Best professional treatments for reducing crepey skin
Aging is beautiful, but it also sparks some changes you may not be ready for, like fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin. Firm but supple skin is one of the many gifts of youth that we don’t appreciate at the time but yearn for later. Skin becomes drier, thinner, looser, and less elastic with age. In some people, these changes eventually give the skin the wrinkled look of crepe paper.
What is crepey skin?
Crepey skin is a condition where the skin becomes thin, loose, and finely wrinkled, resembling the texture of crepe paper. This skin texture often develops with age due to decreased collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for skin firmness and elasticity. Crepey skin can appear anywhere on the body but is most commonly seen in areas like the neck, under the eyes, arms, and hands. Crepey skin is most common under the eyes and on the inner parts of the upper arms.
Causes of crepey skin
The ultraviolet light in the sun’s rays breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin, helping it stay tight and wrinkle-free. Once these fibers break down, the skin can loosen, thin, and wrinkle.
Age is also a factor. As we age, the body produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm, thick, and elastic. This natural decline causes skin to lose its structure, leading to thinning and a crepey texture.
Dry skin causes crepey skin. Skin that lacks adequate moisture becomes more prone to wrinkling and fine lines. Chronic dryness can lead to skin that looks thin and loose, contributing to a crepey texture.
Weight fluctuations repeatedly stretch and contract the skin, which can lead to a loss of elasticity over time, especially if the skin does not have enough collagen to bounce back.
Smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can contribute to early skin aging. Smoking, in particular, reduces blood flow to the skin and damages collagen and elastin, while poor nutrition and lack of hydration make skin more vulnerable to damage.
Some people are more genetically predisposed to developing crepey skin, especially if they have a family history of skin aging issues.
As you age, your skin produces less oil than it did when you were younger. These oils create an important lipid barrier that protects your skin and helps seal in moisture. Hormonal changes can also lead to drier skin and less natural oil production.
Top non-surgical treatments to combat crepey skin
Microneedling
Microneedling is an effective non-surgical treatment for improving the appearance of crepey skin. This procedure involves using a device with tiny, fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing process, leading to increased collagen and elastin production—two proteins essential for firm, smooth skin. Over time, this boost in collagen and elastin helps to thicken and tighten skin, reducing the crepey texture and improving overall skin tone and elasticity.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that leverages the body’s healing factors to improve the appearance of crepey skin. In PRP therapy, a small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn and then processed to concentrate the platelets, which are rich in growth factors. This platelet-rich plasma is then injected into crepey areas, where it stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping to thicken and rejuvenate the skin. PRP injections encourage the body to produce more collagen, which strengthens and thickens the skin, making it appear firmer and less wrinkled.
Chemical peels for crepey skin
Chemical peels are an effective, non-invasive treatment for improving crepey skin. By applying a chemical solution to the skin, chemical peels exfoliate the outer layer, removing dead skin cells and promoting new cell growth. This process encourages collagen production, which helps firm and smooth loose skin. The exfoliation from chemical peels triggers the skin’s healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This improves skin structure, making it firmer and less prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels come in different strengths—light, medium, and deep—each suited for different skin depths and textures, making them versatile for a range of skin concerns.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical option for treating loose skin, offering immediate plumping and smoothing effects. By injecting a gel-like substance (usually hyaluronic acid) beneath the skin, dermal fillers restore volume to areas that have become thin and loose, improving the appearance of loose skin. Dermal fillers add volume under the skin, filling in areas that have thinned or become wrinkled over time, thus making crepey skin appear smoother and firmer. This treatment is ideal for individuals who want a quick, minimally invasive solution to firm and rejuvenate the skin.
PDO threads for crepey skin
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment designed to lift and tighten skin, making them an effective option for addressing crepey skin. These absorbable threads are inserted into the skin using a thin needle, creating a scaffolding effect that provides immediate lift and promotes collagen production over time. This non-invasive procedure can help improve skin texture and firmness, providing a youthful and rejuvenated appearance without the need for surgical intervention.
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 is a powerful tool for treating crepey skin, providing both immediate tightening and long-term collagen stimulation. By delivering RF energy through microneedles, Morpheus8 penetrates deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This helps to improve skin elasticity and firmness, reducing the appearance of loose skin over time. This non-invasive treatment offers a safe and effective way to achieve smoother, firmer skin, making it an excellent option for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance without surgery.
Each treatment has unique benefits, from stimulating collagen production to providing immediate tightening effects, allowing for a customized approach tailored to individual needs and skin conditions. By adopting a comprehensive skincare regimen that includes preventive measures, such as sun protection and hydration, alongside professional treatments, individuals can achieve smoother, firmer skin and enhance their overall appearance.
