How to Get Rid of Crepey Skin

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Crepey skin is the thin, crinkled, paper-textured appearance that develops as the underlying dermal structure weakens. It is distinct from wrinkles (deeper linear creases caused by repeated facial expression) and from skin laxity (sagging caused by loss of elastic recoil and gravitational descent), though the three often coexist. Understanding which of these you are actually dealing with is the foundation of any sensible treatment plan — because the interventions that work for crepey skin are different from those that work for wrinkles or for significant skin laxity.

This guide explains what causes crepey skin, what works and what does not, and where the surgical and non-surgical options fit.

What crepey skin actually is

Crepey skin reflects structural change in the dermis — the thick supporting layer beneath the visible skin surface. The dermis contains collagen (providing strength) and elastin (providing elasticity), both produced by fibroblast cells. With age and cumulative damage, several changes occur:

The combined result is skin that has lost its plumpness, looks thin, and crinkles into the characteristic crepe-paper texture rather than maintaining its shape. Common locations: the d?(C)colletage, the inner upper arms, the upper eyelids, the neck, the inner thighs, and the dorsum of the hands.

What causes crepey skin

Sun damage is the dominant preventable cause. Ultraviolet radiation degrades collagen and elastin directly, generates free radicals that damage skin cells, and accelerates the natural ageing process by decades in heavily exposed areas. The difference between sun-protected skin (under clothing) and sun-exposed skin (face, hands, neckline) on the same person is often striking — the inner upper arm reveals what skin would look like without UV exposure.

Age. The biological decline in collagen and elastin production is inevitable, though the rate varies considerably between individuals based on genetics, lifestyle, and cumulative environmental exposure.

Hormonal changes. Oestrogen supports collagen production in women; the decline at menopause accelerates collagen loss measurably. Some research shows a 30% loss of skin collagen in the first five years after menopause.

Significant weight loss — particularly rapid loss — leaves the dermis stretched and unable to fully recoil. The skin envelope is now too large for the reduced underlying volume. GLP-1 weight loss medications and post-bariatric weight loss are common contemporary causes.

Smoking and vaping. Nicotine reduces dermal blood flow; smoking specifically damages collagen and elastin and accelerates skin ageing markedly. See smoking and cosmetic surgery and vaping and cosmetic surgery.

Dehydration and poor nutrition. Chronic low-grade dehydration and protein-poor diets contribute to dermal thinning. Sustained low protein intake during weight loss is a particular risk.

Some medications — long-term oral steroids notably — produce dermal thinning as a side effect.

Crepey skin versus wrinkles versus skin laxity

Three different problems, three different treatments. Important to distinguish:

Most patients have a combination. Pure crepey skin without any laxity is unusual; pure laxity without any crepe-texture surface is also unusual.