HEALTHY LIVING Fix Your. . . Crepey Skin


WHY YOUR SKIN LOOKS CREPEY Sun damage: Crepey skin is similar to common wrinkles but aff ects larger areas and feels more fragile and thinner. It looks fi nely wrinkled and saggy, much like the crepe paper often used to decorate school events. Its most frequent cause is sun damage. Ultraviolet light in the sun breaks down skin- fi rming elastin and collagen, causing skin to become thin and wrinkled, most


often on the face, neck, arms, and upper chest. Age: Our bodies produce less elastin


and collagen as we age, as well as less oil, which causes skin to become dry, thin, and wrinkled. Most people begin to see crepey skin in their 40s, but it can appear in a person’s 20s if they frequently use tanning beds. Substantial weight fluctuations: Weight


gain can cause skin to stretch and become thinner, and rapid weight loss will often cause the loose skin to appear wrinkled and crepey. Lack of moisture: Dry skin becomes damaged more easily, which can eventually lead to loose, wrinkled skin. Medications: Some medications can


cause thin skin. These include long-term use of topical and oral corticosteroids, aspirin, prescription blood thinners, and nonsteroidal anti-infl ammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil). Poor diet: Diets high in sugar and


refi ned carbohydrates and low in fresh fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of developing crepey skin. Lifestyle: Tobacco, alcohol, pollution,


drug abuse, and a lack of exercise can all contribute to crepey skin. Genetic disorders: Certain rare medical disorders are associated with crepey skin. These include progeria, which causes very rapid aging,


90 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | NOVEMBER 2022


Werner syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.


WHAT TO DO Hydrate: Drinking enough water


hydrates your skin from the inside and helps keep skin from thinning. Experts advise drinking at least eight glasses a day. Guard against sun exposure: Avoid


exposing skin to the sun’s damaging UV rays by staying in the shade when possible, wearing hats and long sleeves, and using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor. Moisturize: Dry skin is more prone to injury, which starts or worsens


crepiness. Choose moisturizers containing ingredients like alpha or beta hydroxy acids (these include salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids) or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients hold moisture and help skin look smoother and plumper.


Consider retinols: Topical creams


containing retinol help thicken collagen and rebuild elasticity, but be aware that retinol can also dry the skin, so it’s important to moisturize.


Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in antioxidants such as carotenoids,


tocopherols, and fl avonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, D, and E will help skin fi ght aging and its accompanying wrinkles.


Drink green tea: Studies have found that drinking green tea — or applying it topically — can help deter UV damage and oxidative stress, both of which can lead to crepey skin.


IF ALL ELSE FAILS


If at-home methods fail, consult a dermatologist, who may recommend laser treatments, ultrasound, or other procedures. If your skin is red and infl amed you may have an infection, so consult your physician. Skin discoloration or a family history of skin cancer are also reasons to see a professional.


SOURCES: WEBMD; HEALTHLINE.COM; CLEVELANDCLINIC.ORG; VERYWELL- HEALTH.COM; MAYOCLINIC.ORG; MED- ICALNEWSTODAY.COM; MINDBODY- GREEN.COM; DERMCOLLECTIVE.COM


Medical Help for Crepey Skin


A


lthough no procedure can


give you back the tight, smooth skin you had in your teens — and crepey skin is one of the most dif icult skin problems to treat — your dermatologist may off er several options. These include fractional laser treatments, ultrasound, and fillers. Fractional laser treatments heat deep layers of skin and encourage the growth of new collagen. Ultrasound uses sound waves to heat tissues beneath the skin to stimulate the growth of collagen. Ultrasound is usually used on the face and neck. Fillers such as Radiesse or Sculptra are injected into the skin and can improve its appearance by stimulating the growth of collagen.


SKIN/EYEPARK©ISTOCK / WOMAN/BYMURATDENIZ©ISTOCK / TREATMENT/ ROBERT KNESCHKE/SHUTTERSTOCK


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