Crepey Skin: Causes Treatment and Prevention

Best Lotion for Crepey Skin on Arms and Legs

Crepey Skin: Causes Treatment and Prevention. Crepey skin refers to thin, wrinkled skin that resembles the texture of crepe paper. Unlike typical wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements, crepey skin is often more widespread and associated with skin thinning and loss of elasticity. It commonly appears on areas like the underarms, neck, hands, and under the eyes.

I don’t know about you all, but the crepey skin fear has finally hit home for me. I’ve got it on my arms – and thank goodness that’s the only place on my body. I began noticing it about 12 months ago, after a month or two of being sedentary from my job. I was no longer active, couldn’t use my arms without being in pain from a rotator cuff injury, and then months of recovery from surgery.

Now I don’t know if being sedentary was the cause, I was just speculating and trying to justify this life change, but it was the only explanation that made sense to me at the time.

All Is Not Lost. Crepey Skin: Causes Treatment and Prevention

All is not lost. Crepey Skin: Causes Treatment and Prevention. Turns out I wasn’t 100% wrong – being sedentary WASN’T the only culprit. In my case it was also the lack of water, my smoking, and the stress I was under. Oh and let’s not forget THE SUN. In my early years I was a sun goddess and used to fry my skin – sadly I am now paying for it.

If you’re in the market for a lotion for your crepey skin, keep reading as I explain the causes, treatment, prevention, and what to look for in products.

What to Look For in Over-The-Counter Products

Make sure the moisturizer you pick contains water to rehydrate the skin, as WATER IS THE #1 HYDRATOR. Don’t coat your skin with oil when it’s already dehydrated because all that’s doing is making a barrier and not hydrating. Find a product with niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, as a way to help alleviate the appearance of crepey skin. Get yourself a B3 supplement and pop one every day along with your daily multi-vitamin.

Topical products with ingredients such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, peptides, growth factors, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants can also help to stimulate collagen production, which you guessed it – IMPROVES THE CREPEY SKIN AREA !!

How to tell if the moisturizer you’re using is thick enough to properly hydrate? Turn the jar or container upside down, and if it doesn’t drip it will make a good barrier support product.

Best Lotion for Crepey Skin on Arms and Legs

Crepey Skin: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

CAUSES OF CREPEY SKIN

* Aging: Natural aging reduces collagen and elastin production, weakening skin structure and elasticity.
* Sun Damage: UV rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to thinning skin.
* Dehydration: Inadequate skin hydration can make the skin appear dry and crepey.
* Loss of Fat: Thinning fat layers under the skin can contribute to a crepey appearance.
* Genetics: Family history may play a role in skin type and aging patterns.
* Weight Fluctuations: Rapid weight gain or loss can stretch the skin and lead to sagging.
* Environmental Factors: Pollution and exposure to toxins can damage skin health.
* Smoking: Smoking accelerates skin aging by reducing blood flow and collagen production.
* Poor Nutrition: Lack of nutrients, particularly vitamins A, C, and E, can impact skin health.

TREATMENT FOR CREPEY SKIN

Topical Treatments:
* Retinoids: Encourage collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
* Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps the skin.
* Antioxidants: Products containing vitamin C or E can help repair UV damage.
* Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Exfoliate dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

Professional Treatments:
* Chemical Peels: Remove damaged outer layers of skin for a smoother appearance.
* Laser Resurfacing: Stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture.
* Microdermabrasion: Exfoliates the skin to reveal fresher layers.
* Microneedling: Boosts collagen production by creating tiny controlled injuries to the skin.
* Radiofrequency Treatments: Tighten skin using heat to stimulate collagen.
* Fillers: Injectable fillers can restore volume to areas of crepey skin.

PREVENTION – LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Sun Protection:
* Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
* Wear protective clothing and sunglasses.
* Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
Stay Hydrated:
* Drink sufficient water daily.
* Use a good moisturizer tailored to your skin type.
Healthy Diet:
* Eat foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins (A, C, E), and minerals.
* Include collagen-boosting foods like bone broth and citrus fruits.
Avoid Smoking:
* Quit smoking to improve blood flow and collagen production.
Exercise Regularly:
* Exercise improves circulation and skin health.
Gentle Skin Care:
* Avoid harsh soaps and exfoliants that can strip skin of natural oils.
* Use a humidifier in dry climates to maintain skin moisture.
Consistent Skincare Routine:
* Incorporate anti-aging products early to maintain skin elasticity.
* Use retinol or other collagen-boosting ingredients under dermatological guidance.

By understanding its causes and adopting preventive measures, crepey skin can be managed effectively, and treatments can restore skin’s smoothness and firmness. I hope the information above and the product I mentioned, helps with your crepey skin. Let me know what you think 🙂