Smooth your crepey skin in time for summer

The name "Crepey" skin originated because it is thin and looks finely wrinkled, like crepe paper. However, this crepe has no party as it tends to impact larger areas like the neck and inner arms and the fragile under-eye area.

 While wrinkles are more about creases and fine lines, crepey skin is about fragile texture. "Wrinkling is related to genetics, facial movements, and some sun damage," explains board-certified dermatologist Ranella Hirsh. "Crepey skin, on the other hand, is related to sun damage whereby the sun is breaking down the collagen and elastin." The breakdown in collagen and elastin makes the skin more fragile and susceptible to damage.

Dryness for any reason can contribute to crepey skin. As you age, your skin produces less oil than it did when you were younger. These oils create a vital lipid barrier that protects your skin and helps seal in moisture. Hormonal changes can also lead to drier skin and less natural oil production. If you have crepey skin that comes and goes depending on the day or the season, a lack of moisture is most likely the cause.

Three ways you can smooth the crepe    

1. Use Products with Elastin & Collagen Stimulators - For crepey skin on your arms or legs, look for products that contain elastin and collagen stimulator ingredients. Vitali's Skin Cell Restorative Serum with GHK-Cu (Copper Peptides) is a great choice. Several experiments established that Copper Peptides work at the cellular level to stimulate collagen and elastin and increase the synthesis of water-holding proteins.

GHK-Cu applied to thigh skin for 12 weeks improved collagen production in 70% of the women treated, compared to 50% treated with the vitamin C cream and 40% treated with retinoic acid. In addition to improving skin laxity, clarity, firmness, and appearance, reducing fine lines, coarse wrinkles, and mottled pigmentation, and increasing skin density and thickness, GHK-Cu cream applied twice daily for 12 weeks also strongly stimulated dermal keratinocyte proliferation. * Resource

2.  Add Hydration - A lack of hydration exacerbates the thin appearance of the skin, so look for products such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin that seal in the natural moisture your body already produces. Vitali included hyaluronic acid in its Skin Cell Restorative Serum because it attracts and adds moisture back into the skin, keeping it smooth. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water! Vitali's Restorative Body Cream also with Copper Peptides is loaded with natural botanical oils such as Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Aloe Leaf Extract, and Cocoa Seed Butter that allow for quick and easy absorption by the skin to add hydration and nourish the skin.  

3.  Exfoliate with Hydroxy Acids - removing dead and damaged skin cells is essential to allow faster generation of new skin cells. Hydroxy Acids can speed up the process. At Vitali, we like Lactic Acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a category of water-soluble chemical compounds that includes glycolic, citric, tartaric, and malic acid. Lactic acid is milder than glycolic acid while delivering similar results. In addition, Lactic acid it is notably more hydrating than other AHAs and may be gentler on sensitive skin.

Exfoliating with products like Vitali's Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser loosens the chemical link between the older skin cells allowing the easier breakdown of those damaged skin cells. This step increases the effects of Copper Peptides, allowing the newer layers of smoother skin to rebuild more quickly. Use exfoliating gloves and a small amount of cleanser to enhance the exfoliation for arms and legs.

Recommended Routine

1. Exfoliate daily with a gentle product with Hydroxy Acids. We recommend adding more intense exfoliation with a higher percentage of AHAs or physical exfoliation twice a week and consider exfoliating gloves on arms and legs.
2. Apply collagen and elastin stimulators like Vitali's Skin Cell Restorative Serum twice a day on areas of crepiness,
3. Follow serum with a hydrating product such as Vitali's Skin Restorative Body Cream.
4. Use a mineral-based sunscreen of 30 SPF daily and sun-protective clothing. Protecting your skin from sun damage is essential to prevent crepey skin.

Before and After using the steps outlined about produced crepe-free skin on the upper arms.