Nobody likes looking in the mirror to see her skin taking on the texture of wrinkled crepe paper. But what exactly causes your skin to look so fragile and thin? Despite what you may have been told, age isn’t always the number one factor in crepey skin.
What causes crepey skin?
You may think, “Only old people get crepey skin,” but this is simply not true. The biggest culprit is sun damage.
Ultraviolet rays break down the elastin and collagen that keep your skin tight and firm. When these stop replenishing themselves, the skin starts to lose its ability to stay firm like it used to. Think of a rubber band – over time, the more you stretch it, the less it’s able to go back into shape.
The second culprit for your crepey skin is age. Just because you have more years under your belt doesn’t mean you immediately get crepey skin, however. Someone who has spent years tanning or outdoors as a teenager can start to see crepey skin as early as her 30s or even 20s if it’s severe enough. And as we age, our bodies don’t replenish oils, collagen, or elastin as quickly as they used to. This can cause skin to look older and thinner.
A third cause is drastic weight loss. This can often leave skin that was once stretched out over a larger area to appear crepey once the weight is gone.
At-home fixes.
So, is there anything you can do to reverse crepey-looking skin?
To slow the process, you can apply a good moisturizer daily to your body. The most targeted areas for crepey skin are under the eyes, around the neck, and under the upper arms. Focus on using moisturizers with retinol to help build back up elasticity in the skin. This will help smooth out skin that may be showing signs early on and improve the look in the long run.
Keeping your skin out of direct sunlight can also help prevent crepey skin or, at least, keep it from becoming more pronounced. This means either applying sunscreen to any exposed skin or covering up any skin receiving sunlight.
Unfortunately, no at-home fix will reverse the appearance of crepey skin, but dermatologists often use methods that vastly improve the appearance of skin.
Dermatological fixes.
The simplest treatment your dermatologist can provide is a prescription-strength retinol cream. This cream can significantly improve the appearance of crepey skin, giving it a firmer and more youthful appearance.
If you’re seeking more advanced options, there are cutting-edge treatments available to rejuvenate your skin:
- ellacor®: A revolutionary micro-coring treatment that removes micro-cores of excess skin, improving skin texture and elasticity. This precision procedure is ideal for creating tighter, smoother skin without the need for surgery.
- BBL® HEROic™: Sciton’s BroadBand Light therapy is designed to target skin damage at the molecular level. HEROic technology addresses tone and texture while promoting collagen production, effectively revitalizing skin for a more youthful and glowing appearance.
- Skin Revitalization: Brightens, tightens, and smoothes while helping to reverse skin damage caused by aging, sun, and smoking.
For more comprehensive cases, a plastic surgeon may be an option to remove excess skin, particularly after significant weight loss. Don’t settle for feeling unhappy with your skin. With these solutions, you can regain confidence and feel great in your own skin again.
Crepey skin shouldn’t dictate how you see yourself in the mirror when there are so many options to improve its appearance. Whether you want an easy daily regimen change or something more intensive, start by making an appointment with your dermatologist today to discuss the best route for you.
————————————————–
Dermatology Associates offers a full spectrum of leading-edge medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services from offices in Savannah and Vidalia.
