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If you've noticed your skin looking thinner, looser or more wrinkled—especially on your neck, chest, arms or legs—you're dealing with crepey skin. And you're not alone! It's one of the most frustrating signs of aging because it can make skin look delicate and more aged seemingly overnight. But here's the good news: while you can't turn back the clock completely, the right treatments can significantly improve texture, firmness and overall appearance.Crepey skin happens when collagen and elastin break down, leaving skin without the structural support it needs to stay plump and smooth. Sun damage is the biggest culprit (especially on frequently exposed areas), but aging, weight fluctuations, dehydration and lifestyle factors like smoking all play a role. The thin, papery appearance is particularly noticeable on the neck, décolletage, arms and around the eyes—areas where skin is naturally more delicate.The treatment approach is surprisingly similar to what works on your face. Dermatologists recommend combining ingredients like retinol (which stimulates collagen production), peptides (which help firm and tighten), ceramides and hyaluronic acid (which restore moisture and barrier function) with diligent sun protection. Whether you're looking for a neck cream, body treatment or targeted serum, consistency is key. These products work gradually to rebuild what's been lost, so patience and daily application are non-negotiable.We consulted board-certified dermatologists who specialize in aging skin to find out which treatments actually deliver results. Here are their top picks for smoothing crepey skin and restoring that firmer, more youthful appearance.Related:12 Body Lotions That Actually Work for Crepey Skin, According to Dermatologists
Best Overall:SkinCeuticals C E FerulicBest for Neck and Chest:Revision Skincare NectifirmBest Correcting Treatment: SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck RepairBest Budget Option:No7 Pure Retinol 1% Night ConcentrateBest Lipid Treatment:Epicutis Lipid Body TreatmentBest with Retinol:SkinMedica Retinol ComplexBest with Peptides:Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus Sub-D NeckBest for Sensitive Skin:CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol SerumBest Fast-Acting:SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ SerumBest Eye Treatment:Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye SerumBest Drugstore:La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 SerumWhat Causes Crepey Skin?
Understanding what causes crepey skin is the first step to treating it effectively. Dr. Joni Jefferson, DO, Founder and Medical Director at Zen Aesthetics, breaks it down into a few main factors.
Aging is the most obvious culprit. "With the natural loss of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid as well as slower cell turnover and repair," your skin loses its structural support and ability to bounce back, says Dr. Jefferson.
Dr. Camp adds, "Crepey skin represents loose or wrinkly skin, and it develops as a result of reduced levels of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. These structural proteins provide firmness, rigidity and bounce to the skin."
The loss of your skin's moisture barrier plays a huge role too. Dr. Jefferson notes that "the amount of natural oils on the skin decrease with age, which can be exasperated with over-cleansing, harsh soaps and hot water." When your barrier is compromised, moisture escapes and skin looks thinner and more fragile.
Related: Dermatologists Warn: These 7 Habits Make Crepey Skin Worse After 50
Sun Damage
Sun damage is actually the number one preventable cause. "UV rays break down collagen and elastin," explains Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York. "This is especially noticeable on arms, chest, neck and lower legs," adds Dr. Jefferson—basically anywhere you've gotten sun exposure over the years.
Weight changes and skin laxity from "repeated stretching and relaxing with comes with weight loss and pregnancy" can leave skin loose and crepey, particularly on the arms and abdomen.
Lifestyle
Finally, lifestyle factors matter more than you might think. "Smoking, poor diet, inadequate protein, dehydration and lack of consistent sun protection can cause crepey skin," says Dr. Jefferson.
Related:The 15 Best Body Lotions for Aging Skin, According to Board-Certified Dermatologists
The good news is that you can make significant improvements at home with the right products and routine. Dr. Jefferson breaks down her approach into three essential pillars: stimulate, hydrate and protect.
Stimulate collagen and elasticity by incorporating active ingredients. "Retinol and retinoids for face, neck and body are my number one at-home active for crepey skin," says Dr. Jefferson. She recommends using a gentle retinol body lotion or cream two to four nights per week, starting low and slow with a pea-sized amount for each area (neck/chest, each arm, each leg). Expect mild dryness at first and consider buffering with moisturizer.
Chemical exfoliants are another key player. "Look for lactic acid, glycolic acid or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs)," Dr. Jefferson advises. "This smooths texture and helps other products penetrate better." She suggests using an AHA body lotion or gentle exfoliating pad once or twice weekly, warning not to overdo it since you don't want to irritate already fragile skin.
