Crepey skin describes skin that looks finely wrinkled like crepe paper. It can result from aging, UV exposure, or weight fluctuation. Using sun protection and retinoids may reduce its appearance.

Crepey skin is a common condition characterized by thin, finely wrinkled skin resembling crepe paper. While it may resemble wrinkles, crepey skin may feel noticeably more fragile and thinner. The skin may also sag or feel loose.

It typically appears under the eyes and on the upper inner arms as fine wrinkles.

Keep reading to learn what causes and contributes to crepey skin, how to reduce its appearance, and how to prevent it.

Crepey skin commonly affects older adults. As you age, your body produces less collagen and elastin, fibers that help your skin look supple and smooth. This may make skin look and feel thin.

Your skin typically also becomes drier as you age, which can contribute to crepey skin. Dryness can result from:

  • Reduced oil production: Your skin naturally produces less oil as you get older. These oils create an important lipid barrier that protects your skin and helps seal in moisture.
  • Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur with menopause, can also cause skin to become drier.

Crepey skin is also more likely to occur if you have received a lot of ultraviolet (UV) radiation through sun exposure or tanning beds. The UV light in the sun’s rays breaks down collagen and elastin in skin. Once these fibers break down, the skin can loosen, thin, and wrinkle. UV exposure can also cause sun damage, like dark spots, and increase your risk of skin cancer.

Other factors may also increase the risk of crepey skin and premature skin aging. These may include:

While you can’t get rid of crepey skin, certain treatments and practices can help reduce its appearance and support your overall skin health.

These include dermatologist treatments and home skin care practices to prevent skin damage and support skin health as you age.

Your skin, the cause of creping, and the location on your body can determine which treatments work best.

You may need to try multiple treatments to find what works best for you.

Over-the-counter treatments

If your skin has sun damage or crepey skin due to aging, certain over-the-counter (OTC) products may reduce the appearance of crepey skin. It may take time for these products to result in a noticeable change.

You can look for products, like moisturizers, cleansers, and serums, that contain ingredients that support skin health as you age. These may include:

  • Retinol or peptides: These ingredients help to increase collagen in your skin.
  • Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs, such as glycolic and lactic acids, can support skin rejuvenation by promoting skin cell turnover, increasing collagen and elastin, and improving skin texture and brightness.
  • Hyaluronic acid: This ingredient can increase skin moisture and improve its appearance.
  • Salicylic acid: If you experience acne, a cleanser that contains salicylic acid can help unclog pores without drying out skin as much as topical treatments.

For skin on the arms or elsewhere on the body, consider trying body oils or lotions that contain some of these ingredients.

Using retinol, AHAs, and salicylic acid can also increase your susceptibility to sunburn, so be sure to take appropriate precautions and apply sunblock or sunscreen.

Even if you aren’t using these products, you should also consider applying daily sun protection to your face and exposed areas of your skin. A sunscreen or moisturizer that contains SPF+30 may help prevent future sun damage.

Dermatological treatments

A dermatologist, or skin doctor, can help you determine the right treatments for your skin.

These treatments typically cost more than OTC treatments. The prices may vary based on the size of the location treated.

Here are some professional treatments that may help treat crepey skin:

Topical retinoid

A dermatologist can prescribe stronger topical retinoids than those available over the counter.

Retinoids, either in a cream or gel, encourage exfoliation and speed cell turnover. However, these products can be drying and make crepey skin worse if they aren’t also used with proper precautions and a hydrating moisturizer.

While using these products, you may have to take additional precautions to protect your skin from the sun.

Fractional laser treatment (Fraxel)

Fractional laser treatment uses lasers to heat small areas under your skin, which helps build new collagen.

This can support skin growth and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It may be appropriate for crepey skin around the eyes.

Dermatologists may not recommend laser treatment if you have a deeper skin tone, as it may increase the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Ultrasound (Ulthera)

Similar to a fractional laser treatment, Ulthera is a skin-tightening procedure that uses targeted ultrasound to heat the supporting tissues below your skin.

This intense heat breaks down some cells and stimulates collagen production to tighten skin.

This treatment is typically used on the face and neck, but not on the upper arm. That’s because topical anesthetics aren’t effective, and nerves in the upper inner arm can make the treatment uncomfortable. You can generally use micro-focused ultrasound to treat the arms.

Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)

Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) is a noninvasive procedure, also known as body contouring, that helps to remove localized areas of fat. The treatment freezes the lipids in fat cells, causing them to dissolve slowly.

Cryolipolysis is used when loose skin is over excess fat, as the treatment tightens skin by removing the fat underneath the surface.

Fillers

Dermal fillers involve injecting a filling agent like calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) or poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra). These may improve the appearance, texture, and thickness of crepey skin.

These agents are injected into your skin to stimulate the growth of collagen.

You can take steps to prevent crepey skin or prevent it from worsening. These can include:

  • Using sun protection: Always wear SPF on exposed skin. Staying in the shade when possible and wearing sun-protecting clothing, like a hat, can also help.
  • Regularly moisturize your skin: To improve dry skin, you can use products that contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. These ingredients can help your skin absorb and retain moisture. You can also use moisturizing oils, like coconut oil, olive oil, and cocoa butter.
  • Following a balanced and nutritious eating plan: A balanced diet containing varied antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can help support your skin and overall health. You can make sure you’re getting varied nutrients by eating produce in different colors. (Antioxidant pigments give food its color.)

Crepey skin refers to skin that appears thin and finely wrinkled.

It can happen naturally as you age, but certain factors, like UV radiation exposure, smoking, and excessive weight loss, can make it more likely or more visible.

You can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and crepey skin by using OTC skin care products, such as retinoids and AHAs, protecting skin from the sun, and moisturizing skin regularly.

You can also visit a dermatologist for cosmetic facial procedures, such as injections, laser treatments, and stronger topical products.