Causes of Crepey Skin
Youthful skin looks smooth and firm because it has an abundance of two things: collagen and elastin. Collagen is the protein the gives skin a firm foundation. This protein heals wounds and forms the basis for resilient tissue. Elastin is a chemical that helps the skin hold its shape after compression or stretching. For example, elastin is what enables your skin to look smooth soon after you’ve woken up with creases from a long night against your pillow. As we age, collagen and elastin get depleted because the body does not make as much of these chemicals as it once did. But is aging the only reason for crepey skin? No. The skin can become thin and saggy as a result of sun exposure, dehydration, and weight loss.
Preventing Crepey Skin
We cannot stop the body from aging. We can, however, support it when we understand its needs. For resilient, supple skin, it is important to:
- Avoid sun damage. Do this by wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, rain or shine. Also, on sunny days, apply sunscreen every two hours and wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat.
- Moisturize well. It is important to use a moisturizer that is right for your skin, and also for the season. In the winter, we need richer, more emollient products. As we age, we need stronger ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hold moisture in.
- Hydrate. We must not let the body get dehydrated if we wish to have healthy, smooth skin.
- Eat for beauty. Collagen is available in various foods, such as egg whites, fish, chicken, and bone broth. Collagen supplements may also help offset the depletion that occurs with age.
Treating Crepey Skin
If you’re reading this, you may be starting to notice crepey skin somewhere on your body. We can help. Our experienced staff can help you find the right medical-grade skincare for your needs. We also offer surgical and nonsurgical services to tighten loose, aging skin. Call our Reno office at (775) 826-4477 to schedule your visit.