Skin Concern
How to get rid of crepey skin
You can improve crepey skin, but rarely erase it with creams alone. Daily sunscreen stops it getting worse, a retinoid and a lactic acid or urea body lotion can make thin, crinkled skin look smoother over months, and in-office treatments such as fractional lasers, radiofrequency or collagen-stimulating fillers go further.
To get rid of crepey skin, first protect it: broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, because sun damage is the main cause. Then use a retinoid such as retinol on the face or arms a few nights a week, and a moisturizer with lactic acid, urea or hyaluronic acid daily, especially on arms and legs. Expect a softer, smoother look over several months rather than a full reversal. For deeper change, a dermatologist may offer fractional laser, radiofrequency, ultrasound tightening or collagen-stimulating fillers, and significant loose skin after major weight loss may need surgery.
- Sun damage breaks down elastin, the fibers that let skin snap back, so daily sunscreen is the first treatment.
- Retinoids and hydroxy-acid moisturizers can improve texture and plumpness, but topicals have real limits.
- In-office options like fractional laser, radiofrequency and biostimulator fillers offer more change; surgery is for larger amounts of loose skin.
The basics
What causes crepey skin?
Crepey skin is thin, finely wrinkled skin that looks and feels like crepe paper. Cleveland Clinic notes it is most common under the eyes and on the arms, and usually starts to appear in the 40s. Our main crepey skin guide covers what it looks like in detail; here we focus on how to treat it.
The biggest driver is sun damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays break down elastin, the springy fibers that let skin stretch and recover. Cleveland Clinic also lists natural aging, large weight changes, dryness and some medicines, such as long-term prednisone, as causes, with smoking, alcohol and tanning beds making things worse.
Sun damage
Years of UV exposure weaken elastin and collagen. See sun damage.
Thinner, drier skin
Skin makes less oil after the 40s and its protective barrier weakens.
Stretched, then loose
Large gains and losses can cause crepiness, sometimes as early as the 20s.
Long-term steroids
Prolonged prednisone is one example Cleveland Clinic names. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice.
At home
What can creams and lotions do for crepey skin?
| Option | What it does | Realistic expectation |
|---|---|---|
| Daily sunscreen, SPF 30+ | Prevents further UV breakdown of elastin and collagen | Essential; stops it getting worse rather than reversing it. |
| Retinoids (retinol, prescription tretinoin) | Support collagen and elasticity over time | Best-supported topical; modest smoothing over months. Early dryness is common. |
| Lactic acid (about 12%) lotions | Moisturizes and exfoliates; may thicken the skin | A 1996 study found 12% lactic acid increased dermal thickness, unlike 5%. Good for arms and legs. |
| Urea creams | Hydrate and soften rough, dry skin | Improves dryness and texture; does not rebuild elastin. |
| Hyaluronic acid, glycerin moisturizers | Draw water into the skin’s surface | Temporary plumping; Cleveland Clinic says moisturizers work well for mild crepiness. |
| “Firming” creams with peptides or plant extracts | Marketed to support collagen | Limited independent evidence; treat as nice-to-have. |
Cleveland Clinic’s dermatologist recommends retinol creams to help restore elasticity and thicken collagen and elastin, and hydroxy acid cleansers and emollients to stop crepiness getting worse. There is trial evidence on the arm itself: in a small 2007 study of older adults (average age 87), a 0.4% retinol lotion applied to the upper inner arm up to three times a week improved fine wrinkles and roughness over 24 weeks compared with a plain lotion. If you are new to retinoids, follow our how to use retinol guide and choose a gentle strength using what percentage of retinol to use. On the body, a lactic acid or urea lotion is often easier to use daily; see should you use urea?.
The honest limit: Cleveland Clinic notes topicals and moisturizers can only do so much, and after major weight loss a large amount of crepey skin often needs a plastic surgeon to remove it.
By area
How to treat crepey skin on the face, arms and legs
Gentle and patient
Use a mild retinol or a product made for the eye area, plus sunglasses to reduce squinting. Puffiness and shadows are different issues; see dark circles.
Retinoid plus SPF
A nightly-to-alternate-night retinoid with a good moisturizer and daily sunscreen. The mature skin routine shows how to fit it in.
Lactic acid or urea daily
Apply after showering on slightly damp skin. Add retinol a few nights a week if your skin tolerates it, and wear sunscreen on exposed arms.
Manage expectations
Moisturizers help texture, but larger areas of loose skin usually need surgical assessment.
- Every morning
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin, including the backs of arms and hands. Use enough; see how to choose a face sunscreen.
