**How Screen Time Is Aging Your Neck: What to Know About “Tech Neck”**
All that scrolling, swiping, and staring down at your device is leaving its mark. With the average American glued to their smartphone for more than five hours a day, experts are warning that screen time is speeding up aging in a spot most of us neglect.
Dermatologists call it “tech neck,” and it’s becoming increasingly common—even in younger patients. Here’s everything you need to know.
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### What Is Tech Neck?
“Tech neck” is the early onset of wrinkles and sagging skin on the neck caused by repeatedly leaning the head forward while using phones, computers, and other devices.
> “The skin of the neck is inherently thinner and more sensitive compared to most of the body, so with age, the neck is especially vulnerable to creases and lines,” said Dr. Helen He, co-director of Mount Sinai-Clinique Healthy Skin Dermatology Center. “I have definitely seen a growing number of patients who are concerned about laxity, crepiness, horizontal lines, and creases on their neck,” she added.
While these issues tend to become more pronounced with age, Dr. He said they are “becoming more prevalent” in her younger patients as well.
Dr. Jacob Beer, a board-certified dermatologist in West Palm Beach, Florida, is seeing a similar trend. He noted that when patients come in with cosmetic concerns about their necks, the signs can vary by age.
> “Typically, in middle-aged and younger patients we see the deeper front neck lines from sun damage combined with flexing to look at devices,” he said.
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### Can You Prevent Tech Neck?
Hope isn’t lost! The good news is that you can take steps to prevent—or at least slow—the development of tech neck.
Dr. He recommends being mindful of your posture. Try bringing your screen up to eye level rather than bending your neck to look downwards. This will not only improve tech neck but also decrease muscle tension.
Skincare can also make a difference:
– Use a gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and always apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), even on your neck.
– Helpful topical ingredients include retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants such as vitamin C and E.
– Treat any skin conditions like eczema, which can damage the skin barrier and make lines look worse.
Dr. Beer also emphasizes the importance of sunscreen on the neck to prevent premature aging.
> “We constantly see patients who have a different skin color on their faces where they typically remember to apply sunscreen compared to their necks,” he said.
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### Can You Treat Tech Neck?
Skincare and sun protection are the “cornerstones” of prevention and treatment, says Dr. He, but there are in-office procedures that help too.
Some options include:
– **Ultrasound or Radiofrequency Devices** – These tighten the skin and promote the production of new collagen and elastin, making them effective for sagging and crepiness.
– **Laser Treatments** – Dr. Beer frequently uses the ablative carbon dioxide laser in his practice.
– **Superficial Chemical Peels** – These have minimal downtime but provide more subtle results.
– **Neuromodulators (like Botox)** – For patients with prominent neck lines caused by musculature, Dr. He uses Botox to relax the muscles.
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### How Else Are Screens Aging Our Skin?
It’s not just your neck at risk—other parts of your face can show signs of aging from too much screen time.
> “I’m certainly seeing more prominent etches in periorbital wrinkles, or crow’s feet, as well as deeper elevens or glabellar wrinkles from patients squinting at screens,” Dr. Beer said.
Beyond posture and facial expressions, our devices themselves may contribute to premature aging.
> “In addition to UV rays, we now understand that other wavelengths of light, such as blue light from screens, are also responsible for contributing to signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation,” Dr. He said. “Importantly, this affects individuals of all skin types, including those with darker skin tones.”
Blue light can also disrupt sleep, leading to dark circles, puffiness, and decreased collagen repair.
Dr. He recommends that those who spend prolonged periods looking at screens use a tinted mineral sunscreen with pigmented iron oxides to provide added protection against blue light.
“These protective measures will delay and mitigate signs of aging in the delicate neck area,” she said.
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**The Bottom Line:**
If you want to maintain a youthful neck, pay attention to your screen habits, practice good posture, be diligent about skincare (including sunscreen on your neck), and consider professional treatments if needed. Your neck—and your future self—will thank you.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/05/health/the-sneaky-way-your-phone-is-aging-you/