Crepey Skin: Treatments, Causes, & Prevention Tips
Time can be unkind to our skin and leave it thin, wrinkled, and crepey. Ageing is natural, but its visible signs don’t have to be permanent. Fine lines and wrinkles are a common concern.
But what causes them, and how can we soften their appearance? We’ll explore the causes of crepey skin, recommend professional treatments, and simple prevention tips to follow.
What Causes Crepey Skin?
Crepey skin appears in a thin, delicate texture, often likened to crinkled tissue paper. It appears on areas exposed to the elements and frequent movement, such as the face, neck, chest, and arms.
Several factors trigger this change in the skin’s appearance, such as:
Age: As we gracefully journey through life, the skin reduces its production of collagen and elastin which are essential to keeping it firm and elastic. The gradual decline of production leads to thinner, more delicate skin which is prone to that crepe-like texture.
Excessive sun exposure: Anyone loves a good soak under the sun now and again, but UV rays are a major contributor to premature ageing. UV rays affect the skin’s production of collagen and elastin fibres and further accelerate the formation of crepey skin.
Lifestyle and other factors: Lifestyle choices also play a role:
Smoking: Smoking raises the levels of enzymes called MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), which break down collagen, elastin, and other vital components of the skin’s structure.
This leads to a loss of firmness and elasticity. Additionally, the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke produce reactive oxygen species which even damage your skin and speed up the ageing process.
Dehydration: Water is vital in maintaining skin plumpness and elasticity. When we are dehydrated, our skin loses moisture and becomes less supple which can make those fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable over time. Research suggests aiming for at least 2 litres a day can make a difference in skin hydration
Rapid weight loss: Dynamic weight loss can sometimes leave the skin struggling to keep up.
As the study Image Analyzer Study of the Skin in Patients With Morbid Obesity and Massive Weight Loss indicates, significant weight loss can lead to a thinner outer layer of skin with more wrinkles and creases.
This, coupled with losing fat and muscle that normally supports the skin, can contribute to that crepey, sagging appearance. The skin’s structure weakens and loses its ability to bounce back, leading to a loss in firmness and smooth texture.
Genetics: Research has also shed light on how genetic variations affect skin health. Specific gene variations can affect our skin’s natural defences against environmental damage, ability to retain moisture, and even the production of collagen and elastin.
Treatment Options For Crepey Skin
Topical creams and lotions can help with mild cases of crepey skin, but if you want to achieve significant improvement, professional treatments might be your best bet.
Here are some of the most effective options available:
BBL SkinTyte
BBL SkinTyte uses broadband light to gently heat the skin’s deep layers and facilitate collagen production and tissue tightening. This results in a noticeable improvement in skin laxity and reduces the prominence of crepey skin.
During a session, a specialised handpiece delivers pulses of BBL energy to the targeted area which could be on the face, neck, chest, decollete, arms, legs, back, abdomen, or buttocks.
The energy heats the underlying tissues and triggers the body’s natural healing (basically, the skin is repairing itself). The process gradually tightens and smoothens the area.
Fractional RF
Fractional RF combines radiofrequency (RF) energy and Skin Needling (Microneedling) to deliver dramatic skin tightening, rejuvenation, and collagen production.
Microneedling can help improve a wide variety of concerns, not just limited to crepey skin: sun damage, acne scars, and stretch marks.
In Fractional RF, a handpiece delivers tiny RF energy pulses into the target area. This process creates microscopic channels in the skin and triggers a natural healing response.
Skin Needling
Skin Needling, or collagen induction therapy is minimally invasive and can effectively treat various skin concerns like crepey skin.
The process works by creating micro-injuries in the skin, triggering your skin to repair and renew itself, resulting in a smoother, firmer, and more youthful complexion.
Laser Skin Tightening
This treatment is a bit similar to Fractional RF, but it uses laser technology instead. It utilises infrared light to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin (the reticular dermis) where collagen and elastin reside.
It results in a noticeable improvement in skin laxity and lessening the appearance of crepey skin.
Like Fractional RF, Laser Skin Tightening is non-invasive, can treat sagging skin on various parts of the body, and is quick and comfortable with minimal downtime.
How To Prevent Crepey Skin
Some degree of ageing skin is inevitable, but you can take steps to delay the onset and minimise the severity of crepey skin.
Adopting a few simple habits can help protect your skin’s health and keep it youthful-looking:
Shield your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, and don't forget to reapply regularly, even on cloudy days.
Keep your skin hydrated and supple by applying a good quality moisturiser regularly, especially after cleansing or showering. This helps to keep the moisture in, prevent dryness, and promote your skin’s natural elasticity.
Avoid harsh soaps and cleaners which contain irritating ingredients like sulphates, fragrances, and alcohol. These may strip your skin of natural oils and disrupt its protective barrier. Choose gentle, hydrating cleansers that address most of the skin concerns you’re facing.
Lessen smoking and alcohol consumption as these habits can dehydrate the skin, deplete essential nutrients, and contribute to premature ageing.
Crepey skin is a common concern, but knowing its causes and treatment options can help you take control of your skin’s journey.
If you seek to address existing concerns or proactively prevent future signs of ageing, our expert team of medical professionals at Laser Clinics Australia will craft a Tailored Treatment Plan to help you achieve your skin goals.
Ready to take your next step? Book your complimentary consultation today and let’s discuss effective professional solutions for your skin ageing concerns.