Crepey Skin: No, You Don't Just Have to 'Live With It'
Is crepey skin an inevitable part of aging, or are there science-backed ways to prevent and reverse it?
Thin. Crackly. Crinkled. Papery. As we get older, almost all women start dealing with crepey skin. So how come no one warned us or told us what to actually do about it?
For too long, crepey skin has been brushed off as “part of getting older.” (*eye roll*) But crepey skin isn’t something you have to accept. There are clear reasons why it shows up, and more importantly, science-backed ways to improve it.
What Causes Crepey Skin
The primary causes of crepey skin are:
- Sun Damage: The most common cause. UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers that keep skin tight and wrinkle-free. (This is why you should be wearing sunscreen every day!)
- Natural Aging: Starting in your mid-20s, collagen production decreases by about 1% per year. By the time we reach our 50s and 60s, our collagen levels have dropped significantly. For women, menopause accelerates this process. When estrogen plummets, so does collagen production.
These are the two main culprits, but there are secondary contributing factors: hormonal changes during menopause, lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking, stress, pollution), rapid weight loss or gain, and genetics.
How Not To Fix Crepey Skin
I've watched too many smart women (myself included) throw cash at miracle creams and gadgets that don’t do anything. Here’s what you can skip:
- Basic Body Lotions: It doesn’t matter how expensive it is (or how nice it smells). If it doesn’t include proven active ingredients, you’re basically pouring lotion on a cracked driveway. It might feel good, but it won’t repair the damage underneath.
- Heavy Exfoliation. Scrubbing too hard can thin already fragile skin! While gentle exfoliation can help, it’s not a full fix.
- Hydration. Hydration is important, but you can’t “drink your way” to firmer skin. Topical hydration and barrier support matter here.
Also, any product that promises “overnight” results is almost certainly a marketing myth. Crepey skin takes time and consistency to improve.
What Can Help With Crepey Skin?
The good news is that you can improve crepey skin with:
- Protein and Strength Training
Treating crepey skin isn't just about what you put on your skin. If you're over 50, aim for 90+ grams of protein daily (about 50% more than younger adults need) and add some resistance training. Muscle props up your skin from the inside, reducing that saggy and loose appearance.
For me, there was a major reduction in the crepey skin situation when I actually gained 5 pounds of muscle during my Wellness Experiment!
- Professional Treatments
For stubborn crepey skin on larger areas like your arms or thighs, professional treatments can help. Microneedling, radiofrequency, and fractional lasers all work by creating controlled micro-damage that forces your skin to ramp up collagen production and smooth out that tissue-paper texture.
- SPF. Every. Single. Day.
I cannot stress this enough. UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors to crepey skin. Slather sunscreen on your neck, chest, and arms every day, rain or shine.
I’m also a fan of SPF tights when doing activities outside (like golf!). They’re not necessarily fashionable, but hey, they feel good and they do good.
