A survey of 2,000 American women aged 35 and up revealed that 72 percent are concerned about their skin’s appearance. These women also said that their skin affects their confidence, and 55 percent said their insecurities cause them to cover their bodies.
One of the most common sources of skin insecurity is creping. Crepey skin is thin and features lots of fine lines and small wrinkles. It resembles crepe paper (the kind that’s often used for streamers and other party decorations).
You're in the right place if you’re struggling with crepey skin. Discover some healthy habits that will improve your skin’s appearance below.
What Causes Crepey Skin?
Crepey skin results from several issues, including age, changes in hormone levels (estrogen contributes to skin moisture and declines as women get older and go through menopause), and dehydration. Weight loss and tobacco use can also cause wrinkles.
Despite the numerous causes, dermatologists generally agree that excessive sun exposure is one of the most common reasons for crepey skin.
Prolonged sun exposure doesn’t just cause sunburns and dark spots. It also speeds up skin aging and causes more fine lines and wrinkles to develop.
If you spend too much time in the sun (especially without proper protection), UV rays will damage your skin cells. This damage makes it harder for your skin to retain moisture, creating dryness and increasing your chances of developing wrinkles.
UV rays also break down collagen and elastin — proteins that interfere with moisture retention and make your skin look less taut.
How to Improve Crepey Skin
The good news is that there are many ways to improve crepey skin's appearance.
Even if you spent a little (or a lot) too much time in the sun in your youth, you can start developing healthy habits now that combat fine lines and wrinkles.
Here are some of the best habits to implement today:
Apply Lotion or Cream Daily
The drier your skin is (whether the dryness is hormone-induced or the result of excessive sun exposure), the more likely you are to deal with creping.
To prevent creping from worsening and improve your skin’s appearance, apply high-quality face lotion or cream daily. For the best results, look for products that contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, castor oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E.
Apply your lotion or cream after washing your face and while your skin is still damp. This practice helps to trap moisture and make your skin look more youthful.
Add Serum for Extra Moisture
Before you apply moisturizer, you may want to use a serum.
Serums are concentrated skincare products that smooth and firm the skin while minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They often contain beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and retinol.
Applying moisturizer after serum helps to lock in additional hydration, which may make your creping less visible. It also helps to prevent more wrinkles and fine lines from forming.
Stay Hydrated
You can also minimize your skin’s dryness by drinking plenty of water. Promote and prioritize hydration by drinking water consistently throughout the day.
If you struggle to remember to drink water, use an app or set alarms on your phone. You can also add flavor or electrolyte powder to improve your water’s taste and make it easier to consume.
Cleanse Gently
Resist the urge to scrub your skin with harsh cleansing products or rough washcloths. Use a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove makeup, pollutants, and other substances that irritate your skin and contribute to cellular damage associated with wrinkling.
Stop Using Irritating Skin Products
Stop using products that cause your skin to burn, turn red, itch, or experience other forms of irritation.
The burn likely doesn’t mean it’s working. The burn probably means the product is too harsh and is damaging your skin (making your wrinkles more prominent and contributing to other signs of aging).
How to Prevent Crepey Skin
Along with the habits listed above, you can also implement other practices that prevent crepey skin from developing (or prevent it from getting worse). These habits are also helpful for your skin and overall health:
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, stop. Not only does smoking wreak havoc on your lungs and other internal organs, but it’s also hard on your body’s largest organ — the skin.
Smoking speeds up the aging process and can interfere with natural repair processes, including those meant to repair skin damage.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A nutritious diet loaded with fruits, vegetables, and other sources of antioxidants is great for your skin.
Antioxidants combat cellular damage (including skin cell damage) caused by free radicals. They also support your immune system and help you reduce your chances of getting sick.
Use Self-Tanner
Many people feel more confident with a sun-kissed glow. Remember, though, that you can get that without baking in the sun.
If you want a tan, use a self-tanning lotion or get a spray tan. You’ll look just as good — if not better since you won’t have funky tan lines.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise promotes healthy blood flow (circulation). Better circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, supporting faster healing and repair while also helping your skin look more youthful.
Combat Crepey Skin Today
Crepey skin can be frustrating and cause you to feel insecure. However, it’s not too late to change your habits to combat creping and prevent it from worsening.
Start incorporating the habits discussed in this guide into your daily routines. Proper hydration (inside and out), a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or laying out in the sun will help you look and feel your best.
Don’t forget to level up your skincare products, too. Quality moisturizers and serums will provide your skin with beneficial ingredients and produce the most noticeable results.
Need to revamp your skincare routine? Hygieia Skin Care is specially designed to reduce the appearance of creping and help you transcend time.
Check out our full line of repair and prevention products today.