The Real Culprit: What Causes Crepey Skin & How to Cure!

We all want our skin to look and feel its best. But sometimes, despite our best efforts to keep skin hydrated and exfoliated, we find ourselves with an unwanted companion: crepey skin!

Unfortunately, its wrinkled and thin texture can leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance. Don't worry – you don't have to live in misery with this pesky condition.

In today's post, we'll uncover the real culprits behind crepey skin and provide tips on ways to avoid it altogether.

So slap on some sunscreen, grab a snack (you might be here for awhile!), and put aside some extra time in your skincare routine – because let’s face it: fighting off wrinkles is worth the effort!

What is Crepey Skin Anyway?

Ah, crepey skin – it’s one of those things that nobody ever wants to talk about. And yet, it seems like almost everyone is dealing with this frustrating skin issue.

Crepey skin is a thinning and/or wrinkling of the skin which often occurs as we age.

When you have crepey skin, you may notice that your complexion looks dry, sallow and limp - not quite the healthy glow we all strive for!

The appearance of crepiness typically appears around the eyes and mouth but can occur all over the body too.

It’s an incredibly common problem, especially in women over 40 who are experiencing menopause-related-hormonal shifts which can disrupt collagen production.

Luckily, there are options out there to remedy this situation. But, first, let's look at some of the major causes.

Understanding the Causes of Crepey Skin

There are several causes that result in crepey skin. Here are the major reasons your skin texture can start to change in the most annoying way.

Aging & Collagen Loss

The primary cause of crepey skin is the natural aging process. As we age, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, which are essential proteins responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.

The decrease in collagen and elastin production leads to thinning of the skin and the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, giving it a crepey appearance.

Long-Term Sun Damage

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a significant contributor to crepey skin. UV rays can penetrate the skin's layers, causing damage to collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in their degradation.

This leads to weakened skin structure and the development of wrinkles and crepey texture.

Loss of Moisture

The skin requires adequate hydration to maintain its suppleness and firmness. However, as we age, the skin's ability to retain moisture diminishes.

Factors such as environmental conditions, lifestyle habits, and the natural aging process can contribute to decreased moisture retention, leading to dry skin and the appearance of crepey skin.

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle choices can accelerate the development of crepey skin.

Smoking, for example, damages collagen and elastin fibers, hastening their breakdown and contributing to wrinkling and sagging skin.

Additionally, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, and an inadequate skincare routine can exacerbate the effects of premature skin aging.

Preventing and Treating Crepey Skin

Aging skin is inevitable, but you can fight how quickly it shows on your body. Here are a few things you can do to keep your skin soft and elastic for as long as possible and treat crepey skin.

Sun Protection

One of the most effective ways to prevent crepey skin is by protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even during cloudy weather.

Seek shade, wear protective clothing, and use hats and sunglasses to minimize sun exposure. Remember, prevention is key in maintaining youthful-looking skin which is why it's so important to wear sunscreen. Plus, you're preventing skin cancer.

Skin Hydration

To improve crepey skin, it's crucial to keep your skin well-hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to hydrate your body from within.

Additionally, use moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. These ingredients, especially hyaluronic acid, will help lock in moisture, improve skin elasticity and protect your skin barrier.

Regularly applying a moisturizer can help plump loose skin and reduce the appearance of crepiness.

Exfoliation and Retinoids

Incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine to promote turnover of dead skin cells and stimulate collagen production for good skin health.

Gentle exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinoids, can help improve skin texture and minimize the appearance of crepey skin.

Ingredients like glycolic acid or lactic acid are steps you can easily add to your skincare regimen. Start with a low concentration of glycolic acid toner and gradually increase usage as tolerated. Consult with a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.

Collagen Boosting Ingredients

Using skincare products that contain collagen boosting ingredients can help improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

Look for products that contain peptides, vitamin C, retinol, or niacinamide, as these ingredients have shown efficacy in stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture.

Non-Invasive Procedures

For more advanced cases of crepey skin, non-invasive cosmetic procedures can provide significant improvements.

These may include treatments such as laser resurfacing, microneedling, radiofrequency therapy, or ultrasound therapy.

These procedures work by stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin, resulting in a smoother and more youthful appearance.

Consult with a dermatologist or aesthetician to determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific concerns.

Dr. Tanya Perich, an oculoplastic surgeon in the Tampa Bay area explains several options she offers to her patients in this TikTok video:

Prevention & Diligence are Key

Crepey skin may be a natural part of the aging process, but there are various preventive measures and treatment options available to address this concern.

Take the time to find joy in nourishing your sensitive skin from the inside and outside. After all, crepey skin is a natural part of the aging process.

Pamper your complexion with nourishing ingredients and take advantage of some helpful med spa treatments. No matter what, always stay positive and remember that you are worth it!

Put lotion on after every shower and use an SPF every single day — proper skincare is like brushing away dullness and fading away years of accumulated worries with every motion.

It’s also important to wear a wide-brimmed hat as protection from the sun’s rays wherever you go. By implementing preventive measures such as these, you can address crepey skin concerns more effectively over time.