Introduction
Over the years, we experience aging in a multitude of ways, yet those annoying fine lines or spots are not the only way in which aging can occur on our skin.
Now, many people have started raising awareness about another age-related concern to do with skin and how it’s becoming thinner as they age. When given the time, this thinning makes the skin appear more crepe-paper-like and gets further from the smooth surface we are used to seeing and feeling.
Luckily, crepey skin is an issue we already have solutions for, and with a little bit of knowledge and guidance, one can be better prepared when coming across this issue in the future.
In this article, we will take a closer look at crepey skin, what it is, why it occurs, and what the solutions are to overcoming it.
What Causes Crepey Skin?
Although crepey skin may take years to occur, it seems to happen within a blink of an eye. Whether it is on your neck, chest, under your eyes, or arms, this is something that may take you by surprise.
Being different from muscle-controlled wrinkled skin, crepey skin is pliable because it doesn’t occur due to muscle inhibited actions (such as smiling or frowning).
In some instances, crepey skin can be connected to recent weight loss, and other instances can take place due to medications. One of the potential medications in question is prednisone.
Many of us tend to notice crepey skin when entering our late 40s due to collagen depletion. Losing collagen is completely normal when aging.
Furthermore, many lifestyle choices can contribute to the acceleration of this issue. Habits such as smoking, sun damage (more so if you have fair skin) and drinking alcohol can all speed up the depletion of collagen and reduction of elastin in the dermis and epidermis – the proteins that keep our skin smooth.
At the end of the day, there are many reasons behind the loss of firmness and elasticity in our skin. The main cause can be linked to the depletion of collagen, which is due to aging in general.
Let’s go over a few highlighted points:
- Aging – Sometimes, what causes crepey skin is a natural occurrence for people entering their late 40s as a result of collagen depletion in our epidermis and dermis.
- Sun Exposure – Other than aging, sun exposure is one of the leading causes of crepey skin. This is due to excessive sunlight exposure that damages the cellular structure and barrier.
UV light wears down collagen by creating an overproduction of elastin. This over-production creates an imbalance, which subsequently speeds up the aging process that gives you saggy or wrinkly skin.
- Dryness – The lack of hydration is a common link to what causes crepey skin. When we age, our skin produces fewer oils. Oil production is important because it creates a protective layer that seals in moisture.
Further, dryness can be linked to hormonal changes at any age, as well as a lack of moisturizing in general.
- Weight loss – A sudden fluctuation in weight can also contribute to sagging in your epidermis. This is because when you gain and then lose weight, your skin expands and retracts.
The retraction occurs when new cells are formed to make room for the new cells underneath them. The issue happens mostly in people with sudden and drastic fluctuations in their weight because their skin has no time to adjust accordingly.
- Environmental – Many times, things in your environment can lead to crepey skin. Smoking, pollution, stress, lack of sleep, inadequate nutrition, and medications can all harm your collagen and elastin levels.
Top 3 Tips on How to Prevent Crepey Skin
- Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure. Reducing the amount of sun you get can be an easy way on how to prevent crepey skin.
The AAD (American Association of Dermatology) believes that sun exposure is one of the preventable causes of skin damage and can be associated with what causes crepey skin. The use of tanning beds in particular is heavily damaging to your skin and can be what causes crepey skin in people as young as 20 years old.
Avoiding the sun isn’t always an option for some people though, and when you live in a sunny part of the world, it is necessary to wear protective clothing and moisturize your skin with full-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum rating of SPF30.
- Moisturize. What causes crepey skin to appear seasonally or inconsistently is the lack of moisturizing and dryness. To avoid collagen damage that comes with this dryness, it’s important to always keep your skin moisturized!
Any products that have glycerin or hyaluronic acid have been used to hold in moisture, so skin not only looks plump and supple but stays moisturized. This will help not only with your crepey skin but will make it look all around healthier. It’s also one more way on how to prevent crepey skin.
- Diet & Supplements. You can find many forms of supplements that provide means on how to prevent crepey skin. Supplements such as hyaluronic acid[1], collagen peptides, and other vitamins boost collagen production.
You can also increase its levels by consuming rich foods such as fish, chicken, bone broth, citrus fruits, red and yellow vegetables, including vitamin C-rich foods.
Best Crepey Skin Treatment Options
One of the best things you can do when you notice that you may be getting crepey skin is to treat it as soon as possible. Be proactive and see a dermatologist so you can tackle this issue right away. This is the first step to recovery.
There are several crepey skin treatments available, but the approach may vary from patient to patient. That said, it’s necessary to know several factors when treating the issue, such as skin type, the cause, the severity of the problem, and the area in which the body is affected.
- Dermal Fillers. Dermal fillers are one of the most wonderful crepey skin treatments. These fillers stimulate your body’s collagen production.
This virtually non-invasive treatment has a plumping effect that will make your skin look more youthful. It isn’t just for your face either, it can target areas on your arms as well.
- Plastic Surgery. One of the more effective options people undergo when looking for the best crepey skin treatments is plastic surgery. It is an option for patients who have had very significant weight loss. This procedure can be done on any part of the body to help with excess skin.
- Topical Retinol Products. Topical retinol gels and creams can be applied by hand to restore the elasticity and thickness of your skin. These and many other retinoid-based crepey skin treatments have an exfoliating effect, which promotes cellular repair and quicker turnover.
While using these products, you need to moisturize and be mindful of how much sunlight you take in.
- CoolSculpting. Coolsculpting is one of the best crepey skin treatments. It is a procedure that can remove excess fat from patients and is non-invasive. When undergoing CoolSculpting, the device freezes fat cells, which are then naturally removed from the body through the lymphatic system.
One of the side effects of the treatment happens to be tighter skin. When the fat cells are removed below the surface of the skin, the skin naturally tightens.
“Remember to consult with your doctor. Your doctor and you can decide which one of these options will work best for both you and your skin.”
Conclusion
As we all know, it’s impossible to turn back the hands of time and stop aging from happening. Figuring out what causes crepey skin, in your unique case, is the first step towards treating the problem.
When it comes to crepey skin, there are solutions, and if you need to uphold a bit of youthfulness in the form of smoother and healthier skin, then it’s time to take action.
Whether you choose to do it surgically or topically, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider and get a consultation with your doctor. They will be happy to help you find a solution that will work best for you.
Hopefully, this article was helpful and gave you some insights on how to prevent crepey skin and the various skin treatments.