The weather is getting warmer and necklines are getting lower. It is this time of year when I get a lot of clients coming to me with concerns about crepey skin. There are so many ways we can treat this type of skin wherever it is on the body. I am here to help you achieve that smooth, youthful look we all want!
What is crepey skin?
Crepey skin describes skin that looks thin and crinkled, like crepe paper. It's different from wrinkles and fine lines.
While it can occur alongside them, crepey skin refers more to the overall texture and feel.
Imagine delicate, paper-like skin with lines that become more noticeable when you move or stretch it. This might also be accompanied by some sagging.
Where does crepey skin appear?
Crepey skin tends to show up on areas where your skin is naturally thinner. This is why you might see it most often on your neck, chest, underarms, and hands. But it's not limited to these areas - it can occur anywhere on your body.
What causes crepey skin?
Several factors contribute to crepey skin:
Ageing: As we get older, our skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin. These proteins are like the building blocks that keep your skin firm and plump. With less of them, skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner, leading to crepey texture.
Sun Damage: Sun exposure is a big culprit behind crepey skin. Ultraviolet (UV) rays break down collagen and elastin fibers, accelerating the ageing process and making skin more prone to crepiness.
Genetics: If your family members have crepey skin, you're more likely to develop it too. Genes play a role in how your skin ages and maintains its structure.
Lifestyle Habits: Dehydration can worsen crepey skin by reducing elasticity. Smoking also damages skin health overall, contributing to visible signs of ageing like crepiness.
Can skincare improve crepey skin?
Absolutely! Here are some key strategies:
Sun protection is your best friend: UV rays are a major cause of crepey skin. Make a broad-spectrum sunscreen your daily essential, especially on areas prone to crepey texture like your neck and hands.
Moisturise regularly: Hydrated skin is plumper skin. Look for moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid that attract and retain moisture.
Consider age-defying ingredients: Retinoids and peptides are powerful ingredients that can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin firmness.
Exfoliate for a smoother look: Uneven texture can make crepey skin appear worse. Chemical exfoliants with AHAs can gently buff away dead skin cells and promote smoother skin texture.
Remember, consistency is key! While these strategies won't completely eliminate crepey skin, they can significantly improve its appearance.
Beyond Skincare: Treatments for Crepey Skin
While skincare can significantly improve the appearance of crepey skin, there are also in-clinic treatments that offer more dramatic results:
Radiofrequency (RF): RF devices use radio waves to deliver heat to the deeper layers of your skin. This heat stimulates collagen and elastin production, leading to tighter, firmer skin and a noticeable reduction in crepey texture.
Microneedling creates controlled tiny wounds in the skin.
This triggers the body's healing response, boosting collagen and elastin production.
Collagen and elastin are proteins that give skin its plumpness and elasticity.
Increased collagen and elastin help thicken and tighten crepey skin, reducing its thin, wrinkled
appearance.
Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve applying a controlled solution to the skin's surface. This solution removes dead skin cells and triggers collagen production, resulting in a smoother, more even texture. Chemical peels can be particularly beneficial for crepey skin that's also rough or uneven.
Injectable Moisturisers: Skin Boosters act like a deep hydration treatment for your skin. They plump and smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of crepey texture and fine lines. While currently used mainly on the face, injectable moisturisers can be be used for crepey hands and necks as well.
LED Phototherapy: This treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity. Red light therapy, for example, is believed to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity, potentially reducing the appearance of crepey texture.
Crepey skin can be frustrating, but there are effective solutions! Remember, you deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. If you'd like to discuss a personalised treatment plan for smoother, tighter skin, don't hesitate to message me.
I'm here to answer your questions and help you achieve your skincare goals.
Contact me for a consultation today!
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