No points for guessing; the term ‘crepey’ is derived from crepe paper. But what is it really? Well, when your skin starts losing elasticity, it tends to become thin and wrinkled, and resembles the condition of crepe paper. Crepey skin is basically the worst nightmare for women in their 30s. But the good news is you can totally avoid it. All it takes is a little extra TLC for your skin while you sail through your 20s. 

What is crepey skin and how to avoid it

What are the causes of crepey skin?

Now that you are aware of this skin condition, you’re probably wondering what the causes of crepey skin are. It’s simply really--environmental factors, lifestyle habits and genetics are the primary causes. So let’s break it down:

  • UV rays: While we all know about the adverse effects of the harsh UV rays of the sun, so no surprise that over-exposure to the sun can also cause crepey skin. The UV rays damage the skin’s structure such as collagen and elastic fibres, and mostly target your face, neck, forearms and hands. 
  • Lack of moisture: As you age, sebum production tends to reduce, thereby leaving your skin drier than usual. It is, therefore, important to moisturise your skin all the time and especially while it is still damp. Moisturising damp skin will lock the product in for a longer period.
  • Being sleep-deprived: No beauty sleep equals no beauty. PERIOD! Waking up to dull skin is one of the signs that you’re not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep takes a direct toll on your skin as it affects the moisture levels and lowers your skin’s pH levels, which in turn accelerates the ageing clock.  
  • Unhealthy diet: If your diet only has dairy products and meat, then you are most likely to be a victim of crepey skin. Your diet needs to be balanced. So, go on and add those green leafy vegetables and fruits to your meal plan in order to increase your vitamin and mineral intake.

How can you prevent crepey skin?

While there are treatments like botox, fillers and lasers for crepey skin, you won’t need them if you start caring for your skin stat. Here are three ways to prevent crepey skin:

  • Hydrate yourself: Drinking enough water is the solution to most of your skin concerns. Water maintains blood pressure, helps with a smooth metabolism and boosts your skin health. The easiest way to prevent crepey skin is to hydrate.
  • Exfoliate: Exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells and reveals a healthy glow. You can exfoliate by preparing a homemade scrub using sugar and olive oil. Sugar removes dead cells, while olive oil nourishes the skin. Exfoliate thrice a week to keep crepey skin at bay.
  • Eat right: The best foods for youthful skin are the ones loaded with antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as tomatoes, berries, spinach and carrots. You can rely on fish for protein as it is easier for your body to digest.