The Growing Demand for Crepey Skin Treatments
Dermatology clinics and beauty aisles are seeing a surge in demand for treatments targeting crepey skin. “I’ve noticed more patients coming in for crepey skin concerns, especially those on GLP-1 medications,” says Dr. Nicole Ruth, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. While medications like Ozempic can contribute to fragile, papery skin, other factors—like “tech neck” from prolonged screen use—also play a role, along with age-old causes unrelated to modern habits.
### Vogue’s Top Picks for Crepey Skin
– Best Device: CurrentBody Neck & Décolletage Mask: Series 2 ($420)
– Best Drugstore Option: Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Body Lotion ($19)
– Best for the Décolletage: SkinMedica TNS+ Advanced Serum ($295)
– Best Quick Fix: Revision Skincare D.E.J. Daily Boosting Serum ($225)
– Best Post-Procedure: Alastin Skincare Transform Body Treatment ($228)
### What Causes Crepey Skin?
“Crepey skin results from both natural aging and external factors,” explains Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, a board-certified dermatologist. “Over time, our skin loses collagen and elastin, becomes thinner, and struggles to repair itself.” Sun exposure, hormonal changes, oxidative stress, and environmental damage also accelerate the issue.
### How to Treat Crepey Skin
“Effective treatments are available both at home and in-office,” says Dr. Tolpinrud. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) is essential, while targeted topicals—like retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, and peptides—can help restore firmness and hydration.
### Best At-Home Treatments Recommended by Dermatologists
#### Best Device: CurrentBody Neck & Décolletage Mask: Series 2 ($420)
Why We Love It: This FDA-cleared LED mask uses red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm), and deep near-infrared (1072nm) light to stimulate collagen and elastin, improving skin laxity. “The neck and chest often show aging first but are neglected in younger years,” says Dr. Ruth. “This mask is a great at-home option between professional treatments.”
Key Features:
– Treatment Time: 10 minutes
– Coverage: 35% larger area than previous models
– Best For: Those seeking professional-grade LED therapy at home
Pros: Quick, clinically tested, FDA-approved
Cons: Some users find it uncomfortable
Whether you’re targeting your neck, chest, or body, these dermatologist-backed solutions can help restore smoother, firmer skin.Here’s a more natural and fluent rewrite of your text while keeping the original meaning intact:
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Best Drugstore Pickup: Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Body Lotion
Price: $17 (Amazon)
Why We Love It: This drugstore favorite has gone viral on TikTok, with claims that it reduces crepey skin in just two days. Dermatologists also recommend it, thanks to its nourishing blend of omega fatty acids, botanical extracts, and vitamin E. Dr. Pooja Rambhia, a board-certified dermatologist, highlights vitamin E as a key ingredient because it protects collagen and supports new production. The lotion also contains peptides, which help improve skin firmness by boosting collagen and elastin.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, botanicals, omega fatty acids
Size: 14 oz
Pros:
✔️ Affordable and easy to find
✔️ Large bottle size
Cons:
❌ Some find the texture too thick
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Best for a Quick Fix: Revision Skincare D.E.J. Daily Boosting Serum
Price: $180 (Amazon)
Why We Love It: Dermatologist Dr. Lycia Thornburg recommends this serum for its fast-acting tightening and hydrating effects. It contains a unique sunflower sprout extract that boosts cellular energy, along with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and resveratrol. Some users see results in just 15 minutes, with long-term improvements in skin firmness over 12 weeks.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower sprout extract, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, resveratrol, squalane
Size: 0.5 oz
Pros:
✔️ Absorbs quickly
✔️ Clinically tested
✔️ Works day or night
Cons:
❌ Some notice a slight medicinal scent
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Best for the Décolletage: SkinMedica TNS+ Advanced Serum
Price: $236 (Amazon)
Why We Love It: Dr. Thornburg also recommends this serum for improving skin texture and elasticity, especially on the face, neck, and décolletage. It combines two powerful formulas—TNS-MR (with growth factors and peptides) and Renessence Advanced (with marine extracts and microalgae)—to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Results can be seen in as little as two weeks.
Key Ingredients: Growth factors, peptides, marine extract, green microalgae
Size: 1.0 oz
Pros:
✔️ Advanced, science-backed ingredients
Cons:
❌ Some users report uneven dispensing from the double pump
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Best for Jawline: Isdin Isdinceuticals Age Contour
Price: $135 (Amazon)
Why We Love It: Dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry recommends this cream for firming and hydrating the neck and jawline. Its tripeptide complex boosts hyaluronic acid levels, giving skin a plumper look. The velvety texture makes application feel like a mini spa treatment.
