It’s usually part of the stereotypical image conjured up to create an ageist trope of an older woman: either with thin, wrinkled hands or often underarms with sagging skin resembling crepe paper, it’s a popular way to depict aging in a negative light. After all, who wants skin that looks like that? In reality, however, crepey skin is not so much a product of aging as it is the result of exposure to the UV rays of the sun. Environmental exposures (the sun, smoking) and genetics are as much of the reason that your skin takes on that thin, wrinkly look as the natural aging process. In fact, appropriate use of sunblocks can mean that protected skin continues to look reasonably good as you get older while unprotected skin (often your neck or your hands) takes on that crepey quality.

Why does sun exposure cause this skin degradation? Your skin contains collagen and elastin that allow your skin to stretch and then return to normal, like a rubber band. But as we get older, collagen production diminishes and sun exposure breaks down the elastin in our skin, so that just like that old pair of leggings whose waistband has stretched out of shape, your skin no longer returns to its original taut self. Where are you likely to see crepey skin? Evidence is often seen on the inner upper arms, eyelids, and necks, along with knees and the décolleté and upper chest, and of course, the backs of your hands. Those of us with lighter skin tones, already more at risk for sun damage and skin cancer, are also at higher risk for crepey skin and the areas of crepey skin might also suggest you are at higher risk of skin cancer.

What, if anything, can be done in response to the appearance of crepey skin? Of course, preventive measures are your first response (though it’s likely too late for some of us). That means staying out of the sun as much as possible, loading up on sunblock, and covering up all spots that you might miss when you’re out in the sun. Moisturizing that crepey skin is also highly recommended, as are products with the ingredients of alpha or beta hydroxy acids and hyaluronic acids (read the labels of the products you are purchasing!). Retinoids are also recommended but with all of these products, the word is, time is your friend. You’re not likely to see positive results for several months. One other key ingredient to look for? Water. Crepey skin is dehydrated skin and a good moisturizer needs to have an abundance of water. 

Crepey skin can also be the product of significant weight loss, so occasionally surgery is recommended to remove excess skin- but generally speaking, cosmetic surgery is not the approach for addressing crepey skin. However, there’s a new product just out on the market about which you should be aware. On May 15th, the FDA approved a product called SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM® which is an injectable hyaluronic acid, already being used overseas. It’s said to have impressive results and has been mentioned as a possible approach to dealing with crepey skin, along with other possible injectables and treatments. Currently, the FDA approval is for use of it on the face, into the cheeks. To find out more, pull out your hand mirror and read here.