Crepey skin may sound as appealing as a delicious crepe, but in reality, it is a skin condition most of us would rather avoid. Characterized by its thin, crinkled texture, crepey skin often lacks the elasticity, thickness, and firmness of youthful skin. It is a common concern, particularly as we age, and understanding its causes and treatments can help mitigate its effects.
What is Crepey Skin?
Crepey skin is more than just an aesthetic issue; it can also signal underlying health concerns. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shoshana Marmon, “Crepey skin often results from significant sun damage and can increase the risk of skin cancer.” Additionally, its thinner, less elastic nature makes it more prone to bruising and tearing, which can lead to infections if not properly cared for.
Many creams and lotions claim to reduce the appearance of crepey skin, and for those seeking quicker results, doctor-administered treatments are available. Let’s delve into the causes, preventive measures, and treatments for crepey skin.
Causes of Crepey Skin
As Dr. Marmon highlighted, sun exposure is a primary factor in the development of crepey skin. “A common misconception is that crepey skin is solely a result of aging, but lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking are significant contributors,” she said. People with lighter skin tones are particularly at risk due to their higher susceptibility to sun damage.
Sun exposure leads to the loss of skin volume through dehydration. Dr. Shani Francis explains, “The skin loses its ability to store water as the integrity of the skin is damaged, resulting in the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining skin structure.”
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds can damage these proteins, leading to crepey skin. Genetics also play a role; if your parents have crepey skin, you may need to start preventive measures earlier. Many women notice crepey skin around menopause due to the drop in estrogen, which accelerates the loss of collagen and elastin.
Preventing Crepey Skin
Preventing crepey skin involves protecting your skin from the sun. Dr. Francis emphasizes, “Sun protection is more comprehensive than just using sunscreen. Clothing, hats, and sunglasses provide better protection because they remain in place. Sunscreen should be your last line of defence.”
For areas that can’t be covered by clothing, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
While over-the-counter products can help, Dr. Marmon advises that they are unlikely to eliminate crepey skin entirely. Products containing retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, peptides, growth factors, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants can stimulate collagen production and improve skin quality. However, these products typically take several months to show results.
Dr. Francis recommends choosing moisturizers with water to rehydrate the skin effectively. “A common mistake is using oil-based products on dehydrated skin, which only improves the barrier but doesn’t hydrate,” she explains. Products with niacinamide (vitamin B3) are particularly beneficial.
Professional Treatments
For more dramatic results, professional treatments are available. Recently, the FDA approved Skinvive by Juvederm, a skin booster that improves skin smoothness by deeply hydrating the skin. Unlike fillers that add volume, skin boosters enhance skin quality, especially in thin-skinned areas prone to crepey texture.
Other options include injectables like Radiesse and Sculptra, which stimulate collagen production, and treatments like radiofrequency skin tightening and fractional non-ablative lasers, which encourage the body’s natural healing process, resulting in thicker and more elastic skin. Neuromodulators like Botox can also help reduce skin crinkling around the eyes.
Managing Expectations
While treatments can significantly improve the appearance of crepey skin, Dr. Marmon reminds us, “The aging process is ongoing and inevitable. It’s essential to have realistic expectations about what anti-aging products can achieve. Aging is a natural part of life and should be embraced.”
In summary, understanding the causes of crepey skin and implementing preventive measures can help maintain youthful skin. Combining over-the-counter products with professional treatments can offer the best results. However, embracing the aging process with realistic expectations is equally important.
