How to Get Rid of Crepey Skin

I used to believe nothing could get rid of crepey skin. As a crepey skin expert, I am here to tell you I was wrong.  Just look at the crepey skin before and after 6 weeks picture below.  

* Unretouched photo. Results will vary.

Getting rid of crepey skin is easy, once you know how.  And I know how.  Which is why I created the Ultimate Crepey Skin Guide on everything you need to know about how to get rid of crepey skin.  In the guide you will also learn what crepey skin is, what causes crepey skin, plus my 7 best crepey skin solutions to get rid of it.

And this is important.  Because there is so much conflicting information out there, and so many products and crepey skin treatments claiming to help crepey skin, and don't, isn’t it about time we all heard the truth?

Sure, I tried plenty of crepey skin creams that made a lot of promises to fix my crepey skin and make my skin smooth and youthful again.

Unfortunately, they did not deliver the smooth, crepe free, flawless skin I craved.

I wanted the kind of results you can see without a magnifying glass. Don't you?

So I set out to make a lotion for crepey skin that would work.  

But first, I had to learn everything there was to learn about skin. Old skin, young skin, new skin and more specifically crepey skin. I studied as many academic journals as I could find and spoke to countless dermatologists and plastic surgeons looking for answers.  

And next, I had to find the BEST ingredients to put in the lotion that would repair crepey skin.

My biggest takeaways?

• Thinning skin, caused by collagen loss, is one of the biggest causes of crepey skin. You can really see crepey skin when your skin is thin and has lost its elasticity.
• There are specific cosmetic ingredients that work in getting rid of crepey skin and can strengthen thinning skin at the same time.
• Moisturizing alone is not enough to get the WOW.  Moisturizers add moisture; moisturizers do not make corrections.
• Self-care is a must. Meaning, what you eat, how you think and how you take care of your entire being/body is just as important as all the crepey skin beauty treatments available to you to address and correct the appearance of crepey skin.

Before we dive into how to get rid of crepey skin, let start off with the basics.

 What is crepey skin?

Crepey skin is thin fragile skin that is covered with a myriad of whisper fine lines, that end up looking like crepe paper.   

In the early stages, crepey skin looks like little dots appearing around your hair follicles, like you can see in the picture below. The dots then begin merging into an increase in linear or diamond-shaped skin markings. The dots appear as though they are connecting.

 Picture: untouched photo of crepey skin on forearm,  early stages.  Kellie Olver 

Do you see the pores?  As time goes on, those subtle pores or creases in your skin gradually become pronounced as elastin and collagen break down and becomes more noticeable. Your skin starts to fold in onto itself. Skin folds appear, they accumulate, thinning skin becomes the norm, and skin starts looking like wrinkled tissue paper or crepe paper.

And thus, the name, crepe paper skin and crepe skin was born.

Where Does Crepey Skin Show Up?

Crepe skin can appear anywhere on your body:  crepey skin on your neck, crepey skin on your face, your legs, your arms, your hands and crepey skin on your chest. 

Below is a picture of crepey skin on knee.  This is an unretouched photo.

What Causes Crepey Skin?

In my opinion, collagen loss is the number one cause of crepey skin.

And neither you nor me nor anyone else in this world gets a "get out of jail free card" when it comes to loosing collagen. It's gonna happen.

Starting around 25-30, we start to lose this important protein called collagen. And when we lose collagen, our skin starts to thin. We don't want thinning skin. We want thicker, plumper stronger looking skin.

Time rolls on. More collagen lost. Our body slows down its own production of collagen.

Fast forward - skin gets even thinner, skin strength and resiliency (ability to bounce back) get less and less, and the skin begins to sag.

Then one day you wake up with a Big Double Wham BAMMMM, Thank You Ma'am, Crepey skin has arrived!

Gulp.

OK...what else caused crepey skin?

Many things, some of which may apply to you. They certainly applied to me.

• weight gain and weight loss
• yo yo dieting
• poor nutritional choices
• not enough protein
• muscle loss
• lack of exercise
• dehydration/not enough water intake

Simply living life causes crepey skin.

Life, with all its stressors and aggravators including toxins and pollution found in the air, growth chemicals, preservatives added to food, plus alcohol, smoking and more.

Your skin will begin to feel drier. Your skin may feel tight and dehydrated. Oil glands don't function the way they did when we were younger. The reduction of these oils can lead to more wrinkles and can even lead to crepey skin.

Sunbathing causes crepey skin.

How you ask? Sunbathing causes sun damage and sun damage contributes to collagen loss and loss of elastin.

