10 Skin Care Products That Support Loose, Crepey Skin

Loose, wrinkled skin is a normal part of the aging process, caused by decades of smiles and the natural slowing of cellular turnover and collagen production. Ultimately, the latter can cause our skin to change in appearance over time. While the aging process can't be stopped, there are certain things dermatologists recommend to make loose, crepey skin less apparent. Protecting your skin from UV radiation, moisturizing regularly, and applying ingredients that help stimulate collagen are effective ways to minimize crepeyness.

Why the Skin Becomes Crepey

The reason skin becomes loose and crepey is a result of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are genetics and overall metabolic health of the body, while extrinsic factors are mostly due to damage caused from the sun. "UV radiation and free radicals break down our collagen and elastin fibers, which provide structure and support to the skin," says Julie Russak, MD, FAAD, board certified dermatologist and founder of the Russak Dermatology Clinic.

Without collagen and elastin fibers, there is nothing to hold the skin together. Other extrinsic factors include air pollution, hormonal changes, and internal and external stress. "Added to that equation, is the overall rule that we produce 1 percent less collagen every year after the age of 25," says Dr. Russak.

Can Products Really Help Loose Skin?

The good news is, there are products that can combat loose, crepey skin. "Maintenance with home care is crucial,"says Dr. Russak. "You will always see the best results when combining in-office treatments a few times a year, while maintaining those results at home every day with skin care." While certain products can help, starting preventative measures earlier rather than later is a must. "I always recommend that my patients start with good quality, medical-grade skin care products early on and focus on preventative pre-aging, instead of waiting until they see signs of aging like wrinkles and lines," says Dr. Russak.

Ingredients That Combat Loose Skin

When searching for products to help with these skin care concerns, be on the lookout for a few specific ingredients. Retinoids (or retinols) and peptides help to stimulate your body to produce more collagen, which leads to firmer skin. Additionally, check for products containing peptides and antioxidants—including but not limited to vitamin C, matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors, hyaluronic acid, and hyaluronidase inhibitors.