by increasing circulation and breaking up thick mucus.
Finally, a décolleté massage is also an excellent stress buster. Anxiety fades and the mood is elevated.
Your skin is constantly changing. The only way to keep up is with constant care. Massage Envy estheticians are here for you every day with the passion and expertise for helping you look your best, so you can feel even more yourself. FBN
By Mark Love
Mark Love is the Franchisee of Massage Envy Spa Flagstaff, located at 1235 S. Plaza Way in the University Plaza Shopping Center next to Safeway. For more information on the benefits of massage and to schedule an appointment with a massage therapist, visit MassageEnvy.com or call 928-526-ENVY (3689) and follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/MEFlag. Schedule an appointment online – your time, your convenience, your massage.
