Unlocking Radiant Skin: Natural Remedies and Nutrients
to Combat Crepe Skin Inside and Out
By Mark J Kaylor
Crepe skin refers to thin, finely wrinkled, and often sagging skin that resembles the texture of crepe paper. This condition is most commonly seen on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the arms, legs, neck, and chest. Unlike deep wrinkles, which are usually the result of repeated facial expressions, crepe skin tends to be caused by a combination of factors, including the natural aging process, sun damage, loss of collagen and elastin, and dehydration of the skin. It can give the skin a fragile, crinkled appearance and is often associated with a lack of skin firmness and elasticity.
Several factors contribute to the development of crepe skin. One of the most significant is UV radiation from sun exposure, which breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin over time. These two proteins are essential for maintaining the skin’s structure, firmness, and flexibility. As collagen and elastin production decreases with age, the skin becomes thinner and less resilient. Dehydration is another contributing factor, as skin that lacks moisture can become more prone to sagging and wrinkling. Other causes include hormonal changes (especially reduced estrogen levels in women during menopause), environmental factors like pollution, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, poor diet, and insufficient hydration, all of which accelerate the aging process and lead to the development of crepe skin.
Topical Remedies for Crepe Skin
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to plump and hydrate. It is commonly used in serums and creams to restore the skin’s moisture barrier, which is crucial for reducing the appearance of crepe-like texture. Regular use can lead to smoother, more elastic skin.
Vitamin C (Topical)
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps boost collagen production, which can firm and tighten the skin over time. It also combats free radicals, which can cause premature aging and contribute to the appearance of crepe skin. Applying a vitamin C serum regularly can help improve skin tone and texture.
Retinoids (Retinol or Bakuchiol)
Retinoids, like retinol, are known to accelerate cell turnover, promote collagen production, and improve skin elasticity. Retinol is one of the most effective treatments for signs of aging like crepe skin. For those who prefer a gentler option, bakuchiol (a plant-based alternative) provides similar benefits without the irritation often caused by retinol.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is soothing, hydrating, and rich in vitamins C and E, which support skin repair and rejuvenation. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties can also help reduce irritation and promote healing, especially after sun exposure.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which deeply nourish the skin. It helps improve skin barrier function, which can prevent moisture loss and improve skin texture. It can also promote collagen formation and skin elasticity when used regularly as a moisturizer. (see note below)
Shea Butter
Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, which support skin regeneration and hydration. It helps protect the skin from environmental damage and locks in moisture to improve skin texture and elasticity.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants like vitamin C and E. It helps hydrate the skin, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and improves elasticity. Rosehip oil is particularly beneficial for damaged or aging skin due to its regenerative properties.
Collagen Peptide Creams
Collagen peptides in topical creams help firm and plump the skin. Although the skin’s ability to absorb full collagen molecules is debated, creams with collagen peptides can still improve the overall appearance and hydration of the skin by promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Internal Remedies for Crepe Skin
Collagen Supplements
Collagen is a critical protein for skin elasticity and firmness. With age, collagen production decreases, leading to sagging and thinning skin. Supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen peptides can improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and increase skin moisture. Studies have shown collagen supplementation to improve skin structure from within.
Vitamin C (Internal)
Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis in the body. Supplementing with vitamin C supports the skin’s ability to produce collagen and repair itself. A diet rich in vitamin C (or supplementation) can help promote firmer, smoother skin. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and kiwifruit are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, flaxseed, and chia seeds, help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, which keeps it hydrated and plump. Internally, omega-3s reduce inflammation and support the production of natural oils, preventing dryness and improving skin elasticity.
Silica
Silica is a trace mineral important for collagen formation and skin elasticity. Horsetail is a common herb high in silica, which can be taken as a supplement or consumed in tea form. Silica supports overall skin health, making it a valuable nutrient for combating crepe skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin from oxidative stress. It also supports skin hydration and elasticity. Vitamin E can be consumed through foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, and avocados or through supplements.
Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
Just like topical hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, internal supplementation can help boost moisture retention from within. Hyaluronic acid supplements support skin hydration and elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and crepe- like skin.
Ginseng
Ginseng, particularly Panax ginseng, has been shown to promote collagen production and increase skin elasticity when taken as a supplement. It may also help combat free radical damage, supporting overall skin health and repair.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol, a compound found in grapes and red wine, is known for its antioxidant properties. It can help reduce oxidative stress and promote skin elasticity and firmness. It’s often taken as a supplement for anti-aging purposes, including improving skin texture.
Green Tea Extract
Rich in polyphenols, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), green tea helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to the aging process. Green tea extract supplements can support collagen and elastin production, improving the skin’s overall appearance.
Zinc
Zinc plays a role in collagen production, skin repair, and the reduction of inflammation. Zinc supplementation, or consuming foods high in zinc (such as pumpkin seeds, spinach, and lentils), can help support skin healing and improve elasticity over time.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant found in algae, salmon, and krill oil. It protects the skin from oxidative stress and UV damage, both of which contribute to crepe skin. Studies suggest astaxanthin supplementation improves skin elasticity and hydration.