Lack of collagen and elastin makes our skin thinner and finer plus less resilient to rebound back into place.

​How do we Get Rid of Crepey Skin?.

By following my 7 best solutions to fix of crepey skin

NUMBER 1:  Supplement your Diet with Collagen Protein

Collagen protein supplementation is your #1 way to fix crepey skin. Why? Because the primary amino acids in collagen protein make collagen. And collagen helps keep your skin strong and thinning skin at bay.

And we now know thinning skin is one of the biggest contributors to crepey skin.

Here's the scoop. Collagen is part of the connective tissue that is in the skin and helps in firmness, suppleness, and constant renewal of the skin. Collagen and elastin are the proteins which enable the skin to stretch and contract, like that of a rubber band.

When we start losing collagen our skin starts to lose its youthfulness and eventually shows up as fine lines, deep lines, wrinkles and loose and yes, crepey skin.

Which is why we need collagen protein.

Just look at the crepey skin on neck in the before picture below - loose, saggy, crepey skin.

Now, really examine the crepey skin neck in the after picture.  This was only 4 weeks of taking Triple K collagen. weeks picture. You can see the difference, can't you?

The crepey skin is much less apparent and the neck skin is tighter at the center of the neck. 

Note, all  Triple K and Kellie Olver before and after pictures are the original and non touched up crepey skin pictures. Using 1 serving, 2x day TripleK Collagen Protein for 8 Weeks, Results will vary.  

Is the crepey skin on Jode's completely gone? No, but it is a whole lot better

So how collagen supplementation work?

Collagen protein supplementation delivers an overabundance of the necessary amino acids - proline, hydroxyproline, glycine and arginine - which are all critical for connective tissue health (extracellular matrix, skin, tendon, bone, and ligaments) and known for their unique ability to trigger collagen synthesis. The more collagen you have on the inside, the plumper, fuller and firmer your skin looks on the outside. All of which may help to get rid of the appearance of crepey skin.

Need Some Research to Mull it Over?

Studies have been conducted on collagen protein everywhere from France, Japan and Florida all singing the praises of their positive findings on using collagen supplements orally for younger looking skin.

Below is the summary of some of the studies:

"In relatively modest amounts of time (between 8 and 12 weeks) and grams (around 10) of collagen protein, people who consumed collagen protein (mostly women), skin hydration increased 2-fold; lines and wrinkles decreased nearly 45%; an increase in skin thickness and firmness was experienced and crow’s feet and fine wrinkles around the eye area were much less apparent."

Let’s look at picture of Georgia to support this.

Georgia had great skin to begin with. Notice in the after picture the longer lashes, lifted brows, more lid showing, under-eye bags and fine lines pretty much gone, lifted cheeks, the deep nose to corner of mouth lines much less apparent, tighter looking skin and lastly, brighter, glowing skin for days. Heck, even her lips look fuller.

So let me ask you a question. If by taking collagen could make your skin tighter, stronger, plumper and firmer because of an increase in collagen, an increase in skin moisture and if your skin was thicker, don't you think that just by that alone your crepey skin would look better? And perhaps even be gone?

Can you now see why a beauty from within approach SHOULD be part of your total beauty solution as well as getting rid of crepey skin?

Number 2: Eat a clean diet consisting of collagen boosting foods.

A clean diet means one with little to zero preservatives, nothing artificial, no additives. Basically, real food, non-packaged and as fresh as possible.

The best foods for crepey skin are collagen boosting foods including animal protein, plant protein, nuts and seeds, and colorful fruits and vegetables, plus leafy greens.  Think  avocado,  lemons, salmon, turkey, chia seeds, walnuts, purple cabbage, olives, red fruits and veggies. And throw in some grapefruit and soy while you are at it. 

To learn more go to YouTube and watch my video on collagen boosting foods

or 

Check out my blog on collagen boosting foods here.

When choosing your proteins, choose both plant based and animal-based proteins. With plant based proteins, you get a lot of collagen boosting vitamins and minerals that animal proteins don't have.  Plant proteins would include things like walnuts, almonds, amaranth, chia seeds, soy products, hemp hearts, lentils, kidney beans, black beans, peas and even broccoli and spinach.

Animal proteins would include eggs, organic poultry, fish and grass-fed beef, oysters, salmon and sardines. 

The best protein for crepey skin is collagen protein.

Why? Collagen protein contains an overabundance of the necessary amino acids including proline, hydroxyproline, glycine, arginine, to make collagen on the inside which fill up the outside of your skin, and in so doing minimizes crepey skin (roughness) on the outside.

