In the pantheon of anti-aging skincare, products that effectively target fine lines and wrinkles are forever in demand. However, crepey skin, which has a thin, fragile, and crinkled quality, is also a perennial concern—perhaps now more than ever.
“Weight loss from GLP-1 medications has made crepey skin much more common, but it’s not the only reason I’m seeing more patients concerned about crepey skin lately,” says Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She adds that people are also living longer, paying more attention to body skincare, and looking back at themselves on Zoom. “This has made patients much more aware of changes they may not have noticed before,” she says.
Vogue’s Favorite Crepey Skin Treatments
The solution, Dr. Karcher and many of her peers suggest, lies in targeted treatments developed specifically for crepiness. “I tell my patients to think of it this way,” she says. “Crepey skin is a skin-quality problem; fine lines are the earliest surface folds, wrinkles are deeper structural folds, and laxity is a loss of support that causes the skin to sag. Each has a different underlying cause, which is why the most effective treatments are often different for each.” Ahead, find a complete expert’s guide to crepey skin, from what it is and what causes it, to how to treat it in each area of the body. Happy firming!
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.
