What Is Crepey Skin?
When our skin becomes thinner with age, it tends to get drier, loses its elasticity and starts to feel like crepe paper. Crepey skin is caused by the natural aging process and can occur all over the body, especially in areas of the skin that are subjected to repetitive movements.
Understanding The Causes Of Crepey Skin
Decreasing Collagen
The amount of collagen produced in the body decreases with age. This lack of collagen causes the skin to lose its elasticity and firmness, resulting in crepey skin.
Gravity
Gravity pulling us down over years is also a factor responsible for causing crepey skin.
Exposure To The Sun
Over a period of time, the UV rays of the sun breakdown the elastin and collagen in the body, compounds that are responsible for keeping our skin flexible and taut.
A Diet High In Sugar
When you have a diet high in sugar, a process called glycation occurs which results in the skin’s collagen and elastin becoming weak, discolored and inflexible.
Smoking
Smoking causes premature aging of the skin. And the chemicals in tobacco smoke hinder collagen production in the body contributing to crepey skin.
Repeated Muscle Movements
Parts of the skin that are subjected to constant movements over the years makes the skin in those areas crepey.
Fluctuating Weight
When you gain weight, your skin stretches and this sometimes damages the fibers that hold the skin together. And when you lose weight, the skin isn’t able to snap back completely and leaves behind crepey skin.
Sleeping Positions
Sleeping positions in which your face, neck and shoulders press against the pillow for hours together, can cause crepey skin.
Natural Ways Of Getting Rid Of It
There are many natural and simple ways to reduce and prevent the appearance of crepey skin, before you think of cosmetic solutions and prescription medicines.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Skin which is dry for a long period of time tends to wrinkle and get damaged, eventually leading to the appearance of crepey skin. Keeping yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water through the day, is very important to make sure that your skin is moisturized, supple and elastic.
Vitamin C
Supplements or foods rich in Vitamin C are great ways to prevent and fight crepey skin. Having plenty of Vitamin C can help boost collagen production in the body, which helps tighten the skin and maintain its elasticity.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a great antioxidant and helps destroy free radicals that damage the skin, especially UV ray damage caused by exposure to the sun. Taking Vitamin E orally helps prevent crepey skin and repairs the damage already done by promoting collagen production that firms up the skin and tightens it.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains plenty of Vitamins C, E and B12 and a host of other antioxidants that help reverse the damage caused to the skin and boost collagen production in the skin. This doesn’t just restore damaged skin, but also prevents further damage.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is another great natural remedy that helps repair crepey skin. It is rich in beta carotene, protein lecithin, Vitamins A, D and E, which together keep the skin moisturized and protect it from the damage from UV rays. They also help boost the production of collagen which prevents the skin from getting crepey and keeps the skin supple and flexible.
Rosehip Oil
Cold pressed rosehip seed oil is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. The Vitamin A in it penetrates the skin and forms a protective barrier reducing oxidative damage to the skin. And the Vitamin C boosts collagen production making sure that the skin retains its tightness and elasticity. Both these ingredients together work as a team and prevent the skin from getting crepey.