Dr. Camp emphasizes looking for "products that help skin retain moisture and improve the barrier function of skin. Key ingredients include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerin and niacinamide." He adds that "retinol is an ingredient traditionally found in face serums but has been appearing in neck and body lotions because of its potential to encourage collagen production and help firm skin."
Related: 25 Best Facial Exfoliators for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Estheticians
2. Hydrate
Hydrate and repair the barrier by using rich moisturizers every single day. Dr. Jefferson loves ingredients like "ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter and squalane." Her pro tip? "Apply moisturizer right after bathing, while the skin is slightly damp, to lock water in."
Protect your skin from further damage with non-negotiable daily habits. "Apply daily sunscreen on all exposed areas," Dr. Jefferson insists. "Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on face, neck, chest, arms and hands every morning. Sun is the number one cause of crepey, thinned skin—if you skip SPF, you're undoing all your other work."
She also recommends being gentle with your skin barrier by "avoiding hot showers, harsh scrubs and drying soaps, as well as choosing fragrance-free, creamy cleansers for the body." Pat dry with a towel instead of aggressively rubbing. And definitely don't smoke, as it dramatically accelerates crepey skin.
Related:Body Oil vs. Lotion—A Board-Certified Dermatologist Explains the Difference
Can Crepey Skin Really Be Reversed?
This is the million-dollar question, and dermatologists want to set realistic expectations. "Crepey skin can be significantly improved, but not fully turned back to 20 years old," says Dr. Jefferson.
Dr. Camp agrees that "no treatment can turn back the clock, but targeted treatment can potentially mitigate the appearance of crepey skin." The key is understanding what's possible with at-home treatments versus what requires professional intervention.
Severe sun damage, long-standing deep wrinkles and very loose, thinned skin often need in-office procedures like "microneedling with radiofrequency, lasers and biostimulatory fillers" to get the best results, Dr. Jefferson explains.
But here's what can be reversed or greatly improved with consistent at-home care: texture and fine wrinkling can be "often 50–70% better with the right routine," according to Dr. Jefferson. Dryness and dullness "can be almost completely corrected," and mild laxity "can be tightened to a noticeable degree."
The winning formula? Dr. Jefferson recommends using daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (non-negotiable), a retinol or retinoid for face, neck and body, lactic or glycolic acid lotions 1–3 times per week, rich barrier-supportive moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and shea butter, plus good hydration and a protein-adequate diet.
Dr. Camp adds that "in addition to over-the-counter treatments, in-office procedures such as lasers, peels and microneedling can improve the appearance of aging skin."
The bottom line? You can make real, visible improvements at home, but you need consistency and the right products. Set realistic expectations, commit to the routine and give it at least 8–12 weeks to see results.
Related: 12 Best Products for Age Spots, According to Celebrity Dermatologists
The 11 Best Crepey Skin Treatments, Tested by Dermatologists
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $185
Dr. Jefferson recommends this powerhouse antioxidant serum as her best overall pick for crepey skin. The formula combines 15% pure vitamin C with 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid to protect against environmental damage while stimulating collagen production. It's been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin firmness and texture. While it's an investment, the science-backed results make it worth every penny.Related: 12 Best Night Creams for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
Best for Neck and Chest: Revision Skincare Nectifirm, $115
Bare Faced
Dr. Camp specifically loves this for the neck and chest area. "This popular neck cream can also be used on the chest, and it is formulated with peptides, plant extracts and antioxidants for a smoother, younger-looking neck, décolletage and jawline," he explains. The formula targets that delicate skin that shows age first, helping to firm and smooth the appearance of loose, crepey texture. Related:10 Best Under-Eye Concealers for Mature Skin, According to Skincare Experts
Best Correcting Treatment: SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair, $136
Dr. Camp calls this the best correcting treatment for good reason. "This daily retinol neck cream is formulated with 0.2% slow-release retinol for improved tolerability, as well as a peptide concentrate, to target early to advanced signs of neck aging, including lines and wrinkles due to repetitive movements from looking down at mobile devices," he explains. The slow-release retinol means you get all the collagen-boosting benefits without the irritation that can make neck skin even more fragile. It's specifically designed for that tech neck phenomenon we're all dealing with.
