What Causes Crepey Skin?
Crepey skin develops when your skin loses collagen, elastin, and moisture. These vital components keep your skin firm, elastic, and plump. As you age, your body naturally produces less collagen and elastin, and your skin’s ability to retain moisture declines.
Several factors can speed up this process, including:
- Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to thinning and wrinkling over time.
- Natural aging: Collagen production slows, and skin cell turnover decreases with age.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, dehydration, and poor nutrition can make crepey skin worse.
- Weight loss: Significant weight loss may leave behind loose, thin skin.
Although crepey skin is often a natural part of aging, advanced aesthetic and surgical options can help improve it.
What are the Best Treatments for Crepey Skin?
The right treatment depends on where the crepey skin appears, its severity, and your overall goals. Dr. Tenley Lawton offers several effective options:
Morpheus8 RF Microneedling
This advanced, minimally invasive treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. Tiny needles create controlled micro-injuries in the skin while RF energy heats the deeper layers, boosting collagen and elastin production. Over time, this process can tighten and smooth crepey areas on the face, neck, and body.
Chemical Peels
Medical-grade chemical peels gently remove the outer layer of damaged skin, revealing fresher, healthier skin underneath. Peels also stimulate new collagen growth, which can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and crepiness. Dr. Lawton customizes each peel to your skin type and concerns.
Facelift
For crepey skin that is more pronounced on the lower face and neck, a surgical facelift can dramatically tighten and reposition sagging tissues. This procedure smooths deeper wrinkles and restores a firmer, more youthful contour.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Crepey skin often appears on the delicate upper and lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat, improving the appearance of wrinkling and giving the eyes a refreshed, less tired look.
Collagen-Boosting Skincare
In addition to in-office treatments, Dr. Lawton recommends medical-grade skincare products that stimulate collagen production. Products containing ingredients like retinol, growth factors, and peptides help maintain smoother, firmer skin over time.