3 Ways to Support Crepey Skin

Crepey skin is characterized by its thin, finely wrinkled texture and has very little turgor, or bounce back, when pinched.

As we age gracefully, our skin undergoes a natural transformation marked by a gradual decline in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, all of which are key components that keep skin firm, plump, and hydrated. This leads to a visible loss of elasticity, the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, and a thinning of the skin’s overall structure.

Skin's ability to retain moisture also decreases with age, often resulting in dryness and a rougher texture. Slower cell turnover and reduced circulation can cause a duller, less radiant complexion, while the effects of cumulative sun exposure may lead to pigmentation, age spots, and uneven tone or hyperpigmentation. The skin barrier also weakens over time, making it more susceptible to environmental stressors and irritation that seems to appear all of a sudden.

To support crepey skin, we recommend focusing on hydration, sun protection, and moisturizing, while incorporating antioxidants, ceramides, lipids and phyto-retinols into your skincare routine. Preventative care and targeted hydration can help reduce the visible signs of crepey skin and support the skin’s barrier to prevent additional dehydration.

Hydration is Key

1. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can make crepey skin more noticeable, so aim to stay hydrated throughout the day.

2. Moisturize skin regularly. Use a moisturizer that contains humectants, lipids, ceramides and provides barrier protection to help draw moisture into the skin while providing hydrating and occlusive properties.

3. Consider incorporating a nutrient dense facial serum or oil. Adding a quick absorbing and non-comedogenic facial serum or oil to your daily routine can help provide adequate yet lightweight hydration and fend off the symptoms of dryness.

Sun Protection is Crucial

1. Wear sunscreen daily. Prolonged UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin fibers even faster, accelerating skin thinning and laxity, contributing to crepey skin. We recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every single day, even when it is cloudy.

2. Minimize sun exposure. Try to stay out of the sun during peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM and aim to wear protective clothing when outdoors including a hat.

Skincare Ingredients to Consider

1. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E can help protect the skin from the oxidative stress of free radicals and photoaging or sun damage which can further add to the negative effects of oxidative stress.

2. Ceramides are an important part of overall skin health as they are crucial for maintaining the skin barrier function, which helps to keep the skin hydrated, protected, and all around balanced.

3. Lipids are the primary building blocks of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin and they acts like a brick wall, keeping moisture in and harmful irritants out.

4. Phyto-retinols are plant-based and vitamin A derivatives can help improve skin elasticity and collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of crepey skin.

Lifestyle Factors

1. Eat a balanced diet. A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help support healthy skin

2. Get enough sleep. Sleep is vitally important for skin repair, healthy cellular regeneration and cognitive functions. Studies have shown that adequate sleep can improve concentration, productivity and overall mental performance.

3. Manage stress. When you experience stress your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can trigger inflammation in the skin. This inflammation can lead to a variety of skin issues, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

4. Don't smoke. Smoking contributes to accelerated aging and skin damage through several mechanisms that have numerous negative effects to the skin and body.