Crepey Skin Treatment | What Is Crepey Skin

The Basics of Crepey Skin

Developing crepey skin is often attributed to the aging process. However, did you know that other factors can also contribute to crepiness? If this cosmetic concern impacts your appearance, then you're not alone. Keep reading to understand what crepey skin is and how you can address the issue.

What Is Crepey Skin?

Crepey skin is different from fine lines and deep wrinkles. Instead of visible lines and creases, the skin is loose and thin with a texture like crepe paper. Common causes include:

Sun Exposure: This crinkly skin can develop anywhere, but it's especially likely to develop on areas of your body with the most significant amount of sun exposure — think your face, hands, arms and legs¹.

Ultraviolet rays accelerate the breakdown of elastin and collagen, the two naturally occurring fibers that help give your skin its bounce-back qualities. As these proteins disappear, your skin loses its tightness, leaving a crinkly, thin texture in its place².

Aging: Your body produces less elastin as you get older, which leads to the outer layer becoming thinner¹. Your skin also produces less sebum (an oily substance), typically starting in your 40s, which can leave skin vulnerable to external stressors that contribute to crepiness³.

Weight Fluctuations and Medications: Stretched skin caused by weight changes can likewise lead to thinner skin, as can certain medications (such as steroids) when used long-term¹. 

Crepey Skin Treatment Options 

While factors like aging are beyond your control, there are still ways to support the look of smoother skin and prevent further crepiness from creeping in. Below are five skincare practices to help improve the visible quality of skin texture.

Apply Sunscreen Daily

Although applying sunscreen won't undo existing sun damage, it's a powerful preventative measure to slow future loss of elastin and collagen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Rub it on exposed skin — even on overcast days, as cloudy weather doesn't block UV rays4.

Keep Skin Hydrated 

Whether from weather-related dryness or underlying dehydration, lack of moisture can rob your skin of its suppleness. Products that hydrate your skin should therefore become an essential step in your daily skincare routine.

We recommend using Undaria Algae™ Body Butter to address crepey skin concerns. This Editor's Pick features Undaria seaweed, which replenishes the skin's moisture barrier, and ceramides, which moisturize and renew the skin. This body butter is clinically shown to provide up to 72 hours of hydration.*

Undaria Algae^™ Body Butter

Skin renewing hydration

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Editor's Pick

*Based on a third-party clinical and consumer perception study conducted on 32 women

**Based on a 2-week third-party clinical study of 53 women ages 25-65 (including; expert skin grading, instrumental measurements & consumer perception study).

Exfoliate 

Gentle exfoliation can eliminate dead skin cells, supporting cell turnover and allowing moisturizers to penetrate deeper. To experience physical and chemical exfoliation, try our Undaria Cleansing Body Polish. This gel-to-milk body polish features pumice, buffing away dead skin cells for a smoother appearance, and kiwi AHA-infused rice microparticles that also gives the skin a smoother, renewed appearance. Use 2 to 3 times per week or as needed. 

Treat Target Areas

Treating any areas of crepey skin with specially formulated products may help give the skin a smoother look and feel. Hyaluronic acid, for example, aims to draw more moisture into the skin to unlock greater radiance. 

Bio-retinols visibly smooth the look and feel of the skin. And whereas traditional retinols are known for irritating sensitive skin, bio-retinols are a more stable alternative derived from natural ingredients like green microalgae — a perfect option for skin that's already stressed from lack of moisture5.

Nourish Your Body

While you can consistently deliver nutrients directly to your skin's surface by using skincare products, the nutrients you get from your diet can help, too. Foods with vitamin C, zinc and amino acids (think spinach and kale, citrus fruits and lean protein sources) help with collagen production, which can further support your skin-smoothing efforts5.

Sources:

1. Coelho, S. (8 August 2023). What Is Crepey Skin? Verywell Health. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/crepey-skin-5088251

2. Ferreira, M. (21 February 2023). Causes of and Treatments for Crepey Skin. Healthline. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/crepey-skin. 

3. (10 June 2024). Have Crepey Skin? Here’s How You Can Address It. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-causing-your-crepey-skin-and-how-can-you-fix-it 

4. Hong, H. (17 March 2025). How to Get Rid of Crepey Skin on Your Arms and Legs, According to Our Beauty Editor. Real Simple. Retrieved July 31, 2025 from https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/anti-aging/crepey-skin-treatment 

5. Noble, A. (16 June 2025). How to Get Rid of Crepey Skin: 12-Expert Approved Methods. Byrdie. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-get-rid-of-crepey-skin-5080816