Crepey Skin: Treatment and Prevention
What is Crepey Skin
Revive and Shine: Medicat Aesthetics in North Somerset
Crepey skin is a term used to describe skin that becomes thin, loose, and finely wrinkled, resembling the texture of crepe paper. It often appears on areas like the upper arms, under the eyes, on the neck, or on the décolletage. Unlike regular wrinkles, which are deeper and more pronounced, crepey skin has a fragile and crinkled look, often accompanied by sagging.
Treatments like hydration, sun protection, and aesthetic procedures can help improve the texture and appearance of crepey skin.
What Causes Crepey Skin
Crepey skin is thin, wrinkled skin that resembles crepe paper. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Aging: As we age, the skin produces less collagen and elastin, which are proteins that keep the skin firm and elastic.
- Sun Damage: UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin, accelerating the aging process.
- Loss of Moisture: Dehydration or a decrease in natural oil production can make the skin appear dry and crepey.
- Weight Fluctuations: Rapid weight loss can cause skin to lose its elasticity, leading to a crepey appearance.
- Environmental Factors: Pollution and harsh weather can also contribute to skin damage.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate skin aging.
Preventive care includes moisturizing, protecting the skin from the sun, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What Aesthetic Treatments can be used to reduce the appearance of Crepey Skin
Several aesthetic treatments can help reduce the appearance of crepey skin by stimulating collagen production, improving skin hydration, and tightening the skin. Some effective treatments include:
- Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers made of hyaluronic acid or other substances can plump up the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and crepiness.
- Microneedling: This treatment involves tiny needles that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production, which helps thicken and smooth the skin.
- Laser Resurfacing: Laser treatments, such as fractional lasers or CO2 lasers, can remove damaged skin layers and stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and reducing crepiness.
- Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy: RF treatments use heat to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of crepey skin.
- Ultrasound Therapy (Ultherapy): This non-invasive treatment uses ultrasound waves to target deep layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and tightening the skin over time.
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels remove the outer layers of the skin, promoting new skin growth and improving skin texture.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP involves injecting a concentration of your own platelets to stimulate collagen production, helping to rejuvenate the skin and reduce crepiness.
- Skin Boosters: Injectable treatments like Restylane Vital are designed to deeply hydrate the skin, improving elasticity and firmness, which can reduce the appearance of crepey skin.
Combining these treatments with a proper skincare regimen, including sun protection and moisturizing, can further enhance results.
What Aesthetic Treatments can be used to reduce the appearance of Crepey Skin
To enhance the results of aesthetic treatments for crepey skin, a consistent and targeted at-home skincare regimen is crucial. Here’s an effective routine to follow:
1. Cleanser
- Use a gentle cleanser: Choose a non-stripping, hydrating cleanser that removes dirt and oil without irritating or drying out the skin. Avoid harsh, drying ingredients like sulfates.
- Morning and night: Cleanse your skin twice a day to maintain a fresh canvas for treatments and products.
2. Exfoliation (1-2 times per week)
- Chemical exfoliants: Use AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) like glycolic or lactic acid, or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) like salicylic acid, to promote cell turnover and remove dead skin cells.
- Avoid harsh scrubs: Mechanical exfoliants can be too abrasive and might worsen crepey skin.
3. Serums
- Vitamin C (morning): A vitamin C serum brightens skin and neutralizes free radicals, helping to protect skin from environmental damage and enhance collagen production.
- Retinol or Retinoid (night): Retinol is key for increasing cell turnover and collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of crepiness. Start with a lower strength if you’re new to retinol, and use it a few nights a week.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This hydrating ingredient plumps the skin by attracting moisture, making the skin look fuller and reducing fine lines.
4. Moisturizer
- Rich moisturizer: Opt for a deeply hydrating moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or peptides, which help to restore the skin barrier and retain moisture.
- Night cream: Use a thicker, more emollient cream at night to nourish your skin while you sleep.
5. Sunscreen (daily)
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher: Protecting your skin from UV rays is critical, especially after aesthetic treatments that make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Apply sunscreen every day, even when indoors.
6. Antioxidant Creams or Oils
- Consider adding antioxidant-rich creams or oils with ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin E, or coenzyme Q10, which help repair and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
7. Body Care (for crepey skin on the body)
- Body exfoliation: Use a gentle exfoliating body wash or chemical exfoliant with AHAs once or twice a week.
- Body moisturizer: Apply a rich, hydrating body cream with ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides to keep your skin smooth and hydrated.
8. Lifestyle Factors
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration from within.
- Eat a collagen-boosting diet: Include foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins (A, C, E), and omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin health and collagen production.
9. Weekly Masks
- Use a hydrating or collagen-boosting mask once a week, particularly those containing peptides, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera, to give your skin an extra boost of moisture and nourishment.
By sticking to this routine, you’ll help prolong and enhance the results of your aesthetic treatments, maintain skin health, and prevent further skin damage.
A Call from Helen, Nurse Aesthetics Practitioner
Remember that the most effective skincare regimen is one that is tailored to you,” advises Helen, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with expertise in dermatology and aesthetic treatments. “I invite you to take the first step toward achieving your skincare goals by scheduling a consultation. Together, we can explore the array of professional treatments available and devise a personalized plan that aligns with your aspirations. Let’s embrace the future of skincare and celebrate the beauty of aging gracefully.”
While the signs of aging and wrinkles are inevitable, our approach to managing them has dramatically evolved. Through professional treatments, personalized care, and a holistic lifestyle, we can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and maintain our skin’s health and vitality. The journey towards a youthful, radiant complexion is a partnership between you and your skincare professionals, rooted in understanding, innovation, and care. Embrace this journey with optimism and confidence, knowing that the tools and expertise to support your skin’s health are within reach.
Hello, my name is Helen.
I’ve been a qualified Nurse for 39 years, working mainly in Surgical Care in the NHS. I worked as a ward Sister for 23 years and finally, as a Surgical Matron reviewing safety and surgical interventions for my Directorate.
I am a highly experienced clinician and a certified Aesthetician able to offer advanced skin treatments and cosmetic procedures. I offer safe, subtle procedures to help soften the signs of aging and enhance your natural looks.
I aim to help you feel confident and radiant with the discrete use of premium fillers and anti-wrinkle treatments. If you’d like to find out more about treatments or have any questions, reach out via the contact form and I love to speak with you.
Nurse led, Medical Aesthetics. And Why it matters to you.
Having a medically trained nurse administer aesthetic treatments offers significant benefits over a beautician, primarily due to their extensive medical knowledge and clinical expertise.
Nurses are trained in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, enabling them to understand the complexities of facial structures and how treatments like Botox, fillers, or microneedling interact with the body.
This medical background ensures that they can safely administer treatments, manage potential complications, and provide a higher standard of care. Additionally, nurses are equipped to conduct thorough assessments, create personalised treatment plans, and offer post-treatment support, resulting in more effective and safer outcomes for patients seeking aesthetic enhancements.
Nurses are accountable for their practice with a nationally recognised governing body and are equipped to manage adverse reactions should they occur.
Clinic Hours
Monday to Friday
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday
10-4
Bank & Public Holidays
Closed
Revive and Shine Aesthetics
07753462127
8 Northview Drive. Banwell, nr Weston Super Mare.