As we age, our skin starts to change and age with us, and the results can sometimes be less than desirable. Crepey, thinning skin is one example of this, and many women are constantly looking for solutions to this all-too-common problem.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take; and we have put together some common fixes to help improve the texture and appearance of crepey skin – read on to enjoy smooth, even, and crepe-free skin in no time.
What Is Crepey Skin?
Crepey skin occurs when the collagen fibers within your skin start to break down. This causes a loss of elasticity and a general sagging effect. The result is an uneven texture and oftentimes, a very unattractive look.
While most people will experience crepey skin at some point in their lives, it’s not uncommon for those who are over 40 years old to suffer from the condition.
Causes Of Crepey Skin
There are several factors that contribute to the formation of crepey skin, and these include:
Age
As we grow older, our bodies begin to lose collagen, which leads to wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Hormone Changes
During perimenopause and menopause, hormone levels fluctuate, causing the body to produce fewer hormones. These fluctuations cause the skin to become thinner and more fragile.
Sun Damage
Sun exposure can lead to premature aging and wrinkling.
Stress
Stress has been shown to increase the production of cortisol, which increases the breakdown of collagen.
Smoking
Smoking has been linked to increased rates of skin cancer, so if you smoke, quitting may be beneficial.
Diet
Eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can also contribute to the development of crepey skin because they promote inflammation.
How To Treat Crepey Skin
While crepey skin isn’t something that anyone wants to deal with, there are things that you can do to treat the issue. Here are some simple tips to get rid of crepey skin once and for all:
Drink Lots Of Water
Drinking enough water is essential for keeping your skin looking its best. Your skin needs moisture to stay supple and smooth, and drinking 8 glasses of water per day will ensure that your skin stays hydrated throughout the day.
Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated, which prevents dryness and flaking, as well as helping to flush out any toxins in the body.
If you don’t drink enough water, your skin may become dehydrated, causing dryness andflaking, and making wrinkles and thin patches appear more prominent.
To make sure you’re staying properly hydrated, keep a bottle of water with you during the day and get into the habit of sipping little and often to keep your hydration levels up.
This is one of the most important steps that you can take to improve the texture and quality of your skin; staying hydrated will make a big difference, improving your cell turnover and helping skin appear plump and youthful.
Wear Plenty Of Sunscreens
The best way to protect yourself against the harmful effects of the sun, and the damage that can result in crepey skin, is to wear sunscreen every day.
Sunscreen should always be applied 15 minutes before going outside and reapplied after swimming or sweating. Make sure that you use a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, as well as a moisturizer that contains antioxidants like vitamin E.
Antioxidants protect your skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays.
Use Gentle Exfoliators
Exfoliating gently removes dead cells and debris from your skin, leaving behind smoother, softer skin. You can find gentle exfoliators at any drugstore or beauty supply store.
Gently slough off dead skin cells using a soft brush or washcloth, then apply a good amount of moisturizing lotion.
Eat Foods Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s have been shown to help prevent the thinning of collagen fibers, which results in crepey skin.
Foods such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and walnuts contain large amounts of omega-3s, so adding them to your daily diet could help reduce the appearance of crepey skin on your face.
Get Regular Facials
Regular facials are an effective way to remove impurities from your pores and stimulate circulation. They also help to improve the overall health of your skin, making it look healthier and younger.
Facial treatments can include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and other procedures designed to rejuvenate your skin.
Exercise Regularly
Aerobic exercise helps build muscle tissue, which improves blood flow and stimulates new cell growth. As a result, your body produces more collagen, which makes your skin look firmer and less wrinkled.
Regular exercise can also help to improve muscle tone, and this has the added bonus of helping you look more firm and toned all over – including in the face.
Avoid Stress
Stress can cause your body to produce excess cortisol, which leads to increased oil production and clogged pores.
In addition, stress causes your body to release adrenaline, which promotes the breakdown of collagen, resulting in thinner skin.
Try to avoid situations where you feel stressed, and if you’re feeling particularly tense, try taking some deep breaths and relaxing for 5 minutes each day. Regular practices such as yoga and meditation can also really help with reducing your stress levels.
Don’t smoke
Smoking damages the elasticity of your skin, leading to wrinkles and fine lines.
It’s also linked to premature aging, so even if you only light up occasionally, quitting smoking now can help you maintain a youthful appearance later in life, and improve the overall quality not only of your skin but your general health.
Can certain proteins help crepey skin? Check out this article.
Final Thoughts
Crepey skin does not have to be the end of the world; there are a number of changes and techniques that you can make to reduce the chances of crepey skin from developing and to reduce the appearance of this if you do discover it on your body.
Without top tips, you will be enjoying smooth, plump, and youthful skin in no time!