- After showering
A lactic acid, urea or hyaluronic acid lotion on damp skin, daily.
- Two to four nights a week
A retinoid on the face, neck or arms. Do not use it on the same night as an acid lotion at first.
- Every day
The AAD’s anti-aging basics apply: avoid tanning, stop smoking, limit alcohol and stop any product that stings or burns.
- After three to six months
Compare photos. If you want more change, book a consultation for in-office options.
Professional options
What in-office treatments help crepey skin?
| Treatment | How it works | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fractional laser | Creates tiny channels that trigger new skin growth | Evens tone and texture; downtime varies by laser. |
| Radiofrequency (RF) | Heats deeper skin to build collagen and tighten | Best for small areas and mild laxity; results vary, and it can be uncomfortable and costly. |
| Focused ultrasound (HIFU) | Non-invasive heat that stimulates collagen | Used on the neck, brows, chin and chest. |
| Fillers and biostimulators | Hyaluronic acid plumps; poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) prompts new collagen | Results last months; needs an experienced injector. |
| Surgery | Removes and lifts excess skin | For larger amounts of loose skin; leaves scars. Get more than one opinion. |
All of these come from the options Cleveland Clinic’s dermatologist describes. Body contouring that targets fat, such as cryolipolysis, is not typically used for crepey skin. If you are weighing at-home devices, our LED mask vs microcurrent comparison explains what they can and cannot do, and chemical peel vs laser resurfacing covers resurfacing choices. If the main issue is drooping rather than crinkling, read sagging skin.
Safety and professional-help boundaries
When crepey skin needs a medical look.
- See a doctor if skin thins quickly, bruises or tears easily, or changes after starting a new medicine; do not stop prescribed steroids on your own.
- Have any new, changing, bleeding or non-healing spot on sun-damaged skin checked promptly by a dermatologist.
- Stop retinoids or acid lotions that cause burning, rash or raw skin, and let the area recover.
- Retinoids should not be used during pregnancy; see skincare during pregnancy and ask before restarting while breastfeeding.
- Choose a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for lasers, energy devices, fillers or surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common questions
How do you get rid of crepey skin?
Protect it with daily sunscreen, use a retinoid a few nights a week, and moisturize daily with lactic acid, urea or hyaluronic acid. For bigger change, a dermatologist may offer fractional laser, radiofrequency, ultrasound or collagen-stimulating fillers.
Can crepey skin be reversed?
It can be improved, often noticeably, but rarely fully reversed with creams alone. In-office treatments offer more change, and large areas of loose skin may need surgery.
What is the best treatment for crepey skin on arms?
A daily lactic acid or urea lotion plus sunscreen on exposed arms is the practical base, with retinol a few nights a week if tolerated. Radiofrequency or laser can help further.
Does retinol help crepey skin?
Yes. Retinoids are the best-supported topical for improving elasticity and collagen, though results take months and early dryness is common.
What causes crepey skin at a young age?
Heavy sun exposure, tanning beds, smoking and large weight changes are common reasons. Cleveland Clinic notes weight-related crepiness can appear as early as the 20s.
Does lactic acid help crepey skin?
It can. A 1996 study found 12% lactic acid increased dermal thickness compared with 5%, and lactic acid lotions also soften and moisturize rough skin.
Can moisturizer fix crepey skin?
Moisturizer can make mild crepey skin look smoother and plumper for a while, but it does not rebuild elastin. Pair it with sunscreen and a retinoid for lasting change.
Is crepey skin a sign of disease?
Usually it reflects sun damage and aging. If skin thins suddenly, bruises easily or changes with a new medicine, see a doctor.
How long does it take to improve crepey skin?
Expect several months with topicals. In-office treatments often need a series of sessions, with collagen building gradually over the following months.
Do firming creams work on crepey skin?
Most offer modest, temporary smoothing from hydration. Look for proven ingredients such as retinoids and lactic acid rather than marketing claims.
Editorial Record
- Editorial status
- reviewed
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Abdurrahman Efem
- Practical reviewer
- Merve Akkaya
- Last reviewed
- November 13, 2026
Related pages
Continue from here
Sources reviewed
Evidence behind this page
- Cleveland Clinic: What’s causing your crepey skin and how can you fix it?
- American Academy of Dermatology: 11 ways to reduce premature skin aging.
- Smith WP. Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1996 (trade summary).
- Cleveland Clinic: Retinol.
- Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Archives of Dermatology, 2007 (press summary).
Sources support the general editorial guidance shown here. They do not replace personal medical advice from a qualified clinician.