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)
CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative damage while supporting collagen and elastin production. As an internal supplement, CoQ10 can improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Aloe Vera (Internal)
Aloe vera supplements or juices are known to promote skin hydration and healing from within. Aloe contains vitamins and minerals that support collagen production and skin repair, making it a useful remedy for dry, crepe skin.
Probiotics
A healthy gut microbiome is essential for skin health. Probiotics can help balance the gut, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin healing and hydration. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and supplements containing strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can contribute to healthier skin.
How Tremella Works for Skin Health:
Hydration and Moisture Retention:
Tremella extract has been compared to hyaluronic acid in its ability to retain moisture in the skin. It contains polysaccharides, which can hold water up to 500 times their weight, helping to deeply hydrate the skin. This is crucial for improving the appearance of crepe skin, which is often associated with dehydration and a lack of moisture retention. Tremella’s small molecular size allows it to penetrate the skin easily, providing long-lasting hydration.
Study Reference: A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that Tremella polysaccharides significantly improved skin hydration and texture, making it a natural alternative to hyaluronic acid in skincare products.
Antioxidant Properties:
Tremella contains powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors like UV radiation and pollution, which contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin—two proteins that are essential for firm, youthful skin. By neutralizing free radicals, Tremella helps reduce skin aging and prevents further damage that can exacerbate the appearance of crepe skin.
Study Reference: Research published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms highlighted that Tremella fuciformis has potent antioxidant effects, which help in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin.
Collagen Production:
Tremella may support collagen synthesis indirectly through its hydration and antioxidant effects. By maintaining skin moisture and protecting against damage, it helps to create an environment where collagen can be more effectively produced and maintained. This can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and crepiness.
Practical Use:
Tremella extract can be found in various topical serums and creams aimed at hydrating and firming the skin. Additionally, Tremella is available as a supplement that supports skin health from the inside out by providing deep hydration, protecting collagen, and reducing oxidative damage.
The benefits of Tremella fuciformis for crepe skin can be achieved through both topical and internal usage:
Topical Use:
Tremella extract is commonly used in serums, creams, and moisturizers due to its exceptional ability to retain moisture and hydrate the skin. When applied topically, it acts similarly to hyaluronic acid, providing intense hydration, improving skin texture, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and crepiness. Its small molecular size allows it to penetrate the skin easily, offering immediate and long-term moisture retention, which is crucial for combating crepe skin.
• Benefit: Regular application of Tremella-based topical products helps plump the skin, improve elasticity, and create a more youthful, smoother appearance by maintaining hydration levels.
Internal Use:
Tremella is also available as a supplement in powder or capsule form, often used in traditional medicine for its overall health benefits. When taken internally, Tremella provides hydration from within and delivers antioxidant support. Its polysaccharides help improve skin moisture at a deeper, cellular level, while its antioxidants protect against oxidative stress that can break down collagen and elastin, both of which are essential for maintaining firm, healthy skin.
• Benefit: Internally, Tremella helps nourish the skin from the inside, promoting hydration, supporting collagen production, and protecting against environmental damage that can accelerate skin aging and lead to crepe skin.
Combined Approach:
Using Tremella both topically and internally can offer a synergistic effect. Topical application provides immediate hydration and texture improvement, while internal supplementation supports long-term skin health by promoting hydration, collagen maintenance, and antioxidant protection.
In summary, Tremella extract is beneficial for crepe skin through both topical application and internal consumption, making it a versatile option for addressing skin hydration, elasticity, and texture.
Tremella, Help Inside and Out:
While more direct studies on Tremella specifically for crepe skin are limited, the evidence supporting its powerful moisturizing, antioxidant, and potentially collagen- supporting effects suggests that it can be beneficial for improving the texture and hydration of crepe-like skin. Combining Tremella with other remedies, both topically and internally, may provide even better results for addressing crepe skin.
Additional Lifestyle Tips
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep the skin hydrated and supple.
• Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure: Sun damage is a major cause of crepe skin. Protecting the skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen and limiting sun exposure is crucial.
• Dry Brushing: This technique stimulates circulation and helps exfoliate dead skin cells, potentially improving skin texture over time.
While crepe skin is a natural part of the aging process, it doesn’t have to be something that we accept without intervention. By understanding the underlying causes—such as sun exposure, loss of collagen and elastin, and dehydration—we can take proactive steps to improve the skin’s appearance and overall health. Protecting the skin from UV damage with sunscreen, staying hydrated, and nourishing the skin from within through a balanced diet and supplements can make a noticeable difference. Additionally, incorporating topical treatments like hyaluronic acid, retinol, and antioxidant-rich creams can help restore elasticity, firmness, and moisture to the skin. With the right approach, crepe skin can be minimized, giving way to smoother, healthier, and more youthful-looking skin. Rather than simply accepting the changes that come with time, a comprehensive routine that combines internal and external care can help preserve and rejuvenate the skin, making crepe skin manageable and even preventable in the long term.
