What causes crepey skin?
/As we age, our skin undergoes various changes, and one common concern that many women face is crepey skin. Crepey skin describes the state of a person’s skin when it becomes thin and wrinkled, resembling the same texture as crepe paper. While it is a natural part of the aging process, we know this can really impact a woman’s confidence. So, if you’re experiencing crepey skin, you don’t have to just accept it! Here’s what to do instead.
Understanding What Causes Crepey Skin So You Can Prevent It
Whether you’ve just started to notice signs of crepey skin, or it’s been worsening over the years, the key to improving your skin’s texture is understanding what is causing the issue in the first place. There are several key causes that contribute to the development of crepey skin in women.
Decreased Collagen Production
Collagen, a protein responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, naturally declines as we age. This decrease in collagen production leads to a loss of skin structure, resulting in the formation of crepey skin. Additionally, the skin's ability to retain moisture decreases, causing dryness and further accentuating the appearance of wrinkles.
Sun Damage
Excessive exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is another major cause of crepey skin. UV rays can damage collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for maintaining youthful skin.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause, can contribute to the onset of crepey skin. Estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health, decreases during menopause. This hormonal imbalance leads to a reduction in collagen production and moisture retention, making the skin more susceptible to appearing crepey.
Lifestyle Factors
Other things like your:
Weight fluctuation
Alcohol consumption
Medication list
Sleep schedule
Stress levels
Can all impact your skin’s health and lead to crepey skin.
Prevention
Now that you know what causes the skin to become crepey, let’s talk about prevention. The common theme throughout all that is mentioned above is the role that collagen plays in your skin’s health. It’s also important to note, how lifestyle choices impact the quality of your skin. Here’s the top 5 things you can do to prevent and treat the appearance of crepey skin.
Protect Your Skin
Sun exposure is one of the biggest culprits for creating crepey skin. Make sure you’re wearing SPF, along with protective clothing when you’re enjoying the outdoors. And definitely avoid tanning beds!
Moisturize and Hydrate
Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using moisturizers that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Moisturizing regularly helps improve the skin's texture and minimize the appearance of crepiness.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Quit smoking and maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients support collagen production and overall skin health.
Choose the Right Skincare Products
Incorporate skincare products that contain retinol, peptides, and antioxidants, as they can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Regular exfoliation can also promote cell turnover and reduce the accumulation of dead skin cells. There are a number of high-quality products in our Rags II Riches line that are amazing for treating crepey skin.
In-Spa Treatments
We offer a number of in-spa treatments that can help improve collagen production like Tixel, Venus Freeze and Ultherapy. Depending on the area, filler may also be an option. We’re excited to share we just launched a new Ultherapy treatment that specifically focuses on treating crepey skin called the Ultherapy Glow Treatment. It requires no downtime, and it is safe to do year around. If you’re interested in treating crepey skin, schedule a consultation with us and we will create a customized treatment plan using one, or a combination of our cutting-edge services.
Crepey skin DOESN’T have to be a part of the aging process. Understanding the causes behind it allows you to make informed decisions about your skincare routine and lifestyle choices. By implementing preventive measures and adopting a comprehensive approach to skincare that includes the right products and in-spa services, we can minimize the appearance of crepey skin and maintain a more youthful complexion.
Remember, while we cannot reverse the clock entirely, healthy habits and effective skincare practices can go a long way in promoting beautiful skin at any age.
