Struggling with crepey skin? Here is what causes it and the top treatments. Contact our dermatology team in Troy, MO, to schedule your consultation today.
If you’ve ever noticed skin that appears thin, finely wrinkled, or sagging—especially around the eyes, neck, inner arms, or knees—you may be dealing with crepey skin. Unlike typical wrinkles caused by facial expressions or aging, crepey skin has a distinctive texture that resembles crepe paper, characterized by fragility, looseness, and a lack of elasticity.
What Is Crepey Skin—and Why Does It Happen?
Crepey skin occurs when the skin loses its firmness, thickness, and resilience, often appearing lax and crinkled. While it shares similarities with aging-related wrinkles, crepey skin tends to affect larger surface areas and is more closely tied to the depletion of collagen and elastin.
Unlike deeper wrinkles, crepey skin often feels papery to the touch and may develop in places that aren’t heavily affected by facial expressions. Common locations include:
- Under the eyes
- Upper inner arms
- Neck and décolleté
- Knees and thighs
- Abdomen
This condition can affect both men and women, typically after the age of 40, but it may appear earlier due to lifestyle or environmental factors.
What Causes Crepey Skin?
1. Sun Exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the leading causes of crepey skin. UV rays penetrate the dermis and break down collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for skin structure and elasticity. Over time, this accelerates thinning and sagging.
2. Aging
As we age, our body naturally produces less collagen and elastin, and skin cell turnover slows down. This leads to a decline in skin thickness and firmness. Additionally, our skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases, further exacerbating the crepey texture.
3. Rapid Weight Loss
Sudden or significant weight loss can cause the skin to become loose and crepey, especially if skin elasticity was already compromised by aging or sun damage.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Poor hydration, smoking, excessive sugar consumption, and lack of skincare maintenance can all accelerate the appearance of crepey skin.
What Helps Crepey Skin? Effective Treatments Available in Troy, MO
The good news is that crepey skin is treatable, and advancements in dermatology have made it possible to improve texture, tone, and firmness significantly.
At St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, we offer several clinically proven treatments for crepey skin:
1. Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing utilizes targeted energy to stimulate collagen production and remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. It’s particularly effective for crepey skin on the face, neck, and décolleté.
Benefits:
- Smooths skin texture
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin tone and firmness
2. RF Microneedling (Radiofrequency Microneedling)
RF microneedling combines traditional microneedling with radiofrequency energy to deepen collagen stimulation in the dermis. This treatment is excellent for tightening and thickening crepey skin on the arms, abdomen, and around the eyes.
Benefits:
- Firms and lifts lax skin
- Boosts collagen and elastin
- Little downtime compared to traditional lasers
3. Injectable Fillers
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers can help restore volume to areas of crepey skin, particularly when used in conjunction with other treatments. They provide instant smoothing and long-term stimulation of collagen.
Best For: Under-eye hollows, cheeks
Results and Maintenance
Crepey skin won’t vanish overnight—but with the right treatment plan and ongoing care, dramatic improvement is possible. Most patients experience visible results within 3 to 6 months, depending on the chosen treatment and the severity of their condition.
Tips for Long-Term Maintenance:
- Use daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+
- Stay hydrated and avoid smoking
- Maintain a consistent at-home skincare routine
- Schedule annual dermatology check-ups and touch-ups
Advice from Our Dermatology Team in Troy, MO
At St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, we treat crepey skin with an evidence-based and personalized approach. Our board-certified providers work closely with you to:
- Identify the root causes of your skin changes
- Customize a plan with the most effective treatments for your skin type
- Provide expert guidance on skincare products and sun protection
- Monitor your progress and results with follow-up care
Whether you’re just beginning to notice crepey skin or are seeking advanced treatment options, we’re here to help you restore confidence and comfort in your skin.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Don’t wait for crepey skin to worsen. The sooner you take action, the better your long-term results will be.
Schedule your personalized consultation today with our expert dermatology team in Troy, MO, and discover what’s possible with advanced treatment options and professional care.
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