The Body Lotion Ingredients To Look For If You Want To Smooth Crepey Skin

As our skin ages, it becomes more fragile, displaying thin, fine lines that look like crepe paper, hence the term crepey skin. Dehydration, sun damage, certain lifestyle habits, and time all contribute to this effect, and the skin on our neck, our decolletage, and even our hands can start to show this. Double Board-Certified Dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology, Dr. Brendan Camp, spoke exclusively with Women about crepey skin and what causes it. "Crepey skin represents loose or wrinkly skin, and it develops as a result of reduced levels of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin," Dr. Camp explains. "These structural proteins provide firmness, rigidity, and bounce to the skin. Levels of collagen and elastin decrease as we age and as a result of environmental and lifestyle factors, such as UV radiation and smoking." 

With so much emphasis on facial skin care, it's time to focus on body care as the new beauty trend. We're so cautious about keeping our faces hydrated and cared for, but that can lead to the skin on our bodies being neglected, and that's what we're focusing on here. Even seasonally, we can change up our facial skincare routine to make sure there's extra moisture in drier months, so it makes sense that we would want to put some energy into the rest of our bodies as well. Dr. Camp walks us through the key ingredients to look out for, and sure enough, the benefits of ceramides in skincare are a big topic, as is hyaluronic acid. Let's get into it.

If your goal is to minimize the appearance of crepey-looking skin, look for specific ingredients in a body lotion. "Look for lotions that help skin retain moisture and improve the barrier function of skin. Key ingredients include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin, and niacinamide," Dr. Brendan Camp exclusively tells Women. "Retinol is an ingredient traditionally found in face serums, but has been appearing in body lotions because of its potential to encourage collagen production and help firm skin." Dr. Camp advises avoiding irritants like fragrances, dyes, and preservatives like formaldehyde-releasing agents and methylisothiazolinone (MIT). A helpful tip: there's a difference between fragrance-free and unscented. Fragrance-free means that the product has no fragrances added, while unscented products contain fragrances to cover an odor. 

While these key ingredients are helpful, others can aggravate skin if you overdo it. "The frequency of use of body lotions or creams that contain potentially irritating ingredients, such as retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, may depend on the concentration of these ingredients," Dr. Camp explains. "Make sure to reference each product's directions before use, and consider starting slowly just as you would when using a similar type of product on your face." For example, when using a retinol on your body, start by applying it once or twice a week, then gradually work your way up to frequent usage. If you notice redness or dryness, reduce the usage. And don't forget that body sunscreen.