Crepey skin is a common sign of aging.
When skin thins over time, it can take on a crepey, sagging appearance.
Thinning skinis a normal part of aging.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
However, it can also happen for non-age-related reasons, the most common being sun damage.
There are several ways to reduce the appearance of thin, crinkled skin.
Thin, crepe-like skin is not the same aswrinkled skin.
Elastin gives skin its bouncy, stretchy feel.
A loss of elastin means that skin won’t bounce back as easily as before.
The skin may become saggier as a result.
Elastin can break down for several reasons.
Causes
There are several known factors that contribute to crepey skin.
Sun Damage
Sun damage is the most common reason for crepey skin.
The suns harmful rays break down elastin in the skin, eventually leaving behind a saggier, thinner appearance.
If youre a frequent tanning bed user, though, you may notice crepey skin much earlier.
Crepey skin will be more apparent if you gain and then rapidly lose weight.
Medications
Some medications can affect the skins appearance.
Prednisone, for instance, can cause thin, crepey skin if taken on a long-term basis.
Being dehydrated can also have the same adverse effects on the skin.
Can Poor Sleep Cause Crepey Skin?
While no research directly links crepey skin to poor sleep habits, sleepcanimpact skin health.
Diagnosis
Crepey skin is thin, wrinkled, and saggy.
you might consider seeing adermatologistif youre unhappy about the appearance of your crepey skin.
They can recommend a personal treatment approach thats right for you.
But you might need an evaluation even if your crepey skin isn’t bothering you.
Skin that is wrinkled due to aging won’t look like crepe paper and isn’t necessarily damaged.
Treatment
Here are a few ways you might treat crepey skin.
Products that contain retinoids can exfoliate the skin and promote cell regeneration.
Keep in mind that they can also dry out the skin and make matters worse.
If you use retinoids, always see to it to moisturize too.
But keep in mind that crepey skin is one of the hardest things to treat.
Cosmeceutical products typically sold at doctor’s offices can help improve skin texture.
And sometimes interventional procedures are recommended.
Can Vitamin C Supplements Help?
Prevention
There are a few ways to prevent excessively crepey skin.
Itching and Discomfort
Because crepey skin is thinned and damaged, it can become irritated.
Moisturizing regularly can help relieve itching.
Word From Verywell
You might feel self-conscious about crepey skin, but it’s not usually harmful.
If youre young and notice crepey skin, you should consider seeing a dermatologist.
Cleveland Clinic.Have crepey skin?
Heres how you might address it.
2014;7(9):735-743. doi:10.1002/jbio.201300171
Medline Plus.Aging changes in skin.
November 3, 2020.
American Academy of Dermatology.Many ways to firm sagging skin.
Amselem M.Radiesse: a novel rejuvenation treatment for the upper arms.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
