In top dermatology clinics and on store shelves, crepey skin treatments are increasingly in demand. “I have a lot more patients coming in for crepey skin after or while being on a GLP-1,” notes Nicole Ruth, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Of course, it’s not only Ozempic that’s creating fragile, crepe paper-like skin on body parts everywhere. There’s the rise of “tech neck” to consider, and other causes that far predate laptops and smartphones.
“Crepey skin is the result of both natural aging and external factors. Over time, our skin loses collagen and elastin, becomes thinner, and is less able to repair itself,” says Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Agency by Curology. She adds that sun exposure plays a major role in the development of crepey skin, as do hormonal shifts, oxidative stress, and environmental damage. So, how does one keep it tight?
Vogue’s Favorite Crepey Skin Treatments
“Effective treatments for crepey skin are available both at home and in the office,” says Tolpinrud. Above all, she stresses that using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above is essential every day, while additional topical treatments can certainly help. Flooded with ingredients ranging from retinol to alpha-hydroxy acids, humectants, and peptides, the best crepey skin treatments address collagen loss, skin thinning, and dehydration. Dr. Ruth agrees, adding that the best results come from a multi-pronged approach. “Crepey skin, which appears thin, finely wrinkled, and lax, often responds to targeted treatments that improve collagen production, hydration, and skin barrier function,” she says. “Topical ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and growth factors can stimulate fibroblasts and enhance dermal remodeling over time.”
And for a quick (albeit temporary) fix, humectant- and emollient-rich moisturizers help to plump the skin, allowing for an overall smoother look. Even still, Dr. Ruth gently encourages us to keep our expectations realistic. “Crepey skin can be improved, but not completely erased with topicals,” she adds. “If you really want to try to soften lines and build thicker skin, I usually recommend in-office laser treatments, which require multiple sessions, and excellent at-home skincare, which can include LED face masks.”
Wondering which crepey skin treatment is just the thing for your neck, chest, body—or all of the above? Allow us to firm it for you. Ahead, find the eight treatments board-certified dermatologists recommend to treat crepiness at home.
