What Does Decolletage Mean?

Decolletage is a word derived from the French language and literally means unveil or reveal. It is used to describe the visible parts of the upper torso, breast area, and neck. The word has historical significance in its referring to exposed skin when low-cut dresses, gowns, or shirts are worn, particularly by girls and women.

Because this part of the body has a natural beauty, especially when the curves of the breasts are taken into consideration, the health and beauty industry uses this term quite extensively. Most of the popularly known skin care products refer to décolleté, the adjective form of the word.

Historical Importance

For many centuries, cultures around the globe have placed a high significance on the appearance of a woman's exposed skin, especially the look and texture of the skin covering the neck and upper chest. For the most part, revealing this part of the female body has not been subject to objection. In fact, the more well-to-do a woman was, the more likely she would feel comfortable flaunting her appearance.

Because of certain characteristics of the skin on this part of the body, special care was taken by women in past centuries to give the impression that the chest and neck skin was being well cared for. Moisturizers and anti-wrinkling products are not something new. However, today's skin science has paved the way for the development of many new types of cleaning and moisturizing agents that are created especially for the torso and neck.

Problems With Torso And Neck Skin

Unfortunately, this skin is some of the thinnest on the human body. It is therefore the first to show signs of aging due to sun exposure, poor diet, or bad circulation. Wrinkling of the decolletage is common, and most women seek help from a skin care specialist in order to combat - and possibly reverse - the aging process.

Specialized Care For The Skin

The breast area, upper torso, and neck areas are covered with skin that is less elastic than in other parts of the body. Therefore, gentle cleansing is required, and this procedure should be performed using a product specially made for the face and neck.

This part of the skin contains fewer sebaceous glands per square inch, so moisturizing is imperative. It is also important to keep this area protected from the sun, so using a high-quality sun block is a priority.

The best products to use for moisturizing are those containing a sun blocking agent as well as a hydroquinone base. Most of the highly recommended products also contain a bi-mineral complex that helps reduce the expansion of freckles and age spots.