How To Get Rid Of Crepey Skin?

Crepey skin is one of the skin issues that appears with age and affects many individuals. It is a skin condition that features thin and wrinkled skin that hangs like crepe paper, mainly found on areas such as the neck, arms, and beneath the eyes.

It is important to know how to get rid of crepey skin to ensure that you do not have to endure a situation where your skin looks old and unhealthy. Here, we will discuss different techniques and procedures at home, as well as those of a professional nature, to treat crepey skin.

What is Crepey Skin?

Crepey skin is skin that has lost its elasticity and has developed wrinkles and sagging resembling that of crepe paper. It differs from other kinds of wrinkles, which are normally deeper and more localised in the dermis; crepey skin is distinguished by finer, more general wrinkling. It commonly occurs in large areas like the neck, underarms, and back of the hands but can also develop on the face and other parts of the body.

Common Areas Affected

• Neck and Décolletage (Skin of these areas is thin and often exposed to the sun, develops crepey texture)
• Arms and Legs (Inner arms and above the knees where the skin is thinner)
• Hands (Skin on the backs of hands becomes crepey due to environmental factors and sun exposure)
• Under Eyes (Skin under the eyes loses its elasticity and smoothness)

Causes of Crepey Skin

• Aging (Skin loses collagen and elastin, that makes it thinner and less resilient)
• Sun Damage (UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin that accelerates the aging process and contributes crepey appearance)
• Dehydration (Lack of moisture makes the skin dry and more susceptible to wrinkling)
• Weight Loss (Results in loose, sagging skin)
• Genetics (Some people are genetically predisposed to developing crepey skin earlier in life)
• Environmental Factors (Environmental pollutants and harsh weather develops crepey skin condition over time)

Preventive Measures

• Moisturizing (Use moisturizers that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides to maintain skin elasticity)
• Retinoids (Using retinoids for skincare promotes cell turnover and collagen production)
• Antioxidants (Use products that contain vitamin C and E to protect the skin from free radical damage)
• Using Sunscreen (Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily)
• Protective Clothing (Always wear long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin from UV rays)
• Seeking Shade (Avoid direct sunlight at peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.))
• Balanced Diet (Consume foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like fish and flaxseed to promote skin elasticity)
• Hydration (Intake excessive water to keep your skin fully hydrated)
• Regular Exercise (Improves blood circulation, which promotes healthy complexion)
• Avoid Smoking (Smoking increases the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which causes crepey skin)

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Crepey Skin

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a very effective natural remedy that can help get rid of crepey skin. It is rich in fatty acids, which deeply moisturise the skin and improve skin elasticity. It contains antioxidants that help protect your skin from free radical damage. The fatty acids in coconut oil increase collagen production.

After taking shower apply coconut oil to the affected areas and gently massage it using circular motions until fully absorbed. For a more intensive treatment you can apply a thick layer of coconut oil to the crepey areas at night before going to bed and rinse off in the morning. By incorporating coconut oil into your skincare routine you can get rid of crepey skin naturally.

Shea Butter

Another natural cure that might assist to get rid of crepey skin is shea butter. Shea butter is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that give a deep moisturising effect and help the skin get fuller. It contains vitamin A and vitamin E, which are essential for skin health and collagen synthesis.

Apply a thick layer of shea butter to the skin that has developed crepe like texture. Rub it gently into the skin in circular movements until it is all absorbed. Always use raw shea butter as it is less processed hence contains more nutrients.

Aloe Vera and Honey Mask

Aloe vera has the property of retaining water which makes it suitable for giving the skin more volume and softness. Honey is a natural moisturizer, it is an effective humectant, which attracts moisture into the skin and retains it.

Take 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Mix both ingredients until you get a smooth mixture and massage the mask into your skin using circular motions. Rinse it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

Avocado and Olive Oil Mask

This avocado and olive oil mask is an excellent remedy to get rid of crepey skin as avocado is rich in healthy fats like oleic acid, which helps moisturise and rejuvenate your skin. It has vitamins like A, D, and E, which help repair the skin and are very important for healthy skin. Olive oil, on the other hand, is an excellent moisturiser that penetrates deep into your skin and keeps it hydrated for a long time.