Key Ingredients: Tripeptide complex
Size: Not specified
Pros:
✔️ Firming and moisturizing
✔️ Layers well with other products
Cons:
❌ None mentioned
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This version keeps the original meaning while making the text smoother and more engaging. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!Ingredients: Tripeptide complex, Alteromonas ferment extracts, carnosine, hyaluronic acid
Size: 1.8 oz
Love It: Hydrates, firms, and softens the skin
Leave It: Some users report a slightly shiny finish; others note it may pill under makeup
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### Best for Arms: U Beauty Sculpt Compound
Price: $98 (Available at Bluemercury & Nordstrom)
Why We Love It:
U Beauty’s Sculpt Compound promises a more contoured look for arms in as little as six weeks, tightening skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Using the brand’s Siren technology, it helps reduce fluid retention while boosting collagen production. While not a substitute for exercise, it enhances toning results when used alongside workouts.
Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “It helps reduce crepiness without irritation.” For best results, pair it with U Beauty’s Super Hydrator.
Key Ingredients: Probiotics, marine bacillus extract, retinol, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, vitamin E, stabilized vitamin C
Size: 4 oz
Love It: Adds visible definition to the arms
Leave It: Some users with sensitive skin report redness
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### Best Night Cream: Dior Capture Totale Super Potent Rich Crème
Price: $135 (Available at Nordstrom)
Why We Love It:
Dr. Henry recommends this rich yet lightweight cream for mature skin. Infused with bio-cellular technology and French peony oil, it revitalizes dull skin, boosting radiance and smoothing wrinkles. Apply nightly after serum for a glowing morning complexion.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, adenosine, glycerin, ceramides, jojoba esters
Size: 1.7 oz
Love It: Deeply hydrating with a luxurious feel
Leave It: The floral fragrance may not appeal to everyone
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### Best Post-Procedure: Alastin Transform Body Treatment with TriHex Technology
Price: $228 (Available at Amazon)
Why We Love It:
This firming lotion targets crepey skin on the body using TriHex Technology to boost collagen and elastin. Lipodrone enhances skin tone, while dill extract improves texture. Ideal after sculpting treatments or for daily use.
Dr. Henry notes, “It’s excellent for thinning, crepey skin on arms and chest—consistent use makes a real difference.”
Key Ingredients: TriHex Technology, Lipodrone, dill extract
Size: 6 oz
Love It: Enhances sculpting treatment results
Leave It: Some users wish it were more moisturizing
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### Everything You Need to Know
Does anything really work for crepey skin?
According to Dr. Ruth, improvement is possible with a multi-pronged approach. “Crepey skin—thin, wrinkled, and lax—responds best to treatments that boost collagen, hydration, and skin barrier function,” she says. “Retinoids, peptides, and growth factors can stimulate fibroblasts over time.”
Moisturizers with humectants and emollients temporarily plump the skin, but consistency is key. “Crepey skin can improve, but topical treatments won’t erase it completely.”“If you’re looking to soften fine lines and improve skin thickness, I typically recommend professional laser treatments—which require multiple sessions—along with a solid at-home skincare routine that may include LED face masks,” says Dr. Ruth.
### What Causes Crepey Skin?
Crepey skin is mainly caused by long-term sun exposure and natural aging, explains Dr. Ruth. “UV rays break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. Over time, the skin’s ability to repair itself slows, leading to thinning, dryness, and that fine, wrinkled texture.” Other factors like weight changes, hormonal shifts, pollution, and smoking can also contribute.
### What to Look for in a Crepey Skin Treatment
Dr. Ruth suggests choosing products that hydrate, repair the skin barrier, and boost collagen production. “Look for ingredients like retinol, peptides, vitamin C, or niacinamide. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides help restore moisture and strengthen the skin’s protective layer.” For body areas like arms or décolletage, she recommends formulas with urea or lactic acid to improve texture.
### Are There Professional Treatments for Crepey Skin?
“In-office treatments can make a big difference, especially when paired with at-home care,” says Dr. Ruth. Options like fractional lasers (e.g., Fraxel), microneedling with radiofrequency, and ultrasound-based treatments (Ultherapy or Sofwave) stimulate deeper collagen production. Injectable treatments like PRP, PRF, or diluted Sculptra can also thicken the skin over time. A dermatologist can customize treatments based on the severity and location of crepey skin.
### Meet the Experts
– Michelle Henry, MD – Board-certified dermatologist at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery Manhattan.
– Pooja Rambhia, MD – Board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm.
– Nicole Ruth, DO, FAAD – Board-certified dermatologist in New York.
– Lycia Thornburg, MD, FAAD – Board-certified dermatologist and national lecturer based in Rapid City, South Dakota.
– Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, FAAD – Board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director at Agency by Curology.