What causes crepey skin?

Crepey skin is one of those aging things that seem to appear overnight, even though we know it takes years to happen. It shows up under our eyes, on our neck, chest (decollete), and even on our arms. 

Crepey skin is different than muscle controlled wrinkled skin (fine lines we get when we smile for example). It's thin skin that is often soft and pliable. It can appear after significant weight loss. Medications are another potential cause of crepey skin, such as long-term prednisone use.

We may start to notice this crepiness in our late 40's due to collagen depletion. While loss of collagen is normal as we grow older, there are lifestyles and behaviors that can contribute.

For example, sun damage (especially if you have fair skin), smoking, and drinking alcohol can all accelerate the reduction of collagen and elastin--proteins in our skin that normally keep it smooth and taut.

What can we do to help prevent crepey skin?

Our skin produces less oil as we age, making it vital that we moisturize daily. Dry skin just naturally looks more crepey. Sun protection is crucial. SPF 50 in a daytime moisturizer is a must! If you're in the sun for any length of time, it must be reapplied every 90 minutes--I know, none of us like this, but it provides maximum protection.

Skin that is very sun damaged or aged will benefit from products with super star ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, or peptides. When included in skin care products, these ingredients can help encourage new cell growth and slough off dead or damaged cells. Lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid can also help to moisturize the skin and improve the skin’s appearance too.

What are Peptides-Will they help?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids and tiny building blocks of protein that help stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and keratin to improve your skin’s elasticity, strength and ‘bounce’. Skin that’s chronically peptide-deficient, can end up being dry, dehydrated and wrinkled. And when skin proteins break down, well, that’s when sagging skin begins.

Retinol for Crepey skin?  Not all Retinol is created equal

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that can help to boost collagen production (to help reduce fine lines and crepey looking skin), reduce collagen breakdown, speed up sluggish cell turnover, even out skin discolouration, normalize your skin’s barrier function, and smooth your crepey-looking complexion.

Beware!While retinol is one of the very best --and proven--perfect-aging ingredients, prescription-strength retinol can be very drying and irritating -especially to sensitive skin. Look for skincare products that contain retinol along with other moisture replenishing ingredients.

One of the best ingredients for building up dry, crepey skin is hyaluronic acid. It's a moisture/water binder and can help restore the skin's elasticity and thicken collagen. 

Other treatments for crepey skin 

Fillers - A filling agent like Radiesse or Sculptra can improve the appearance, texture, and thickness of crepey skin. These agents are injected into your skin to stimulate the growth of collagen. Approximate cost: $600-$1000 per syringe. Results last up to 10 months.

Fractional laser treatment (Fraxel) - A treatment that uses lasers to heat up small areas under your skin and encourages the growth of new collagen. This helps to support your skin and smooth out wrinkling from the inside out. Crepey skin around the eyes responds well to Fraxel treatments. Approximate cost: $1500 per treatment. You can expect to require multiple treatments for best results.

Parisian's Pure Indulgence recommends either our Bliss Peptide Serum for Neck and Decollete and/or our Retinol Plus Perfecting Infusion for crepey skin. The beauty of our Retinol Plus is the addition of Hyaluronic Acid. Even the most sensitive skin will not experience irritation or drying from the retinol. Why? The moisture binding addition of Hyaluronic Acid.

Our Bliss Peptide Serum packs a powerful punch of collagen supporting peptides. Support your skin’s natural production of structural proteins to improve the skin integrity and appearance of sagging skin.