Number 3: Exfoliate

Exfoliation is a fast way to get rid of the appearance of crepey skin. Why? When you exfoliate, you are literally resurfacing the surface of your skin. This resurfacing reduces the buildup of dead cells revealing newer younger looking skin and can minimize the appearance of crepey skin. Plus, once the dead dry skin is gone, your crepey skin beauty treatments can also be more effective.

Exfoliating also triggers new collagen production. (Aggressive exfoliation is considered an attack on the skin therefore the skin goes into protection mode by producing more collagen.)

Plumper from within means smoother looking skin on top.

Exfoliation can be administered in two ways: physical and chemical.

Physical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliation is defined as using any kind of abrasive element or tool such as a dry bristle brush or even a face cloth to buff away the dead skin on the surface of the body and face.

Scrubs, including sugar, coffee, salt, and almond shell also do a pretty good job to polish the skin revealing fresher younger looking skin almost immediately. Choose one in either an oil or cream base.

If you want deeper, more impressive results, use chemical exfoliators.

Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical exfoliants are MORE EFFECTIVE than physical exfoliators in EVENLY removing the top layer of dead skin by breaking apart the cellular gunk (kinda like glue, but not glue) that holds the layers and layers of dead dry skin stuck on your face and body. And all these layers, in some cases up to 8 weeks of dead skin, can contribute to the formation of crepey skin and prevent your expensive serums and creams from giving you the kind of impressive after looks you dream about.

My favorite chemical exfoliator? 10% Glycolic acid.  Because glycolic acids make more collagen, deeply hydrate, make your skin glow and definitely help to get rid of crepey skin.

See amazing crepe skin before and after results in these crepey skin pictures of the eye, neck, legs, arms and face

Glycolic acids, derived from sugar, are available as a clear liquid by itself, or blended into a serum or cream base (note: cream bases deliver the glycolic acid deeper as per the FDA). They can be found in various concentrations ranging from .05% to 60%.

Also as per the FDA, for safe at home use, a concentration of 10% or less is recommended. Any higher please see a registered skin care professional.

Glycolic acid is also the go to choice of dermatologists and plastic surgeons used to peel back the years. It is also one of the most scientifically studied of all Alpha Hydroxy Acids.

 She how the years get peeled back with some amazing crepey skin pictures, that show what is possible! 

 Did I hear you say "YOWZA!"

Number 4: Moisturize

Everyone must moisturize. Crepey skin or not. Having dry and crackly skin will boost the speed of skin aging and make your crepey skin look more apparent.

For an everyday moisture, choose one that contains Glycerin and  safflower seed oil.

Glycerin is a wonderful humectant and moisturizing agent to keep your skin at its own natural balance and seals in moisture. Safflower seed is loaded with linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid and helps prevent premature aging, trans epidermal water loss plus strengthens skin elasticity.

But a moisturizer is just a moisturizer. Good for the short haul to add moisture to the skin. Alas, not the long haul as the moisture only lasts for a few hours and does nothing to transform your skin to the WOW you want! Let alone get rid of crepey skin.

If you really want to get rid of your crepey skin choose a beauty treatment that strengthens thinning skin, deeply exfoliates, hydrates, AND protects your skin from environmental aggressors.

Please look at the photos below. These pictures demonstrate the skin successes two ladies achieved after using CrepeySkinFX Pro Strength Body Lotion and CrepeySkinFX Night Time Corrective beauty Treatment. 

Unretouched photos below. Results will vary.

* Unretouched photo. Using CrepeySkinFX Body Lotion  2x day for 6 weeks. Results will vary.

* Unretouched photo. Using CrepeySkinFX body Lotion  2x day for 6 weeks. Results will vary.

Unretouched photo. Using CrepeySkinFX Night Cream day and night. Results will vary

CrepeySkinFX is a custom formula created to use on the top of the skin to treat the visible needs of aging skin including crepey skin, loose skin, deep lines, and wrinkles.

Formulated with 10% glycolic acid, Vitamins AC and E, safflower seed oil (known to prevent premature aging and more) glycerin, plus pure botanicals and organic essential oils, CrepeySkinFX, addresses the tone and texture of the surface on the skin. The skin exposed to the environment. The visible skin that collagen protein cannot touch.

Number 5: Use a Sunscreen

Sunscreen (just like water) is one of the best products you can use if you want to fight off crepey skin. If you’re not using one now, please start right away.

As I mentioned above, sun breaks down collagen and elastin leaving your skin paper thin and prone to creping as well as dark spots.

