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What would you recommend for treating dry, crepey skin on the arms and legs? –@mimichellej
As we grow older, we gain both wisdom...and wrinkles. Perhaps it's all the thinking we do, but every muscle movement causes the skin to fold, creating little lines between the muscle bulk that leave creases in our skin.
One of the most frustrating types of wrinkles is the crepey skin you're describing. For those unfamiliar with the term, crepey skin is just as the name suggests: it appears thin and wrinkled, typically affecting larger areas like the neck and upper arms.
While crepe paper is fantastic for crafting streamers and faux flowers, it's far from desirable when it comes to your skin's texture. Although it's harmless, if it bothers you, there are a few ways to manage it.
The thinness of crepey skin is largely due to dehydration, so intensive moisturizing is essential. For crepey skin on your arms or legs, look for a body moisturizer that includes elastin-boosting ingredients like retinol, hydroxy acids, or ammonium lactate, such as Lac-Hydrin or AmLactin.
"Formulas containing retinol, antioxidants, and anti-aging peptides are also beneficial, as they help thicken the skin's structure and reduce the appearance of crepiness," explains Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She recommends two top products for her patients: Revision Skincare's Bodifirm ($150; amazon.com) and Alastin Skincare's TransFORM Body Treatment ($205; alastin.com). The first includes antioxidants and plant extracts to promote firmer, lifted skin, while the latter uses TriHex peptide technology to enhance collagen and elastin production.
Getty ImagesSun exposure is the primary cause of crepey skin, as the sun damages elastin. It's essential to wear sunscreen, regardless of the weather. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and make sure to apply it to your neck, where crepey skin often begins. Additionally, avoid tanning at all costs, as it exacerbates crepey skin.
Exfoliation is crucial, and dry brushing is an excellent method for it. Not only does it gently exfoliate, but it also improves blood circulation, which can enhance skin firmness. The technique involves using a specific brush, usually made with natural bristles, to brush your body before showering. Try the CMS Dry Body Brush from Amazon ($10; amazon.com), which is easy to hold and features massage nodules within the bristles to prevent applying too much pressure.
If you're open to professional treatments, dermal fillers may be an option. For example, crepey skin on the upper arms can be treated with diluted dermal fillers like Radiesse and Sculptra. According to Dr. King, "These fillers stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce skin sagging. The injected material forms a gel-like mesh that tightens the skin, acting as a biostimulant to enhance skin tone over time."
For a more affordable, at-home option, derma rolling is a great choice. This cosmetic treatment involves using a device covered in tiny needles that are rolled over the skin. "This helps create tiny channels in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production," explains Alpha-H facialist Taylor Worden. It may sound intimidating, but don't worry—it's not painful. Think of it like shaving: you can feel it, but it’s not uncomfortable if done correctly.
Although wrinkles and crepey skin are different (one involves creases and fine lines, while the other refers to fragile skin texture), they often appear together and can be treated similarly. The key is boosting collagen and hydration levels in the skin. While you can’t turn back the clock to your younger skin, with time, you’ll see a noticeable improvement.