Best Budget Option: No7 Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate, $34
Dr. Camp recommends this as the best affordable option that doesn't sacrifice quality. "This retinol treatment contains niacinamide to improve tolerability, bisabolol, a plant-based extract to calm skin and peptides to encourage collagen production," he says. At 1% retinol, it's a serious concentration that delivers real results without the luxury price tag. The addition of soothing ingredients means even sensitive skin types can often tolerate it well.Related: 7 Skincare Rules Women Over 50 Shouldn’t Ignore, According to Dermatologists
Best Lipid Treatment: Epicutis Lipid Body Treatment, $74.60-$225
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Dr. James Wang, double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Metropolis Dermatology, calls this his top luxury recommendation. "This is one of my top recommendations because it delivers advanced lipid replenishment, barrier support and visible firming in one step," he explains. "Its Hyvia complex and botanical firming extracts help with tone and texture, not just moisture."The formula is specifically designed for mature body skin with crepey texture. It combines plant-derived ceramides, firming botanical extracts like lychee seed and Spilanthes Acmella flower, and humectants to simultaneously hydrate, strengthen the barrier and visibly firm skin. Dr. Wang recommends using it consistently, ideally twice daily, and pairing with gentle body exfoliation once a week for enhanced results.
Best with Retinol: SkinMedica Retinol Complex, $64-$96
Bloomingsdale
Dr. Jefferson specifically recommends SkinMedica for the best retinol products. This line offers three different strengths (0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0%), allowing you to customize based on your skin's tolerance. The formula combines retinol with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients to minimize irritation while maximizing collagen-boosting results. Whether you're starting with the gentler concentration or ready for the more powerful option, you can adjust as your skin builds tolerance.Related: The 15 Best Retinol Body Lotions, According to Celebrity Dermatologists
Best with Peptides: Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus Sub-D Neck, $135
Ulta
Dr. Camp loves this peptide-rich formula for targeting crepey neck skin. "Ingredients in this neck cream, like peptides, caffeine and hyaluronic acid, reportedly help to improve the appearance and feel of skin by sculpting, firming, tightening and contouring," he explains. The combination of ingredients works synergistically to address multiple signs of aging at once—loss of definition, crepiness, fine lines and dullness. It's particularly effective for that area under the jawline that can start to lose definition over time.
Best for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum, $25
Amazon
Dr. Jefferson specifically recommends CeraVe and Cetaphil products for sensitive skin types. This serum combines encapsulated retinol (which releases slowly to minimize irritation) with three essential ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. The formula helps resurface skin and restore the protective barrier while being gentle enough for reactive skin. It's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and developed with dermatologists, making it a safe bet if your skin tends to get red or irritated easily.
Best Fast-Acting: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
DermStore
Dr. Jefferson calls the TNS serums by SkinMedica her pick for fastest-acting results. This advanced formula combines growth factors, peptides, antioxidants and other skin-rejuvenating ingredients in a proprietary blend that's been clinically shown to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, coarse texture and overall skin tone in as little as a few weeks. It's a serious investment, but users report seeing visible improvements faster than with most other treatments.Related: 11 Best Skin-Tightening Moisturizers, According to Celebrity Derms
Best Eye Treatment: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum, $66 (Originally $110)
Sephora
Dr. Camp specifically recommends this for the delicate eye area. "Many retinols are marketed for use on the face, but the skin around the eyes can benefit from retinols too," he says. "This retinol eye serum is formulated for use on the skin around the eyes and contains a proprietary blend of 2 forms of retinol, ferulic acid, bakuchiol and rambutan for results without irritation." The eye area is one of the first places to show crepey texture, and this gentle but effective formula targets that thin, delicate skin without causing redness or sensitivity.
Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum, $45
Amazon
Dr. Jefferson recommends La Roche-Posay products as excellent budget-friendly options. This serum combines pure retinol with vitamin B3 (niacinamide) to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture while minimizing irritation. The addition of niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier, making the retinol more tolerable even for those new to the ingredient. It's dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free and available at most drugstores, making it an accessible entry point into retinol treatments.
Up Next:
Related: 7 Nighttime Habits That Help Mature Skin Look Brighter by Morning
Sources:
Dr. Joni Jefferson, DO, founder and medical director at Zen AestheticsDr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS DermatologyDr. James Y. Wang, MD, MBA, double board-certified dermatologist, founder and co-CEO at Metropolis DermatologyHence then, the article about the 11 best crepey skin treatments that dermatologists recommend was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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