Coconut Oil Note:
Coconut oil can potentially clog pores, especially for individuals with oily or acne- prone skin. Coconut oil is considered comedogenic, which means it has a tendency to block pores and cause breakouts in certain skin types. On the comedogenic scale (which ranks oils and ingredients from 0 to 5 based on their likelihood of clogging pores), coconut oil is rated around a 4. This means it’s more likely to cause clogged pores compared to non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or rosehip oil.
Why Coconut Oil Can Clog Pores:
- Thick and Occlusive: Coconut oil forms a barrier on the skin, which can trap dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells in the pores, leading to clogged pores and potential breakouts.
- Skin Type Sensitivity: People with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin are more likely to experience pore blockage from coconut oil. However, those with dry or mature skin may find coconut oil nourishing without experiencing pore congestion.
Alternatives to Coconut Oil:
For those who are concerned about clogging pores but still want a natural oil for moisturizing or anti-aging benefits, consider these non-comedogenic alternatives:
- Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin’s natural sebum and is less likely to clog pores (rated 2 on the comedogenic scale).
- Rosehip Oil: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it’s beneficial for aging skin and is considered non-comedogenic (rated 1).
- Argan Oil: Hydrating and rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, argan oil is a non-comedogenic option for most skin types (rated 0-1).If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it’s generally recommended to patch test coconut oil or choose alternatives that won’t block the pores.
References:
Here are some helpful references to support the information about crepe skin and the natural remedies and nutrients that can help. These references provide scientific backing for the internal and topical treatments that can help improve the appearance of crepe skin, along with information on what causes it and how to manage it.
1. Sun Damage and Aging Skin:
- Kligman, L. H. (1989). “Early destructive effects of ultraviolet light on collagen and elastin.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 92(5), 722- 726.
This study explores how UV light exposure contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, key components of skin structure.
2. Collagen Supplementation for Skin Elasticity:
- Asserin, J., Lati, E., Shioya, T., & Prawitt, J. (2015). “The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(4), 291-301. This study shows the positive effects of hydrolyzed collagen peptides on skin hydration and elasticity.
3. Topical Vitamin C for Skin Aging:
- Telang, P. S. (2013). “Vitamin C in dermatology.” Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 4(2), 143-146. This review highlights the role of vitamin C in promoting collagen synthesis and protecting the skin from oxidative stress.
4. Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Hydration:
- Pavicic, T., Gauglitz, G. G., Lersch, P., Schwach-Abdellaoui, K., Malle, B., Korting, H. C., & Farwick, M. (2011). “Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti- wrinkle treatment.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 10(9), 990-1000. This paper discusses the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid in improving skin hydration and reducing wrinkles.
5. Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Skin Health:
- Kim, H. H., Cho, S., Lee, S., Kim, K. H., Cho, K. H., Eun, H. C., & Chung, J. H. (2006).”Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) blocks UV-induced MMP expression in human dermal fibroblasts.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 126(6), 1314-1322. This study shows how omega-3 fatty acids can reduce UV-induced skin damage and help maintain skin integrity.
6. Retinoids for Skin Rejuvenation:
- Mukherjee, S., Date, A., Patravale, V., Korting, H. C., Roeder, A., & Weindl, G. (2006). “Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety.” Clinical Interventions in Aging, 1(4), 327- 348. This article reviews the use of retinoids for treating skin aging, emphasizing their ability to increase collagen production and improve skin texture.
7. Hydration and Skin Elasticity:
- Palma, L., Kerdudo, A., & Severac, C. (2015). “Influence of diet and moisturizing treatment on skin barrier recovery: a clinical study.” Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 28(5), 235-240. This clinical study emphasizes the importance of internal hydration and moisturizing treatments in improving skin elasticity and overall skin health.
8. Green Tea and Skin Protection:
- Yoon, H. S., Park, H. J., Cho, Y. S., Park, K. C., Yaar, M., & Gilchrest, B. A. (2003). “Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate reduces UVB-induced reactive oxygen species formation and protects human keratinocytes from UVB-induced apoptosis.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 120(5), 1030-1038. This paper highlights the protective effects of green tea polyphenols on skin, particularly in reducing oxidative stress and promoting collagen integrity.
Mark J. Kaylor has been exploring holistic health and healing for close to four decades. He is the founder and director of the not-for-profit Radiant Health Project. Mark welcomes you comments and questions and can be contacted at his website: www.RadiantHealthProject.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/RadiantHealthProject
Disclaimer: All information and results stated here is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information mentioned here is not specific medical advice for any individual and is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. This content should not substitute medical advice from a health professional. Always consult your health practitioner regarding any health or medical conditions.