Necks are a serious beauty challenge. With fewer oil glands than elsewhere on the body, they get dry and crepe-y sooner than our faces. (Often, in fact, giving away our age faster than a glance at the front of our passport!) At the same time. Because we move our heads constantly. t he collagen and elastic fibers get loosened — leading to sagging.. One of the, biggest reasons that women complain of tired and baggy necks. Though, is downright neglect. Skincare often stops at the jaw-line, whereas in some cultures - France, for instance - the décolletage area is treated with as much TLC as a woman's face. And it shows!

But creams, we have discovered, can offer the possibility of truly dramatic improvement. The neck treatments our testers assessed for this book were some of the highest-scoring products of all . So while we're all for decluttering the bathroom shelf, this is one Product that many women could benefit from adding into their beauty regime. Meanwhile, here's more, wisdom on how to keep your neck as unlined and elegant as possible, (while keeping those extra chins at bay.)

• Cleanse your neck as thoroughly at night as you do your face, and sweep with a hot, wet washcloth in the morning.

• Give necks the 'double-whammy' treatment. Every time you APPLY a moisturizer or protective sun cream to your face, include your neck and bosom. And every time you slather on a body moisturizer. Sweep it upwards to the jaw line. That way, neck skin will never go thirsty.

• Always use upward strokes when applying neck creams — it really does make a difference.

• Protect the neck area whenever you're in strong sunlight

(And throughout the summer months) with an SPF15 moisturizer. There is no greater age giveaway than mock croc skin and no greater flatterer than a luscious décolleté.

• Beware of wearing fragrance in the sun; psoralens (ingredients particularly found in citrussy fragrances) can cause permanent staining of the skin. In summer, spritz your clothing, instead.

• To help avoid a double chin, keep your reading matter at eye level - which means not reading in bed, unless yon lie back and hold the book above you. Do not prop it on your chest and peer down at. it.

• Take up yoga. We know seventy something yoga devotees with .sharp jaw-lines and smooth, unlined necks, which put it down to the stretching. Also, when you're selling at your desk or in front of TV, just allow your neck to fall gently backwards, and then bring it slowly upright. Use your cupped hands to support your head if your neck is stiff. If you hear creaks, don't worry, but if it's painful stop immediately and consult a chiropractor.

• If all else fails, resort to the polo neck. (Note: the most flattering results and neatest neckline some from reversing the "tube", so the neck material is lucked inside, rather than folded outside.)