It’s all about the sunscreen. Please wear your sunscreen, especially in your house and while driving in the car.

Can you humor me for just a moment? Look at your arm right now. What does it look like? Do you have crepey skin? Is it dry? Does it have sunspots? If you answered yes, that means your arm has been exposed to the sun.

Now I want you to think about your derriere. You can look at it too if you so desire. It may have a few dimples on it (as mine does) but I will suspect it is smooth to the touch and looks a heck of a lot younger than your arm does. Why? Your butt has not been exposed to the sun!

Which is why you must wear your sunscreen.

You can take your pick since there are absolutely hundreds of sunscreen brands in the market today. I 1000% recommend a natural sunscreen (no nasty chemicals used to protect you from the sun).

If you want to kill a few birds with one stone though, get one that has moisturizer and anti-aging ingredients in the formulation.

My favorite is Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen .    Great for the whole family, even the babies, plus coral reef friendly, Blue Lizard is a mineral sunscreen loaded with botanicals that is safe for the environment and you too.

Number 6: Exercise

You want to know what else helps to get rid of the appearance of crepey skin?  

Exercise.

I am a firm believer in incorporating walking, yoga and light weight bearing exercise as part of your crepey skin treatment.

Just listen to the experts at the American Council of Exercise. Cedric Bryant, Chief Science Officer recommends strength training to strengthens muscles as it creates a layer of muscle underneath the skin. As a result, your skin will become tighter.

So, exercises tighten your muscles. As the muscles get stronger and tighter, so does your skin. And as your skin gets tighter, crepey skin can look much less apparent. 

Which is why weight bearing exercises such as Yoga and circuit training can have a dramatic improvement on the appearance on every type of skin, including crepe paper skin.

I am a big fan of yoga for its total mind/body/spirit benefits combined in one discipline. The bonus is that you get increased flexibility coupled with strength training.

Number 7: Laser

I have not tried laser for crepey skin however I know it is popular in the beauty industry, which is why I have investigated it, spoken to plastic surgeons and dermatologists about it, and have included laser for you to consider using as part of your total body crepey skin treatment. 

Fractional, Thermage, ReFirme and Ablative are the flavors of the day to help reduce the appearance of crepey skin on the face as well as the body, revealing smoother, tighter skin.

Lasers can also help tighten loose, saggy skin. You can read more about lasers and 6 other techniques on how to tighten loose skin on legs here.

Cool Sculpt, is also reported to be beneficial for un-creping the crepey.

Lasers can be costly, some are time consuming requiring multiple sessions, and some painful. From my research, the doctors I have interviewed and the before and after’s I have gone over I am impressed with the results on using laser for both the body and the face to get rid of crepey skin.

Summary:

Whatever technique or product you choose to blast away the loose, thinning, crepe paper skin to help bring back smooth, firm, glowing skin, first thing’s first: always check with your physician or beauty adviser. Do your own homework, ask questions, and get referrals.

My biggest tip for you is to include an inside outside approach including collagen protein, collagen boosting foods, great skin care that can resurface the surface of your skin, strengthen, moisturize, and protect the skin all at the same time.

Always use your sunscreen, add some exercise, and if you do so choose, head off to a world class surgeon or medi-clinic and dive in your skin tightening, de-creping therapy of choice. Lastly, don't forget to unplug yourself computers, smart phones, tablets, and such.

Remember, results will vary from person to person depending upon you, how much creepiness you have and if you follow the steps.

And yes, maintenance is required to keep your skin looking brand new again.

At KellieOlver.com we always recommend drinking plenty of water, eating clean, exercise and of course get plenty of sleep.

When choosing products, read the labels, especially to those with sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. Also, if you are uncertain on what your skin needs, please do not hesitate to consult with a skin expert or your doctor. Or drop me an email!

Till next time

Growing younger every day!

Kellie

xx00

*Information provided from Kellie Olver, or anyone employed at Kellieolver.com, nor any products or services offered by Kellieolver.com have not been approved by the FDA. Results will vary from person to person.

At kellieolver.com we do not treat, diagnose, or cure any medical condition. Our information is purely informational obtained first-hand and through research.

References:

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Glycolic-acid

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26362110

https://www.kellieolver.com/single-post/2017/06/12/Supplementing-with-Gelatin-Can-Help-Tighten-Your-Skin

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23949208

http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductsIngredients/Ingredients/ucm107940.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8642081

http://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/skin-replenishing/glycerin.html

https://www.nuskin.com/content/dam/global/library/pdf/products/tegreen_study_01.pdf