Crepey skin—that finely wrinkled, thin, loose texture—can show up on anyone as they age. You can usually find it on areas of the body that tend to soak up sun more often, like the forearms, upper arms, and legs. There are a few causes: intrinsic aging (the natural aging process) and extrinsic aging (mostly from long-term sun exposure). “Over time, the collagen and elastin that provide structure start to break down, and the skin barrier becomes weaker and thinner,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology.
Fortunately, there are a number of proven antiaging ingredients that can help combat these visible signs of aging and improve the skin’s overall texture. While retinol is one of the most studied in exfoliating and reducing crepiness, other ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid can play a role in improving hydration, firmness, and overall smoothness.
After testing expert-backed crepey skin treatments on mature testers, our best overall pick is Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment. It not only contains 0.1% retinol to boost collagen production, it also contains vitamin C and shea butter to improve signs of aging and hydrate the skin as well. But if you’re looking for more face and body products, take a look below at our top five picks.
The best crepey skin treatments, at a glance
How we tested
To find the best treatments for crepey skin, we recruited a diverse group of testers ranging in age from their 30s to their 60s and asked them to try dermatologist-recommended products for several weeks. Each person applied their assigned lotion or cream to areas where crepiness commonly shows up (think upper arms, thighs, chest, and hands), tracking how their skin looked and felt over time.
We focused on formulas packed with derm-approved ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, and rich hydrators (more on that below). Texture was important too. We prioritized products that felt silky, absorbed quickly, and didn’t leave behind any stickiness or residue. The top performers delivered real results: smoother, firmer skin, fewer fine lines, and a visible reduction in crepiness. The products that stood out weren’t just effective—they were enjoyable enough to use daily, which is key to seeing real change.
Best Overall: Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
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Best for: Uneven, dry, crepey skin
Not only is this treatment our favorite for treating crepey skin, we also chose it as our overall best pick for best retinol body lotions too. We really can’t get enough of this powerhouse formula.
“Retinol is an essential antiaging ingredient for the treatment of lax, crepey skin as it helps promote new collagen production, which in turn works to firm and tighten skin,” says Dr. Yadav. “This formula features 0.1% retinol, which is a gentle, lower concentration [than the typical 0.3% to 1%] yet shows clinical efficacy to firm skin over time. It has hydrating panthenol, grapeseed oil, shea butter, and evening primrose oil to support skin barrier function and create a smoother, healthier look to the skin.”
Tester notes: “This body treatment is effective yet gentle, and so far, it hasn’t triggered any redness on my legs,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “I’ve been using it for my thigh area where I’m starting to notice the development of uneven skin texture, and have definitely seen an improvement after using it for a few weeks. It makes my skin look and feel buttery smooth, and I’ve noticed a few less divots. While it hasn’t eradicated my spots of cellulite altogether, it certainly is helping in minimizing its appearance.”
Best for Over 60: Alastin Skincare TransForm Body Treatment
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Best for: Mature, sagging, post-procedure skin
For people over 60 who might experience more crepiness with age, consider investing in Alastin Skin TransFORM Body Treatment. This formula features three key ingredients, including TriHex Technology (the brand’s proprietary blend of active peptides and botanicals), LipoDRONE (another proprietary ingredient that allows peptides to absorb into the skin through your hair follicle), and dill extract. These ingredients help give the appearance of firmer skin, support the production of elastin and collagen, and help improve the texture of your skin. Customer reviewers report more hydrated skin, less crepiness and wrinkles, and tightened skin as well.
While this pick is pretty expensive, a little goes a long way. It can be used anywhere on your body including arms, hands, knees, and the neck. Plus, this product can be used after a procedure (like liposuction)—the TriHex Technology helps clear out damaged fat cells and debris left behind after body-contouring treatments.
Tester notes: “Alastin Skincare TransForm Body Treatment undoubtedly made the skin on my thighs smoother and softer after using for a few days—both visually and to the touch. When I compared how my legs felt after using TransForm, I noticed it flattened some of the rough tiny wrinkles that appear above the knees and reduced the appearance of my chicken bumps, an unexpected but welcome result. The only problem is, this product is a little odd-smelling. But if you can deal with the smell, you’ll enjoy the results.,” says Glamour copy manager Charlotte Twine.
