Why You Might Be Developing Fine Lines & Crepey Skin In Your 20s Or 30s

So, what are the factors that level up to crepey skin? Turns out, there are a few rather unexpected ones that might surprise you: 

If crepey skin starts to show up in your 20s or 30s, it's most often triggered by excessive sun exposure notes board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Divya Shokeen, M.D., FAAD. As Shokeen once told mbg about crepey skin, crepey skin starting in your mid-20s is more often caused by notable tanning bed use or aggressive, unprotected sun exposure (i.e., spending long days sunbathing without any sunscreen). All the more reason to practice safe sun!

Even though wrinkles are ultimately caused by structural changes in the dermal layer, hydration plays a huge role in skin suppleness. When your skin lacks moisture, the crepey appearance is more pronounced with wrinkles. Whereas when the epidermis (the skin layer on top of the dermis, your outermost skin layer) is flooded with moisture, it's going to look supple and smooth. 

Look for body lotions or hand creams rich with lipids, humectants, and antioxidants (to protect collagen and elastin). There are many great skin-supporting ingredients to look for, such as ceramides, aloe vera, shea butter, oat extracts, and botanical oils (like jojoba, moringa seed, argan, or coconut). These can all soothe the skin, improve skin barrier function, and provide lasting hydration. As for antioxidants, look for vitamins C and E, panthenol, CoQ10, and niacinamide. 

Be sure to eat a robust diet high in protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Protein needs will vary from person to person, as well as due to what's happening in your life. But a good rule of thumb is this: Most active women will want to consume 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Most of the experts we regularly work with suggest aiming for a goal of around 100 grams of protein per day.

If you're seeing crepey skin start in your 20s or 30s, then it's a surefire sign you need to make some skin care or lifestyle changes. Start with these three, and I'm sure you'll see an improvement in your skin.