While attempting to perform a plank during an arduous Body Pump class, I glanced down at my trembling forearms and to my alarm, I noticed my skin had the weathered and crepey appearance of an elephant’s butt. I was not pleased at all and instantly determined to find products that could tackle this new unsightly development without having to spend a fortune.
What causes this laxity and unsightly change in texture? Simply, its mainly caused by aging, sun exposure, weight fluctuation, hormonal changes, dehydration, poor diet and genetics. The good news is that it is treatable with choosing the right products, daily applying broad spectrum sun protection, (minimum SPF30 ), wearing protective clothing when outdoors, following a balanced diet, staying hydrated, quitting smoking ,getting quality sleep for essential skin repair and regeneration and being CONSISTENT!!.
Start with over-the-counter moisturizers that contain ingredients that support skin health. Look for retinoids, which thickens the dermis and reduces age spots and peptides which help to stimulate and increase collagen in your skin. Alpha -hydroxy acids (AHA), lactic acid and glycolic acids rejuvenate skin by increasing cell turnover and improve texture and brightness. Another star ingredient to incorporate is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid gives skin bounce, improves elasticity and increases skin moisture levels. Co Q10 and Idebenone are powerful antioxidants that promote cellular repair while neutralizing free radicals caused by environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving brightness and skin texture.
Here are options that are effective and budget friendly. (With an added splurge, because I am a little Boujee!!)
Gold Bond Crepe Corrector Body Lotion, can be used on face ($16.97)
NIVEA Skin Firming Lotion with coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C, firming and hydrating ($10.27)
Paula’s Choice Skin Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment with antioxidants, light weight-non-greasy ($32.00)
Naturium Skin Renewing Retinol Body Lotion encapsulated retinol with hyaluronic acid and squalane to plump and firm skin, supports lipid barrier. ($25.00)
Shani Darden Body Reform Treatment Serum with 2% Granactive Retinoid. Contains Vitamin C. Addresses loss of firmness, fades stretch marks, brightens dark spots fragrance free. ($58.00)
SPLURGE ALERT: Dr. Doris Day Retinol Body Serum, hydrates, rejuvenates and firms with retinol, peptides, salicylic acid, vitamin C and vitamin E. ($185.00)
The truth: Crepey skin cannot be reversed to its uncrumpled, youthful state, but you can improve your skin’s appearance by starting your crepey skin care journey with over-the-counter products. Within a few weeks you will see improvement in hydration, tone and texture. Get ready to unabashedly wave your arms and display those gams once again.
The Crush Letter
The Crush Letter is a weekly newsletter from Dish Stanley curating articles & intelligence on everything love & connection - friendship, romance, self-love, sex. If you’d like to take a look at some of our best stories go to Read Us. Want the Dish?
