How to Treat Crepey Skin

If youā€™re anything like me, youā€™ve got or are getting some crepey skin. It’s that thin papery looking skin that resembles crepe paper. We needn’t feel singled out because everyone gets it, even the fittest among us. If you doubt me just look at the back of their elbow.

My laptop keeps trying to autocorrect crepey to creepy….it knows!

Iā€™ve been going to the gym and yoga class to get in better shape but know that wonā€™t do much to help treat my crepey skin so I set out to learn more.

What causes crepey skin?

Unlike wrinkles which are often caused by repetitive motions, crepey skin is caused by:

  • the lower production of collagen and elastin as we age.

 

  • frequent or large weight gain and loss. Yo-yo dieting.

 

  • loss of moisture both externally and externally.

 

  • UV damage to our collagen from years of overexposure to the sun or tanning beds.

 

How can we treat crepey skin?

  • If yours is severe from losing a lot of weight, surgery is your best option but comes with risks. Check with your regular doctor then see a board certified plastic surgeon.

 

  • Radio-frequency, laser, and ultrasoundĀ treatments are available to help. Again, check with your doctor and do your research.

 

  • Drink lots more fluids to hydrate from the inside out.

 

  • Add weights to your exercise routine which builds muscle and helps to fill out some of the skin. Remember this can only do so much so donā€™t be discouraged.

 

  • Make body lotion a twice-daily ritual. I’ve always done this so I am switching up my lotions and trying the AHA’s.

What’s the best lotion for crepey skin?

Look for highly-emollient formulas that contain cocoa butter, shea butter or hyaluronic acid which draw moisture into the skin and trap it there.

Lotions with alpha hydroxy, salicylic, and/or glycolic acids have shown to increase hydration because they alsoĀ exfoliateĀ the top dead layers of the skin. AmLactin is a popular one as isĀ Eucerin. These and readily available in most drug stores and supermarkets. If you’re like me and prefer a cruelty-free option, this Paula’s Choice Resist and Beauty Without CrueltyĀ are quite popular. I have ordered both and will update you after a few weeks.

 

How are you combating crepey skin and do you have any great tips to share with us?

Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.

21 Comments

  1. Paulette Levy says:

    Other than my one pair of frameless glasses ( I have framed too?) Iā€™m pretty much on target with your advice. I live amlactin fir my dry skin but freest upper arms continue. Iā€™ll up my weights next- hope for some results! Thanks for your great newsy post today!

    1. I have frameless ones too, but I usually just wear them at home. They’re so much more comfy on my nose:)

  2. Thanks for this post. Exactly the information I was looking for!

  3. I bought an all over lacey white shirt jacket like Jennifer had on this summer in one of her photos and love it! Itā€™s perfect for air conditioned offices. I wear a black tank top and black comfort jogging pants with it. Looks dressy but not too and itā€™s perfect for summer into fall.

  4. Kim Vardas says:

    Iā€™m busy fighting crepey skin. My dermatologist recommended Amlactin (for my face), so I tried it. Didnā€™t care for it on my face and didnā€™t notice any difference for dry skin. It also has mineral oil, which I try to avoid. I like the ceramides in Eucerin Advance Repair, which worked Well on my body but made my hand eczema itch. I found Crepe Erase at TJMAXX for $5.00 so I took a chance. Not impressed šŸ˜¢. Itā€™s a constant search for products that work, arenā€™t cost prohibitive, donā€™t hurt animals and are free from harmless ingredients. Looking forward to hearing your opinion on Paulaā€™s Choice.

  5. Paulette Levy says:

    Oh. This discussion hurts…I’m so guilty. Dated makeup (I think), dated shoes, frameless eyeglasses (and very expensive), crepey upper arms though I do moisturize and work out and drink lots if water. (kidney stones). I’m stuck.
    I keep my gaur modern, my outlook is fairly good though I miss my three classes at the Senior/community center which has closed until…not sure when….?
    Sephora is open near us but not doing testing of any type. I need makeup advice…..won’t be soon I guess.

  6. Thanks for addressing this problem! I have noticed this on my lower arms and it is driving me crazy. I will try the Paula’s Choice Resist as I have had no luck with Eucerin or Clarins products. I hope to get my dry skin under control before the weather gets cold and my skin really dries out.

    1. Mine is always worse in the cold weather too. I hope it helps

  7. Yes, truly one of those things that comes whether we’re in excellent shape or not! I remember looking at a photo of myself last year, putting on some earrings that some of our tour guests had given me and thinking UGH – look at my lower arms – almost stripey! Not a pleasant surprise! Oh well – the rest of me looks pretty good – by this age we’ve learned how to dress to complement the good parts and diminish the less attractive šŸ˜‰

    1. Stripey describes my underarms pretty well. Luckily I can hide that most of the time but now my hands are getting it so Iā€™m hoping these creams will help.

  8. I’ve seen a huge difference in my skin since taking oral collagen. My favorite is Elavonne Amino Collagen C with Hyaluronic Acid, which is available on Amazon. I used to have to constantly buff and moisturize my dry, cracked heels, but now they’re smooth and soft with no treatment at all. If you try other brands of collagen, I recommend adding the vitamin C and hyaluronic acid; they work synergistically on the skin. I still have some crepey skin, but less of it.

    1. Thanks for the tip Terry! I used to take collagen chews but my market stopped carrying it. Iā€™ll check this out!

  9. Heidi Baggett says:

    Hello!
    Thanks for this informative and timely post. I don’t have tips to share, but I can attest to Paula’s Choice products as I’ve used this line for several years. I would quit and try another line, but always found myself going back to her products because they work. I look forward to your update on these product lines!

    1. Thanks Heidi. Another vote for Paulaā€™s Choice! Iā€™ve never used any of her products but their price point is great so I think Iā€™ll try more of them.

  10. I started to use a lavender salt scrub in the shower, from Trader Joe’s which moisturizes. Saw a big difference.

    1. Exfoliation is so important! I just also got a Japanese wash cloth which is working pretty well

  11. I use both the Paula’s Choice(my favorite skincare line) and the Eucerin lotion you mentioned above. I alternate days. I’ve also used and enjoyed the Alpha Skincare Revitalizing Body Lotion with AHA.

  12. Cathy Goodman says:

    I have started wearing more 3/4 sleeve tops or layering little shrugs and light sweaters. I think this strategy will be easier in Fall.

      1. marilyn ackerman says:

        Whatever works, right. At 76 I am conscious of the skin looking like it has lost moisture, so I am slathering on cream AM and PM

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