Researchers have reversed ageing in human skin cells by 30 years, according to a new study. Scientists say they have developed a method to time jump human skin cells by three decades - longer than previous reprogramming methods, rewinding the ageing clock without the cells losing their function.
There are a host of options available — from lotions to surgery — that can help reduce crepey skin as you age. Some products are available over the counter and some need a prescription. Work with your doctor or dermatologist to decide what the best options are for your lifestyle and skin care needs.
Exposure to light is a top cause of premature aging: Sun exposure causes many skin problems. Ultraviolet (UV) light and exposure to sunlight age your skin more quickly than it would age naturally. The result is called photoaging, and it's responsible for 90% of visible changes to your skin.
Natural aging
Collagen production slows down – so skin loses its firmness. Elastin production decreases – and skin becomes less elastic. Fat cells start to disappear – and skin starts to sag. Skin loses the ability to retain moisture.
Taken together, exposure to the sun, or photoaging, is responsible for 80-90% of the visible signs of aging in your skin, which mainly affects those areas that are most exposed, such as your face, neck, chest, and hands.
If the outermost layer of the epidermis doesn't contain enough water, skin will lose elasticity and feel rough. Despite this connection, however, there's a lack of research showing that drinking extra water has any impact on skin hydration or appearance.
“Everyone wants a quick fix when it comes to making skin look better, but drinking more water isn't going to help get rid of wrinkles or plump up your skin unless you are extremely dehydrated,” says Elizabeth Damstetter, MD, a dermatologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
Loss of fat in our face
As we age, these areas of fat begin to diminish. This allows the skin to sag. The areas where fat loss is most noticed is in the temples, under the eyes, and in the cheek area. When the fat pads under our eyes diminish, it can give us a tired or hollow look.
As you age, your body produces less collagen. Collagen is the building block of skin that helps prevent wrinkles, sagging, and moisture loss. Your genetics may contribute to how much collagen you lose as you age. As the dermis produces less collagen, your skin is less able to repair itself, resulting in thin skin.
While there are many causes of crepey skin, including aging, hormonal changes, dehydration, weight loss, using tobacco, and even stress, Dr. McMahan says, “The main reason people develop crepey skin is prolonged or excessive exposure to sunlight.
According to Zeichner, loss of hydration and the resulting inflammation worsens crepey skin. He recommends looking for purified petrolatum in your moisturizer, as in Vaseline's popular lotion. It protects the skin's barrier, prevents water loss, hydrates and plumps thin skin.
One we love is Perricone MD's Cold Plasma Plus+ Fragile Skin Therapy body lotion. Formulated specifically with crepey skin in mind, it comes loaded with smoothing retinol, Perricone's growth factor peptide (a potent skin firmer), and micro-hyaluronic acid that will go deep into skin to lock in moisture.
Use Retinol to Stimulate Collagen Production
According to Zeichner, retinol stimulates collagen and helps thicken the skin's foundation, making fine lines and crepeyness less apparent. Retinol products can be used on any parts that look crepey, including hands, neck, elbows, and face.
Skin brightening treatments, like Microdermabrasion, Light Peels, Micro Laser Peels, or the Clear & Brilliant Laser treatment all help patients to look 10 years younger or more, with just a few treatments. These treatments can be used in order to combat the signs of aging in the face, such as: Wrinkles. Age spots.
Skin becomes loose and sagging, bones lose their mass, and muscles lose their strength as a result of time spent living life. Most people begin to notice a shift in the appearance of their face around their 40's and 50's, with some also noticing a change in their 30's.
Cleanse and moisturize regularly
Cleansing and moisturizing help protect skin and keep it healthy; but banish regular soap, which can be drying for older skin. Instead, use a cleanser that gently washes without stripping skin of its natural moisture. Avoid skin toners, especially those with a stringent or alcohol base.