What Is Crepey Skin & What Causes It
Crepey skin is that thin, finely wrinkled, loose skin that looks (and sometimes feels) like crepe paper. It often shows up on arms, thighs, neck, chest, and hands, places where the skin is thinner to start. Key causes include:
- Loss of collagen and elastin from aging.
- Sun exposure (UV damage) accelerates the breakdown of those support fibers.
- Low moisture/dry skin (moisture loss makes the texture more noticeable).
- Environmental stressors (pollution, smoking), hormonal changes, and weight changes.
Treating it effectively means: protecting from further damage (sun + irritants), deeply hydrating, and using actives that help rebuild or stimulate collagen/elastin + smoothing texture.
What to Look for in Products
Here are the features/ingredients that tend to work best for crepey skin:
| Feature | Why It Helps |
| Retinoids / retinol / vitamin A derivatives | Stimulate collagen production; increase cell turnover and smooth texture. |
| Peptides & growth factor analogues | Support the skin’s structure, firming and elasticity. |
| Humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, etc.) | Draw in moisture, plump the skin. |
| Emollients / occlusives (shea butter, oils, ceramides) | Seal in moisture, strengthen barrier. |
| Exfoliating acids (AHAs, mild physical or chemical exfoliants) | Remove dull cells, smooth surface. But need to be gentle. |
| Antioxidants (vitamin C, E, ferulic acid, resveratrol, etc.) | Neutralize free radicals, help protect / repair damage. |
| Consistent use + SPF | Without preventing further damage, other efforts will have limited impact |
13 Best Products for Crepey Skin
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Here are ten standout products recommended by dermatologists, estheticians, and users. They span body, neck, face, and varying price points. (Prices and availability may vary.)
Odacite C-Nourish Hydra-Firm Body Cream, $48
Add a touch of luxe to your body care ritual with C-Nourish Hydra-Firm Body Cream, whipped to satiny perfection and specifically formulated to target firmness, radiance, & elasticity.
Featuring a dynamic duo of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate + Kakadu Plum, this dual-source Vitamin C Complex helps brighten, support collagen synthesis, and protect against age-accelerating oxidative stress. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a stable, oil-soluble form of clinical Vitamin C, with the ability to deeply penetrate the skin more effectively via lipid pathways. Kakadu Plum, nature’s Vitamin C powerhouse, has 5x more antioxidant capacity than blueberries with a high concentration of Ellagic Acid to fight free radical damage.
Fièra Multi-Effect Neck + Décolletage Cream, $40
Trusted by over 20,000 women, Fièra’s Neck Cream delivers deep hydration and firming power to visibly smooth crepey, thinning skin. Its unique 3-step complex softens fine lines, tightens sagging skin, and protects against free-radical damage for a youthful neckline.
Maree Collagen & Retinol Deep Moisturizer, $22.95
Meet your new daily moisturizer: a lightweight cream infused with collagen and retinol. Perfect for your morning and evening routine, it deeply quenches and nourishes your skin. It gently works to smooth away fine lines, provides a protective shield of antioxidants, and helps even out your skin’s tone for a radiant, rejuvenated complexion every day.
Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment, $216
A high-end body lotion. Packed with peptides (TriHex technology), botanical extracts, shea butter, and squalane. Helps firm and smooth skin. It’s often recommended as a top-overall treatment.
Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Body Lotion, $16.97
Great drugstore pick. Affordable, effective. Uses moisturizers, antioxidants, etc. Many products list this as “best for drugstore” in crepey skin lists.
Crepe Erase Advanced Body Repair Treatment, $84
Designed for body areas. Contains “TrueFirm Complex,” a mix of hydrating agents + botanical extracts. Helps with firmness and long-term texture improvements.
SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body, $165
Another premium body lotion with firming botanicals and hydration. Good if you’re looking for something luxe.
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment, $32
A body treatment with retinol. Excellent if you want one of the active treatments that helps with smoothing fine lines and enhancing texture.
Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Body Therapy, $75
For extra moisture + barrier repair. Hyaluronic acid helps plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Nice option for dry skin.
StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream, $44.25
Targets arms, legs, and areas that show crepiness. Has peptides and firming agents. A solid mid-to-upper tier product.
Medix 5.5 Retinol + Ferulic Acid Anti-Sagging Treatment, $19.99
Combines retinol + ferulic acid (an antioxidant). Works for sagging / crepey areas and helps with texture and tone.
Derma E Crepey Skin Repair Treatment with Resveratrol, $21.33
A gentler, more natural-leaning option. Antioxidants + botanicals, with skin repairing and smoothing benefits. This is good for those wanting fewer synthetic actives or fragrances.
TreeActiv Crepey Skin Repair Treatment, $34.99
A more recent product that does well at smoothing texture, increasing elasticity, and adding glow. Kind of “in between” in terms of strength & cost.
Tips for How to Use These Products (For Best Results)
- Start slow with strong actives like retinol: maybe only a few times a week to begin, to avoid irritation.
- Always apply to clean, slightly damp skin, then seal in moisture.
- Use sunscreen daily, especially on your arms, chest, and neck —places often neglected. SPF is essential.
- Be consistent. Many of these products require 4-8 weeks to show visible improvements.
- Combine actives & moisturizers properly: e.g., retinol or acids at night; richer moisturizers/emollients during the day or following up.
- If skin is sensitive or reactive, patch test first. For stubborn or very saggy skin, consult a dermatologist for in-office options (lasers, RF, ultrasound, etc.).
Read Next:
The Best Ingredients in Drugstore Skincare Products for Mature Women
