Crepey Skin; The Myth and The Treatments

Tissue Paper? As we age our skin becomes thin, What can we do?

What is Crepey Skin?

First, Crepey Skin is a term that refers to skin that has the appearance of being thin and wrinkled and often likened to tissue paper or crepe paper!

This is a picture of a hard-working hand, and this hand is mine!

Myth

There are many myths surrounding this subject. The number #1 myth associated with the appearance of Crepey Skin is due to aging and old age. It is true that as we age our skin does change and become wrinkled and often thin as well.

However, here are the facts...

According to the Cleveland Clinic and dermatologists, Crepey Skin is MOST often caused by the sun. Over time, the damage from the sun is cumulative.

The exposure breaks down the elastin in our skin. Elastin is a type of "fiber" that is present in our skin that allows it to stretch and return to a normal position. Like a rubberband in similarity, it moves and stretches but over time the rubberband becomes loose and doesn't return back to its original position.

Fact #2

The wrinkles around the our mouths and our eyes are NOT Crepey Skin at all. These wrinkles are truly from repetitive usage. (Crows feet are really laugh lines and these tell us that you have spent time enjoying life most likely smiling LOL) 😄This is also PART of the reason why smokers have deep wrinkles around the mouth. Smoking of course is bad for so many things including this.

Skin Care

So much of our skincare is dependent on how well we take care to prevent the things that cause the most damage to our skin.

While every person has completely different physiology and lives completely different lifestyles, there are a few very obvious things that are well within our control to help.

Help Yourself

.Prevention. Any doctor or dermatologist will tell you the best way to stop this from happening and prevent Crepey Skin is to stay out of the sun!

If you do go out in the sun, you must apply an SPF to block out the bad rays. It is noted that not all SPF's are alike. Please make sure you read labels and make sure that you have at least SPF 50 or above. Stay away from tanning beds. Period. (they have proven these are as bad if not worse than the sun.)

.Moisturize. Start as early as you can 30's and 40's it is helpful. Use a nice daily moisturizer and of course make sure you look at the difference in your face and body (there are creams for each). After bathing is a great idea because your pores are open and skin is still "damp". This helps to lock-in moisture. Side Note: Creams are of a heavier consistency rather than body lotion. Look for creams and lotions that have the least amount of chemicals.

Healthy Lifestyle

.Exercise.Try to maintain healthful lifestyle that includes exercise. Doctors say that not only is exercise invigorating, but it also helps the blood flow to the skin and that helps us maintain a healthy circulation system. Regular exercise helps us maintain a good weight. Those people who have large weight gains or losses will lose the elastin in their skin and thus cause the loss of elasticity.

.Diet. Eating foods rich in vitamins and those that are water-filled will keep us hydrated and this helps our body systems and our skin. Eat things like cucumbers, lettuce, and drink water. Also consuming foods like anchovies, sardines, and salmon, for example, contain naturally occurring DMAE. This helps our brain. Side Note: (this is not to be confused with the manufactured chemical  compound DMAE that ironically is contained in some lotions and creams)😔

.Stop Smoking. Smoking does many things to us and our bodies and now add the reduction of collagen and elastin! Smoking interrupts the process of our bodies to produce these, of which our skin needs.

.Reduce Stress. Believe it or not, stress can show up on your skin. Lowering stress helps the body to produce collagen.

.Sleep. Sleep not only revives our body and mind and all of our body systems, but sleep also reduces stress. So instead of housework just take a nap for your skin! LOL😀

Lastly...

.Medications. Ask your doctor what role if any that your medications play on your skin. Medications can have side effects and interactions.

This is now my hard-working hand after the application of lotion. Looks very supple and feels so much better. (you can see I haven't even rubbed it in all the way)

 Lotions And Creams

Look for products that contain anti-aging ingredients that help fight crepey skin. On the label, you may see ingredients like alpha or beta hydroxy, AHA acids in them. They are also called salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and peptides. 

I am not here to endorse a particular product, but there are many "drug store" brands that work tremendously and do not cost hundreds of dollars. I personally have found many that range under $20.00 and even some as low as $9.00. There are plenty of advertisements for this skin condition, one should buy the appropriate lotion/cream for your budget and your lifestyle. 

For more information on Crepey Skin 

go to 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320789

https://www.healthline.com/health/crepey-skin

and for list of top ten lotions

https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-crepey-skin-products

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