An Expert’s Guide to Crepey Skin and How to Treat it

With the growing popularity of GLP-1 use, crepey skin has become a popular topic of conversation. Add in“tech neck,” and other external factors have all contributed to making skin thinner, more fragile, and crepe paper-like.

But there are easy fixes if you’re looking to tighten up those areas. From simple tweaks in your skin routine and daily habits to in-office treatments, see below for things you can do to best support your skin.

What is crepey skin?

“Crepey skin refers to skin that appears thin, loose, and crinkled, similar to crepe paper,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “Crepey skin is associated with fine wrinkles, skin laxity, and overall changes in skin texture.”

Different from wrinkles, which can occur in areas where there is constant muscle movement, like the mouth and eyes, crepey skin is a result of natural aging and certain habits.

What causes crepey skin?

There are a couple of different factors that may contribute to crepey skin. As Dr. Garshick explains, it is caused by a loss of collagen and elastin due to UV exposure, other environmental stressors, and aging. There may also be a genetic component, she says, that is especially prevalent around the eyes, neck, and hands, where the skin may be thinner and more delicate.

How do I get rid of crepey skin at home?

When looking for topical products that treat crepey skin, Abrahem Kazemi, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and Skin of Color Society member, says to focus on rehydrating the skin and recommends looking for hyaluronic acid-based serums and thicker emollients to add to your routine. Also consider ingredients that can help boost collagen production—such as retinol, peptides, and growth factors—to help with skin laxity and improve overall texture. She adds that exfoliating acids like alpha hydroxy acids can also help with the skin looking smoother.

Treatments for crepey skin may be similar, she says, regardless of where it is on the body. But if you’re targeting a specific area, such as the arms, knees, and neck, certain ingredients may be better than others for it. She says to think of it as follows:

Arms

For crepey skin of the arms, moisturizers and other products that contain retinol, peptides, growth factors, or exfoliating acids like lactic acid can be helpful with rebuilding collagen and smoothing out skin. Some of her favorite products include the Gold Bond Crepe Corrector or the Dove Pro-Retinol and Firming Cream Serum.

Knees

Treat crepiness in the knees similarly to how you approach your arms. Topical products with retinoids, peptides, or exfoliating acids can help boost collagen production and smooth uneven texture.

Neck

The neck will benefit from daily sunscreen use and products that contain retinoids, peptides, or growth factors. Because the skin on the neck is especially thin and delicate, you might want to think about getting a neck cream that is more suitable for that area than a traditional body lotion. Opt for something like the Skinbetter Science TechNo Neck Cream or Revision Nectifirm, she says.

In-Office Treatment Options

For more intense solutions, you can also go the in-office treatment route to address crepey skin. Dr. Garshick lists chemical peels and laser resurfacing options, especially for any crepiness on the neck or around the eyes. Injectables such as Sculptra may also help with crepiness in the neck as well. Dr. Kazemi recommends radiofrequency microneedling for areas such as the knees, neck, or arms, as it can reach deep into the skin to reorganize collagen and smooth out the uneven texture.

How to Prevent Crepey Skin

Preventing crepey skin is all about good habits and curating the right skin-care routine. Dr. Kazemi says wearing an SPF 30 sunscreen daily and reapplying it every two hours when in direct sunlight will make a huge difference when preventing crepey skin. He says staying hydrated by drinking enough water and regularly moisturizing skin will also help.