“Crepey skin is essentially a sign that the underlying structure of your skin—its collagen and elastin—is breaking down… When these degrade, the skin loses its firm support and ability to recoil, leading to that characteristic crepey appearance.”

- Dr Lena Karlsson

How to get rid of crepey skin

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Crepey skin is a common concern many patients bring to our medical aesthetic clinic, especially as they notice thinning, wrinkled, or sagging skin on areas like the arms, abdomen, thighs, and décolletage. This delicate, crumply skin texture signals reduced skin health, loss of elasticity, and dehydration over time. With the right approach, you can rejuvenate your skin to look smoother, firmer, and more youthful.

What causes crepey skin?

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Understanding the root causes of crepey skin is the first step toward effective treatment. Several factors contribute to this including:

Decline in collagen and elastin: These vital proteins keep skin firm and elastic but naturally diminish with age, starting in your 30s.
Sun damage: Ultraviolet (UV) rays accelerate collagen breakdown, causing premature aging signs like sagging and fine wrinkles.

Dehydration and compromised skin barrier: When skin loses moisture or its protective barrier weakens, it becomes dry, flaky and crepey.
Weight changes: Significant weight loss or gain can overstretch the skin, reducing its ability to bounce back.
Hormonal changes: Especially during perimenopause, estrogen plummets and can cause noticeable thinning and crepiness.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor diet and insufficient exercise contribute to oxidative stress, impairing skin repair mechanisms.

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How to prevent crepey skin

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Prevention is always the best treatment. Here’s how to protect your skin:

Daily sun protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day - even on cloudy days - and cover commonly missed spots like the neck and back of hands.
Hydrate inside and out: Drink plenty of water and consume nutrient-rich foods high in omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Apply hydrating serums like hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention.
Moisturize with purpose: Choose moisturizers enriched with peptides and ceramides and nourishing oils to support skin elasticity and barrier repair.
Consider hormone therapy: For some, hormone replacement therapy can improve skin thickness and quality; discuss this option with your wellness doctor.
Incorporate resistance training: Regular weightlifting can positively impact skin firmness by stimulating collagen production.

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Effective treatments to reverse crepey skin

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If you’re already seeing crepey skin, do not fret for there are many proven treatments to restore your skin’s texture and tone:

At-Home skincare solutions

Retinol for the body: Retinol stimulates collagen and smooths skin texture. Use a body-specific retinol serum to minimize irritation while targeting crepey areas.
Gentle exfoliation: Weekly use of scrubs containing glycolic or lactic acid encourages cell turnover and removes dead skin cells, revealing fresher skin.
Layer hydration: Combine hydrating serums with rich moisturizers daily to restore moisture and protect the skin barrier.

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Professional in-clinic treatments

Microneedling with radiofrequency: This treatment creates controlled micro-injuries to boost collagen and elastin production, improving skin tightness and texture.
Laser therapy: Fractional lasers stimulate skin remodelling, ideal for treating larger body areas affected by crepiness.
Injectable biostimulators: Products like Sculptra promote skin thickening and firmness over time.
Energy-based devices: Technologies such as HIFU deliver deep dermal stimulation for skin tightening and collagen enhancement.

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Your daily routine for smoother skin

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Here’s a simple skincare regimen to combat crepey skin:

Morning:

Cleanse with a gentle, hydrating body wash.
Apply a hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin, focusing on problem areas.
Seal in moisture with a peptide-rich moisturizer.
Finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen on all exposed skin.

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Evening:

Gently pat skin dry after showering.
Apply body retinol serum to target crepey patches.
Follow with a nourishing moisturizer to repair overnight.

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Weekly:

Use a mild exfoliating scrub or peel to boost skin renewal.

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Consistency is key to fighting crepey skin

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Improving crepey skin takes time and dedication, but the results are rewarding. Combining prevention strategies, targeted at-home care, and advanced medical treatments can restore your skin’s youthful suppleness and resilience.

If you’re unsure where to begin or want a personalized plan, our aesthetic doctors are here to help. Schedule a consultation or explore our recommended skincare products to start your journey towards smooth, firm, and radiant skin today.

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Do You Need Retinol On Your Body

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Say Bye to Crepey Skin