If you have crepey skin, the real question is: can you do anything about it? Several at-home remedies like sugar scrubs and surgical options like laser resurfacing are just one click away on the internet. Among all these suggestions, nutritional supplements are a relatively non-invasive treatment for crepey skin that can provide excellent results when taken consistently.
This article is your ultimate guide to the six best anti-aging supplements to combat crepey skin.
Contents
Crepey Skin: What Causes it?
If you want to treat any skin condition, the best offense is defense. First, you need to understand crepey skin and its causes. Once you do, you can curb early skin damage and prevent its appearance for a longer time.
Over time our skin loses its elasticity and becomes flaccid. Sagging skin can have a wrinkly appearance that looks like crepe paper – hence, the term crepey skin. Although crepey skin looks like fine lines and wrinkles, it affects larger areas like your under-eye and upper arms.
The leading cause for crepey skin can be traced back to sun exposure. If you have been sleeping on sunscreen, that could be the number one reason your skin looks loose and saggy. Apart from UV rays, aging, excessive weight loss, and lack of hydration can contribute to this skin problem.
One or a combination of these factors breaks down skin cell fibers, and they ultimately lose their ability to bounce back, resulting in thin, loose skin.
6 Best Supplements for Crepey Skin
Scientific research has long focused on reversing signs of aging. While it is impossible to reverse inevitable aging completely, academic research institutions have found many substances to have potent anti-aging properties.
Luckily, for those looking for natural ways to treat signs of aging and exposure to sunlight like crepey skin, these substances can be taken in the form of supplements.
1. Collagen Peptides
Collagen helps maintain skin elasticity. As we grow older, collagen production slows down considerably. As a result, you face problems like loose and crepey skin.
Simply put, the more collagen is produced, the firmer the skin becomes.
Proline and glycine are the two amino acids crucial for the repair and formation of tendons, bone, and joints – and they are found in… you guessed it: the collagen protein!
Research has also shown their significance in the propagation of skin tightening. Studies show that women who took 2.5 to 5 grams of collagen peptides for 4 to 8 weeks had much better skin elasticity than those who didn’t.
You can consume one tablespoon of collagen powder in your coffee, smoothie, or soup.
2. CoQ10
CoQ10 or Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant naturally produced by your body (the production decelerates with age). It helps in breaking down food for energy production and prevents cellular damage.
There is some evidence that CoQ10 supplements can improve your skin’s elasticity. Taking CoQ10 supplements can help fight oxidative stress, which causes cell and tissue damage – accelerating the aging process.
One study showed reduced wrinkles in a group of adults taking CoQ10 50 or 150 mg supplements for three months.
Though CoQ10 seems like a promising supplement to treat crepey skin, there is no recommendation for daily intake. Thus, despite being labeled “generally safe” by Mayo Clinic, you must consult your doctor before taking this supplement.
3. Zinc
Zinc reduces free radicals formation and prevents your skin’s fats and fibroblasts from sun damage and pollutants. When this mineral is taken orally, it may reduce signs of early aging like spots and wrinkles.
Zinc’s wound healing properties may allow it to prevent crepey skin as it protects against sun exposure. Research related to zinc and its ability to prevent skin aging looks promising. However, according to the NIH, adults should not take more than 40 mg of zinc daily.
4. EGCG
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a plant compound that is found in abundance in green tea. It provides a myriad of health benefits, including prevention against age-related diseases.
It can promote skin health as it is said to induce autophagy, which allows the body to get rid of damaged cells. Autophagy can help firm skin and diminish fine lines.
Animal studies on green tea intake show that it can help prevent loose skin and skin sagging. You can consume EGCG in one of two ways: you can have green tea or take supplements.
5. Curcumin
Curcumin is an active compound in turmeric. It is a powerful antioxidant and thus, possesses strong anti-aging properties.
As you grow older, cell division decelerates. When these undivided cells come together, they can speed up the process of aging. Research has shown that curcumin delays this process. It also fights against cellular damage and various age-related symptoms, including mental health issues.
Hence, curcumin’s anti-aging properties make it a great supplement to reduce crepey skin. You can take curcumin supplements or increase the use of turmeric in your diet.
6. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that may help target crepey skin by boosting collagen and elastin production. It can help ward off signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin brought on by UV exposure.
Vitamin C is already famous for its topical usage for skin-brightening. However, scientists are now researching the effectiveness of Vitamin c supplements to treat wrinkles and crepey skin. Fortunately, research shows promise.
Although daily dosage for Vitamin C varies from age to age, adult women are recommended to take at least 75 mg daily, with a maximum dosage of 2000 mg.
Buyer’s Guide for Supplements
There are so many different supplements available that it can be an overwhelming experience to choose the one best for you. Use the following pointers to make the best possible choice when buying supplements for yourself.
- Good quality supplements have GMP and USP labels. Look for those to ensure you are buying from companies that adhere to good manufacturing practices.
- If you are already on medication, consult your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure how much intake is safe.
- Any supplement brands making claims about boosting energy often contain stimulants like caffeine – causing jitters and sometimes high blood pressure.
- Avoid supplements that are dense in herbs as they can be occasionally harmful in certain conditions. Consult your doctor in addition to someone licensed in herbal medicine if you wish to take any such supplements.
