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Crepes are a delightful treat, yet crepey skin is less desirable. This condition refers to skin that appears thin and wrinkled, resembling crepe paper, and often signifies a loss of the elasticity, thickness, and firmness typically associated with youthful skin.
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“Crepey skin is primarily seen as an aesthetic issue but can also signal potential health concerns,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shoshana Marmon. “Its development is often tied to significant sun damage, raising the risk for skin cancer. Furthermore, the thin and less elastic nature of crepey skin makes it more vulnerable to bruising and tearing, which can lead to infections if not adequately treated.”
While many creams and lotions advertise solutions for crepey skin, those seeking quicker relief can explore medical treatments. Experts provide insights into effective treatments and preventive measures for crepey skin.
Understanding the formation of crepey skin.
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As Dr. Marmon pointed out, prolonged sun exposure is a leading cause of crepey skin. “A common misconception is that aging is the sole cause, but lifestyle factors, including sun exposure and smoking, play a significant role,” she explained. “While anyone can develop crepey skin, individuals with lighter skin tones face a higher risk due to increased susceptibility to sun damage.”
The impact of sun exposure leads to a significant loss of skin volume due to dehydration. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shani Francis, “When the skin’s integrity is compromised, it struggles to retain moisture.” This results in the degradation of collagen and elastin, essential proteins that help maintain skin’s structure and hydration.
Any ultraviolet exposure, including that from tanning beds, can contribute to crepey skin. “The true culprit is ultraviolet radiation itself,” Dr. Francis noted. “All forms of UV exposure damage collagen and elastin, leading to skin aging.”
Genetics also play a role in the formation of crepey skin. “Observing your parents can provide clues; if they have crepey skin, it may be prudent to begin preventive measures earlier,” advised Dr. Francis.
Dr. Marmon mentioned that many women first notice crepey skin around menopause, when decreased estrogen levels accelerate the loss of collagen and elastin, leading to thinner skin that loses moisture and fat.
“This process typically begins in middle age and worsens over time,” Dr. Francis noted. “The elastic fibers within the skin are initially robust, allowing younger skin to snap back easily. By the time one reaches their forties, this elasticity diminishes significantly.”
According to Dr. Noëlle S. Sherber, a board-certified dermatologist, UV-induced crepey skin often appears around the eyes, chest, and backs of the hands, with some individuals noticing it above the knees and on the inner arms.
Preventing crepey skin: Tips and tricks.
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Applying sunscreen is often heralded as a primary strategy against crepey skin, but Dr. Francis suggests that other methods may be more effective.
“Clothing provides a better barrier to UV rays,” she stated. “Items such as hats and sunglasses can offer superior protection compared to sunscreen alone, which requires frequent reapplication. Comprehensive sun protection goes beyond just sunscreen.”
For areas not covered by clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, preferably water-resistant, as recommended by The American Academy of Dermatology.
Exploring over-the-counter treatments for crepey skin.
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Dr. Marmon advises that while numerous over-the-counter products may promise to reduce the appearance of crepey skin, results can vary. “Creams, moisturizers, and lotions are beneficial for skin maintenance, but completely eliminating all signs of aging is nearly impossible,” she stated.
Nevertheless, consistent use of topical products containing ingredients like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, peptides, growth factors, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants can stimulate collagen production, improving skin quality.
“Results from these products typically take several months to manifest,” warned Dr. Sherber, noting that price does not always correlate with effectiveness. “There’s a misconception that only luxury skincare brands can combat crepey skin, but consistent application is far more crucial than the price.”
It’s essential that moisturizers also include water to adequately hydrate the skin. Dr. Francis emphasized, “Water is the most effective hydrator. A common error is applying oils to already dehydrated skin, which merely enhances the barrier without providing moisture.”
Dr. Francis recommends niacinamide-containing products, a derivative of vitamin B3, for improving the appearance of crepey skin. It can also be taken as a supplement.
Dr. Sherber provided a simple test for moisturizer effectiveness: “If you flip the jar upside down and it doesn’t drip, then it likely offers adequate barrier support.”
Medical interventions for crepey skin.
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On May 15, the FDA approved Skinvive by Juvederm, the first skin booster designed to enhance skin smoothness in adults over 21. This injectable hyaluronic acid product, known as Volite in some countries, replenishes skin hydration and can yield remarkable outcomes, particularly for thinner skin prone to crepey texture, according to Dr. Sherber.
Other injectables, such as Radiesse and Sculptra, promote the natural collagen synthesis process. Techniques like radio frequency skin tightening and fractional non-ablative lasers encourage the body’s healing mechanisms, leading to increased collagen and elastin production, which can result in thicker and more elastic skin. “Both approaches can significantly enhance skin quality,” Dr. Sherber noted.
For specific areas, such as around the eyes, neuromodulators like Botox may help reduce skin crinkling.
Ultimately, Dr. Marmon reminds us, “While improvements in the appearance of crepey skin are possible, aging is a continuous and unavoidable process. It’s crucial to maintain realistic expectations regarding the effects of anti-aging products, regardless of their claims. Embracing the aging process is a natural and better alternative to the prospect of not aging at all.”
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
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