Crepey Skin Solutions:Simple steps to improve the look of crepey skin.
All About Crepey Skin:
Causes, Treatments, and Prevention.
Have you noticed areas where your skin feels thin, fragile, and looks almost like tissue paper? This common concern, known as crepey skin, is something many of us deal with, especially as we age. The good news is that there are effective ways to improve its appearance and keep it at bay.
What Is Crepey Skin and How Does It Differ From Wrinkles?
Crepey skin is often mistaken for wrinkles, but they’re not the same. While wrinkles are deeper lines that usually appear with age, crepey skin refers to a thinning, more fragile texture that affects larger areas, such as the neck, chest, arms, or under the eyes. Think of it like the difference between a single wrinkle/crease in a sheet of paper and the overall fragility of a paper that’s been crumpled and then smoothed out.
The texture of crepey skin is often more delicate and can seem almost paper-like, hence the name. This is different from the typically deeper and more defined lines of wrinkles, which result from repeated facial expressions like smiling or frowning. Crepey skin, on the other hand, is a result of the skin's structure weakening over a larger surface area.
What Causes Crepey Skin?
Crepey skin is typically caused by a combination of factors, with the most significant being ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Prolonged exposure to UV rays breaks down the elastin fibres in your skin, which are responsible for its resilience and firmness. However, UV damage isn't the only culprit. Other contributing factors include:
Rapid weight changes: When your skin is stretched quickly, it can lose its elasticity, leading to a crepey appearance. This is often seen after significant weight loss or gain.
Lack of moisture: Hydration is key to maintaining skin’s plumpness. As we age, our skin naturally loses its ability to retain moisture, making it more prone to a crepey texture.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor diet, sleep deprivation, and exposure to pollution all accelerate skin aging, contributing to crepey skin. Smoking, in particular, constricts blood vessels, impairing blood flow and robbing the skin of essential nutrients.
Certain medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids like prednisone can thin the skin by impairing collagen production, which can lead to crepey skin.
Age: As we get older, our skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and elastic. This natural aging process can lead to the development of crepey skin, especially in areas that are often exposed to the sun or are naturally thinner, like the neck and chest.
How to Improve the Appearance of Crepey Skin
While you can’t completely turn back the clock, there are effective ways to soften the look of crepey skin. Here are some approaches that can make a noticeable difference:
Hydration and Moisturisation Is Key
Enhance hydration: Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial. For this, I like to use an essential Hydration Serum, packed with ceramides, is a must-have for areas prone to crepey skin, such as the neck and chest. Ceramides help restore the skin’s natural barrier, locking in moisture and improving texture. This not only hydrates but also strengthens the skin, making it less susceptible to thinning and sagging. *Sold in-studio.
Lock in moisture: Seal in moisture. Follow up with a rich moisturiser, my personal favourite is the Hydradew moisturiser from Alumier. This product is multi-functional, deeply moisturising the skin while also containing firming peptides that soften the appearance of lines and crepey texture. By using a combination of hydrating serums and moisturisers, you can help restore the skin's suppleness and reduce the appearance of crepey skin. *Alumier products can be bought through our studio.
Consider At-Home LED Devices
LED therapy can be a great at-home option to help boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Panels designed for the neck and chest can help maintain a firmer appearance. Some studies, such as those from Omnilux, have shown noticeable improvement in fine lines and wrinkles with regular use. Incorporating an at-home LED device into your skincare routine can be an effective way to maintain results between professional treatments.
*We sell neck and chest at-home devices at a special rate in-studio.USE A SILICONE PATCH
Consider using 100% Medical Grade Silicone Chest Pads. These popular wrinkle patches help rehydrate and smooth the delicate skin on the décolletage. Ideal for side-sleepers, these patches are designed to be worn overnight, when the skin is in repair mode. They create an occlusive layer that prevents creasing, allowing the skin to retain moisture and wake up looking smoother and more refreshed.
Upgrade Your Next Facial
If you’re looking for a professional treatment, consider upgrading your facial to include a neck and chest treatment. This upgrade involves exfoliation, hydration, and LED therapy to improve skin texture and luminosity. It’s an easy add-on to your session and can make a significant difference in those often-neglected areas.
Preventing Crepey Skin
Preventing crepey skin is easier than treating it, so it’s wise to start early with these simple steps:
Sun Protection: Daily use of sunscreen is your best defense against the UV damage that causes crepey skin. UV radiation is one of the most significant contributors to skin aging, so applying a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 every day is essential. Being sun-aware or covering up affected areas while in the sun is highly recommended. Prevention is far easier and more effective than correction!
Healthy Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables can help your skin better respond to environmental stressors, including UV radiation and pollution. Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals, which are molecules that can damage skin cells. Additionally, keeping sugar and alcohol intake to a minimum can help maintain skin’s elasticity and prevent it from becoming crepey.
Good Skincare Routine:Don’t skip your neck and chest! Extend your skincare routine to these areas by keeping them cleansed and applying serums and moisturisers to maintain hydration and elasticity. Avoid harsh scrubs and acids, as these areas can be more prone to irritation. Consider incorporating retinol—a well-known anti-aging ingredient—into your routine, but do so wisely. Retinol can be effective in promoting collagen production and improving skin texture, but it should be used with caution, especially on sensitive areas like the neck and chest.
last Thoughts
Crepey skin can be a frustrating concern, but with the right approach, you can improve its appearance and even prevent it from worsening.
By focusing on hydration, protecting your skin from the sun, and incorporating targeted treatments and devices into your routine, you can keep your skin looking firmer, smoother, and more radiant.
Remember, it's never too late to start taking care of your skin, and with consistent effort, you'll see the benefits over time.
