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Dermatologists Say These Simple Fixes Can Make Crepey Skin Look Noticeably Smoother

Parade · Nov 19, 2025 13:10 · 6 min read

Dermatologists Say These Simple Fixes Can Make Crepey Skin Look Noticeably Smoother — crepey-skin-solutions

A few daily skincare upgrades can noticeably firm and smooth crepey skin.

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A funny thing happens with skin in your 50s. The rules change, and skin that once bounced back now needs a little more support. Moisturizers that used to nourish suddenly feel like they’re barely making a dent. None of this is bad or dramatic—it’s simply the natural evolution of living, laughing and being out in the world for decades. Skin matures the same way we do, and that's beautiful.

But along with this evolution comes a new set of skin concerns worth paying attention to. With time, our stores of collagen and elastin slowly decline, the barrier gets a bit more delicate and cell turnover eases up. That’s when one of the most common texture shifts appears: crepey skin. It’s the thin, finely wrinkled, slightly crinkly skin (said to resemble crepe paper) that tends to show up on the neck, arms, chest and under eyes. Sun exposure over the years plays a starring role, but weight fluctuations, genetics and lifestyle habits all help shape how quickly it shows up and how noticeable it becomes, too.

The good news? Crepey skin is not a lost cause. Small daily habits make a very real difference—helping the skin grow stronger, firmer and more supple over time. Ahead, dermatologists share how to smooth crepey skin, including habits that are worth breaking, and what to do instead for skin that looks and feels more supported, resilient and luminous at every age.

What Is Crepey Skin?

Crepey skin is what happens when the skin starts to lose its bounce, thickness and natural spring, leaving it looking a bit thin, loose and crinkly—kind of like tissue paper that’s been folded and re-folded one too many times.

"Genetics, hormonal changes and normal aging" all set the stage, says double-board certified dermatologist Dr. Morayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, and then real life piles on. Years of sun exposure without SPF chip away at collagen, significant weight loss can cause the skin to deflate faster than it can tighten back up and even "overuse of topical corticosteroids" can thin things out, Dr. Adisay tells Parade. Smoking? That speeds everything up, too.

So while crepey skin is a completely normal (and common!) shift that shows up more noticeably after 50, it’s really the result of long-term changes happening deep in the skin’s structure—not something that appears overnight.

What Deficiency Causes Crepey Skin?

Crepey skin doesn’t come down to just one cause, and it's definitely not due to one single deficiency. As Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist, explains, it’s a sign of aging, but that doesn’t mean it’s permanent or untouchable. As mentioned before, genetics, skin type and lifestyle habits such as sun exposure and smoking all play a part, which "influence how quickly collagen and elastin break down." She adds that a lack of moisture can make the skin appear thinner and more crinkled, while big weight fluctuations can also stretch and weaken the skin’s support structure over time.

Of course, loading up on vitamins and hormones that help support collagen production is always a good idea. Vitamin C and estrogen are your best friends—and layering on these supplements with a proper diet full of protein and omega-3s will help to reduce signs of aging and bring back that youthful bounce, says Dr. King. Proof that crepey skin may show up uninvited, but it doesn’t have to run the show.

7 Simple Fixes To Make Crepey Skin Look Noticeably Smoother, According to Dermatologists

1. Prioritize sun protection

Before serums, creams or treatments even cross your mind, sunscreen has to be the priority. As Dr. King puts it, "sun protection is the single most important factor for helping to avoid premature aging of the skin." UV exposure breaks down collagen fast, and once that scaffolding weakens, crepey skin becomes more visible.

And yes, no matter what skincare goodies you buy, they won’t do anything if you're not protecting your skin from the elements, she adds. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF, like Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Body Lotion SPF 60 ($12.89) every day (even when it’s cloudy) helps maintain firmness and keeps your routine actually working.

2. Add humectants

If crepey skin looks thin and crinkly, humectants are your plumping squad. These ingredients act like moisture magnets, pulling water into the skin to swell those fine lines from the inside out.

"Humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid and collagen hydrate and plump the skin," says Dr. King, adding that they help the skin "look smoother and more youthful."

Apply them on damp skin to lock in hydration and instantly soften that papery texture.

3. Layer on the vitamin C

Vitamin C is your daily brightener, protector and firming support all in one.

"Antioxidants like vitamin C can help to protect the skin from damage from free radicals from sun exposure and pollution," explains Dr. King, which is key because environmental stress speeds up collagen loss.

Pair DERMA-E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum ($19.25) with a deeply hydrating moisturizer (seriously, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize) and look for formulas that also include “retinol, antioxidants and anti-aging peptides” to boost signs of smoothness and glow.

4. Experiment with treatments

Once you have your daily routine locked, professional treatments can take smoothing to the next level.

"Niacinamide helps to improve tone and texture of the skin," says Dr. King, so be sure to look for it in serums and creams.

But for deeper results, in-office treatments shine.

"Laser skin resurfacing, radiofrequency devices and ultrasound devices can be very helpful in reducing crepiness," she explains.

These approaches "stimulate collagen and elastin production," helping to tighten the skin’s support system from within. If you're looking for something more accessible for at-home use, devices like Nu Skin RenuSpa iO are great for toning and firming the skin (all while watching your favorite TV show).

5. Don't skip retinol

Retinol is still the tried-and-true MVP when it comes to firming crepey areas. This magical ingredient "helps to stimulate collagen production," Dr. King explains, which is exactly what thinning, lax skin needs.

Start slowly (two to three nights a week) and sandwich your retinol—like the Paula's Choice Anti-Aging 1% Retinol Treatment ($65)—between hydrating layers if your skin is on the sensitive side. With consistent use, retinol helps rebuild the skin’s structure, making everything appear smoother, tighter and more resilient.

6. Anti-aging peptides

Peptides are like tiny messengers telling your skin to act younger. As Dr. King explains, "anti-aging peptides can have different actions such as stimulating collagen production." She also adds that constant use of these bad boys helps to "reduce hyperpigmentation" and "increase cell turnover."

Use them in the morning or night—they play well with most ingredients and add supportive strength to your routine. The result is skin that looks firmer, bouncier and less textured over time. It's a win-win all around.

7. Try growth factors

Sometimes, you have to get down to the cellular level.

"Growth factors can also help skin cells behave more youthfully," Dr. King says.

These are often found in luxe serums and creams and work best when paired with the basics, such as sunscreen, hyaluronic acid and retinoid. Think of them as the finishing touch that supports the skin’s natural repair process, helping crepey areas appear smoother and more lifted with continued use.

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