Take one ripe avocado and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Take one scoop of avocado flesh into a bowl and mash until it becomes a smooth paste. Add the olive oil to the mashed avocado and mix well until it becomes a creamy and smooth paste. Apply this paste to your crepey skin area and leave it on your crepey skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

DIY Exfoliation Using Sugar and Coconut Oil Scrub

Exfoliation is very important to maintain healthy and smooth skin. It eliminates dead cells from your skin, enabling mosturizers deeply penetrate into the skin. Sugar and Coconut Oil Scrub has proved to be an excellent exfoliator remedy to get rid of crepey skin.

Take 1/2 cup of crushed sugar (white or brown) and 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Mix both well in a bowl until you get a grainy mixture, and apply this scrub to the affected areas with crepey skin for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Oatmeal and Honey Scrub

Take 1/2 cup of ground oatmeal, two tablespoons of honey, and two tablespoons of yogurt. Mix all these ingredients in a bowl until you get a thick paste. Gently massage this scrub into your affected crepey skin for a few minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water and apply a mosturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Sea Salt and Almond Oil Scrub

Take 1/2 cup of fine sea salt and 1/4 cup of almond oil. Mix both ingredients in a bowl until you get a gritty paste. Apply this scrub to the crepey skin areas by gently massaging in circular motions for 4 to 5 minutes, then rinse it off and pat your skin dry. Always use a moisturiser after using any scrub to keep your skin hydrated.

Note: Avoid over-exfoliating, as it can damage the skin barrier. Exfoliate only 1 to 2 times a week.

Over-the-Counter Products to Get Rid of Crepey Skin

OTC products are very helpful in treating crepey skin, as they help in hydrating the skin, stimulating the production of collagen, and firming up the skin. Here are some key products you can use to get rid of crepey skin:

• Retinol Creams (Derivative of vitamin A, promotes collagen production)
• Hyaluronic Acid Serums (A powerful humectant helps in attracting and retaining skin moisture)
• Peptide Creams (Amino acids that encourage collagen production and skin elasticity)
• Glycolic Acid Exfoliants (An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), helps remove dead skin cells)
• Vitamin C Serums (Protects the skin from free radical damage)
• Ceramide Creams (Helps restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier)
• Sunscreen (Protects the skin from harmful UV rays)

Lifestyle Changes for Long-term Improvement to Get Rid of Crepey Skin

Here are some lifestyle-changing suggestions you can incorporate into your daily routine to get rid of crepey skin. Consistency and a holistic approach are key to achieving long-term results.

• Maintain a healthy diet. (Consume a diet rich in Vitamin C (present in citrus fruits), E (present in nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables), Omega-3 Fatty Acids (present in salmon and mackerel, flaxseeds, and walnuts), and protein (found in lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and legumes).
• Stay Hydrated (drink at least 8 glasses of water per day and consume water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and celery).
• Exercise regularly (it boosts blood circulation, and sweating helps remove toxins from the body).
• Protect Your Skin from the Sun (Use sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays to prevent the ageing process and crepey skin formation).
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol (Smoking breaks down collagen and elastin, and alcohol dehydrates the skin).
• Manage stress (practice mindfulness and meditation; get adequate sleep 7-9 hours daily to support skin regeneration).

Conclusion

To achieve and maintain smooth skin, you need a multifaceted approach that addresses both immediate and long-term needs. To get rid of crepey skin effectively, it’s important to combine various strategies like home remedies, DIY exfoliation, OTC products, and lifestyle changes. By incorporating these methods into your daily skincare routine, you can effectively get rid of crepey skin and achieve a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance. Remember, consistency and a holistic approach are key to seeing noticeable and lasting results.