The Complete Guide to Crepey Skin

The Complete Guide to Crepey Skin Women Over 50

Crepey skin or old lady arms, you have probably heard people mentioning these two terms, and now, with your 50s just around the corner, you want to know how you can avoid a crepey neck or arms.

Well, you are in the right place. Buckle up as we take you through a comprehensive journey of what crepey skin is, who is at risk of getting in, and how you can keep your skin smooth and glowy over 50 without worrying about crepey skin. 

What is crepey skin?

Crepey skin is one of those skin conditions that develop gradually over time. It is a major concern especially in women as it tends to rob one of their youthful and radiant skin.

The main cause of crepey skin in women over 50 is the loss of two important structural proteins in the body-collagen and elastin.

Collagen is produced naturally by the body. It is an essential protein that helps in the structural development and functioning of our skin, connective tissues, and bones. Collagen gives the skin its strength and elasticity.

Elastin is also produced in the body. It is a stretchy protein that looks like a rubber band so you already have an idea of what it does. Elastin helps the skin tissues stretch and return to their normal structure. When you pinch your skin and it retracts back, that is elastin at work.  

The body abundantly produced both collagen and elastin when we are young. These two proteins help give skin a firm and radiant look. As we age, our bodies slow down the production of collagen and elastin.

When the levels of these two proteins diminish in the body, the skin struggles to hold its firm, plump, and radiant structure. Also, the skin starts to thin out as the production of these important proteins lessens.

What does crepey skin look like?

Crepey skin should not be confused with skin wrinkles. While the two look similar, crepey skin mostly affects the parts of the body that are usually exposed to the sun.

This includes the upper arms, the neck, the eyelids, and the inner thighs.

Also, crepey skin is a lot different from wrinkles because the skin thins out and feels rough and fragile to the touch. In some cases, skin in affected areas will appear saggy as it loses its elasticity. 

While both skin conditions appear when we get older, crepey skin is not necessarily limited to age.

Remember, wrinkles only cause fine lines on the skin while crepey affects the skin's texture as well.

Who gets crepey skin?

Crepey skin is a condition usually associated with people who are over the age of 40. However, clinical signs may begin to show as early as 20 years, especially if you are an avid user of tan beds. Also, people who lose or gain weight rapidly are at risk of developing crepey skin.

Some predisposing factors put you at risk of crepey skin. They include;

• Lack of skin moisture. When the skin lacks moisture it becomes dry and more vulnerable to crepey skin.
• Sun damage- this is the common cause of crepey skin. As the skin thins out with age, the sun’s harmful UV rays penetrate and break down the protein elastin. It leaves the skin saggy, thinner, and crepey.
• Medication- there are medications that thin out the skin leaving it vulnerable to crepey skin. Prednisone is one such medication that will leave the skin vulnerable with prolonged use.
• Rapid weight gain or weight loss- excess weight gain followed by rapid weight loss leaves the skin stretched and thinner.

Can crepey skin be reversed?

It is hard to completely get rid of crepey skin once it sets in. However,  it is possible to reduce the appearance of crepey skin and restore your skin’s radiance using topical and non-invasive skincare solutions. 

Here are ways to slow down or reverse crepey skin in your 50s; in a more natural way. 

Skin firming moisturizers

Skin-firming moisturizers should be first on your list of products you use to reduce the onset of crepey skin. There are plenty of firming moisturizers on the market that promise to firm, smooth, and reduce the signs of aging on your skin. You want to be sure the ingredients in the firming cream you choose will deliver on the promises made.

For instance, Trupure’s Organics No More Crepe Neck and Decolletage Cream is a perfect product for reducing crepey skin on the neck. It contains ingredients like plant-based retinol which boosts collagen production, reduces the free radicals that cause aging, and minimizes wrinkles and fine lines on the neck.

In addition, Trupure’s Decolletage cream acai sterols and apple extracts for increasing moisture levels on the skin and improve skin firmness and thickness as well.

Hydration masks 

Does hydrating reduce crepey skin? It does, and a proven way to increase moisture on your skin is by using hydration masks. Using hydrating masks once or twice a week helps restore moisture on the skin's surface reducing the appearance of fine lines and crepey skin.

You can hydrate your skin using over-the-counter hydration masks or homemade facial masks. A honey-avocado hydrating mask is a perfect way to start or end your day knowing you are giving your skin the essential nutrients for reversing the effects of crepey skin, especially around the eyes.

Antioxidant serums

Antioxidants are powerful compounds that get rid of free radicals that speed up the aging process. The best antioxidant serums contain fruit extracts as their active ingredients. The Trupure Supreme Moisturizer Serum is a perfect example of an antioxidant serum that is safe for women over 50 with crepey skin.

It has avocado peptides, Kakadu plum, barley seed, and white mulberry leaf as active ingredients to plump the skin, soften fine lines, lock in hydration, and guard the skin against damage by harmful free radicals.

Sugar scrubs 

Exfoliating is an important part of skincare, especially when minimizing the effects or onset of crepey skin. Sugar scrubs are a quick and inexpensive way to exfoliate your skin.

Mix granulated sugar (two parts) with one part of avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil then gently scrub the affected areas. The scrub will remove the top dead skin, increase blood circulation and promote skin cell production.

Coffee masks 

The caffeine in coffee contains plenty of antioxidants for reversing skin damage caused by crepey skin.

You can make an easy homemade coffee scrub by mixing ground coffee with a tablespoon of pure yogurt. Massage the coffee scrub on the areas with crepey skin and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.

This scrub triggers the production of new skin cells and replenishes your radiant youthful skin.

Exercise and Diet

Exercise and diet are important for anyone. The two combined can also help mitigate crepey type skin. One great thing to do is to practice yoga to help send stress relief to your brain and body. It also help with blood flow and delivering more oxygen to skin cells.        

Check out our  Learn and Explore page for more tips on how to get rid of crepey skin and keep your skin glowy over 50.