Best for Body: Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Body & Face Lotion
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Best for: Full-body crepey skin
If you’re experiencing full-body crepiness, consider reaching for this hardworking drugstore lotion. Dr. Yadav recommends it to her patients because it’s affordable and has a gentle moisturizing formula that uses a blend of hydrators, antioxidants, and omega-fatty acids to plump up dry, crepey skin and improve elasticity. “A moisturizer like this one can go a long way toward improving the appearance of crepey skin—when skin is dry and dehydrated, fine lines and crepiness are more noticeable.”
Tester notes: Glamour tester Gwenn Hauck typically has to moisturize morning and evening, but when she uses this formula at night, her skin “still feels hydrated well into the day.” Despite the fact that this pick contains retinol, Hauck says it didn’t irritate or exacerbate her super-dry skin.
Best for Face: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Body and Face Sunscreen SPF 60
Best for: Daily UV radiation protection to prevent crepiness
Body lotion isn’t the only treatment to help reduce crepey skin. Dr. Yadav notes that sun protection is vital in treating and preventing crepiness too. “Sun damage contributes to the collagen deterioration that causes skin crepiness, so SPF is a must,” she says. She recommends this facial sunscreen because “the broad-spectrum SPF 60 blocks more than 98% of the sun’s rays, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, oil-free, allergy tested, and formulated with free-radical-fighting antioxidants and soothing spring water to keep all skin types comfortable.” Plus, it’s a 2024 Glamour Beauty Award winner, so you know it's beloved by editors.
Tester notes: “This sunscreen is great for face and body,” says Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor, who’s in her 30s and applies it when running outdoors. “It’s lightweight, unscented, and absorbs into skin like a lotion. (Just be sure to rub in thoroughly to avoid a white cast). I like that there’s sticky tackiness, so I can apply it in the morning and have peace of mind that it won’t pill and I’m protected from harsh UV rays.”
Best for Arms: MAËLYS B-FLEX Lift & Firm Arm Cream
Best for: Loose, crepey upper arms
One of Maëly’s bestsellers, this pick is specifically formulated to tighten, tone, and lift the arm area. In fact, its texture is formulated for upper‑arm use (where skin can be thinner and more prone to crepiness). With unconventional ingredients like Brazilian peppertree (to smooth the appearance of fatty, crepey‑looking skin), red algae (to tighten the look of loose skin), and kangaroo flower (to tone sagging skin), this pick has been clinically proven to help reduce crepiness and dryness. Just make sure to rub the product in completely after you’ve applied it to your arms so you don’t see any color (don’t worry, it won’t turn your arms purple!).
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective product or ingredient for crepey skin?
When it comes to treatment, topical retinoids are the gold standard, according to Dr. Yadav. Prescription options have been shown to boost collagen production, thicken the skin, and smooth out texture. For those who want something gentler, retinol is a milder but effective alternative. Other ingredients that work to treat crepey skin include vitamin C (for brightening), Centella asiatica (also known as gotu kola), collagen, and mandelic acid (gentle exfoliator).
“Some newer studies suggest that pairing ingredients like collagen with vitamin C can further enhance results,” says Dr. Yadav. ”Hyaluronic acid, especially when combined with amino acids or antioxidants, leaves skin hydrated and plumper. And gentle actives like mandelic acid or Centella asiatica can improve skin elasticity and reduce crepiness, even for those with more sensitive skin.”
Of course, daily sunscreen, whether mineral or chemical, is key to preventing premature signs of aging, so be sure to apply year round.
Can crepey skin be reversed?
Crepey skin can actually be improved, and even partly reversed, with consistent treatment. Using topical treatments at home over time helps stimulate collagen and strengthen the connection between the upper and lower layers of the skin, according to Dr. Yadav. In-office treatments that boost collagen production—such as microneedling, radiofrequency therapy (like Morpheus8), fractional laser resurfacing (like Fraxel), and ultrasound-based treatments (like Ultherapy)—can enhance these results. Studies show that both approaches can lead to real structural improvements under the microscope, with new collagen forming and the skin’s architecture becoming stronger and more resilient.
What are the best nonsurgical treatments for crepey arms and legs?
The best nonsurgical treatments for crepey skin on the arms and legs focus on rebuilding collagen and strengthening the skin cells from within. “Ultrasound-based skin-tightening treatment options like Ultherapy use focused energy to firm the deeper layers of the skin, while microneedling combined with radiofrequency delivers controlled heat beneath the surface to improve both tone and texture,” explains Dr. Yadav. “Together, these approaches can noticeably smooth and strengthen crepey skin without surgery.”
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