Last reviewed November 1, 2026 · 8-minute read
The short answer: Crepey skin is thin, finely wrinkled skin caused mostly by sun damage breaking down elastin, plus aging and dryness. To improve its look, moisturize daily, use a body retinol or alpha hydroxy acid lotion to smooth texture, add peptide-rich firming creams, and wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on exposed skin. In-office treatments help deeper laxity.
It tends to show up all at once. You push up a sleeve, or catch your knees in the bathroom mirror, and the skin there looks different: thinner, finely creased, a little like crinkled tissue paper. Crepey skin is one of the most common body-skin complaints after 40, and it rarely gets the attention we lavish on our faces.
Winter makes it more noticeable. Dry, heated air leaves skin parched, and dehydrated skin creases more visibly. The good news is that the same ingredients that work on your face, retinol, peptides, acids and humectants, now come in body-sized formulas. We compared the firming body care at DermStreet against dermatologist guidance to sort out what is worth your shelf space.
What is crepey skin and what causes it?
According to Cleveland Clinic dermatology guidance, sun damage is the main cause: UV exposure breaks down elastin, the fibers that let skin stretch and spring back. Crepey skin usually starts to appear in your 40s, as skin also makes less of its protective oil. It is most common under the eyes and on the arms, though it often shows on the legs, knees, chest and backs of the hands.
Other contributors include:
✔ Years of unprotected sun exposure and tanning beds
✔ Natural aging and reduced oil production
✔ Significant weight loss or gain
✔ Chronically dry skin
✔ Long-term use of certain medications, such as prednisone
✔ Smoking, alcohol, poor sleep, air pollution and stress
Can you get rid of crepey skin at home?
You can visibly improve it, especially when dryness is part of the picture. Skin care cannot rebuild what years of sun have taken, but consistent use of the right ingredients can make skin look smoother, firmer and more even, and daily sunscreen helps prevent more damage. For marked laxity, a dermatologist can discuss in-office options such as fractional laser resurfacing, radiofrequency, high-intensity focused ultrasound or collagen-stimulating fillers.
Which ingredients help crepey skin?
| Ingredient | What it does | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Retinol | Supports smoother texture and the look of firmer skin over time | Use at night; may cause dryness at first; increases sun sensitivity |
| Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic) | Exfoliate rough, dull surface skin | Start a few times a week; avoid broken skin |
| Peptides | Support the look of firmness and elasticity | Gentle; easy to use twice daily |
| Hyaluronic acid and glycerin | Draw in and hold moisture so creases look softer | Apply to slightly damp skin |
| Ceramides and butters | Help reinforce a dry, depleted barrier | Especially useful in winter |
Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E round things out. If you want the science on firming ingredients, our guide to what peptides do for skin goes deeper, and our beginner's retinol guide applies to the body just as much as the face.
Retinol vs. peptides vs. AHAs: which body treatment should you choose?
Choose a retinol body lotion if texture, crepiness and uneven tone are your main concerns and your skin tolerates actives. Choose a peptide firming cream if you want something gentle enough to use morning and night, or if your skin is sensitive to retinoids. Choose an AHA lotion if roughness, bumps or dullness come first. Many people do best with a combination: a peptide cream in the morning and a retinol or acid lotion a few evenings a week.
Who should be careful with body treatments?
Skip retinol and strong acids if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, unless your doctor approves. Both can make skin more sun-sensitive, so wear sunscreen on treated areas. Anyone with eczema, very sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should patch-test first and check ingredient lists: several firming creams contain fragrance or citrus oils. Never apply acids or retinol to broken, sunburned or freshly shaved skin.
The Best Crepey Skin Body Treatments to Try at DermStreet
Deals current as of November 1, 2026. DermStreet discounts vary by brand, take one code per item, and may change.
Peptide firming creams
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StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream — Built specifically for crepey arms, legs and décolletage, with palmitoyl tripeptide-38, caffeine, hyaluronic acid and shea butter. Shoppers often mention rich hydration without stickiness, even in cold weather. Contains fragrance.
Deal at DermStreet: 35% off with code SPOOKY35 -
ALASTIN Skincare TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology — A peptide-dense treatment with squalane, caffeine and centella, designed for the look of laxity on arms, hands and knees. Reviewers frequently mention smoother upper arms, with results building over weeks. Contains citrus oil and fragrance components.
Deal at DermStreet: 25% off with code SPOOKY25 -
SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body — A silky, fast-absorbing lotion with peptides, caffeine and coffee seed oil for the look of firmer thighs, arms and abdomen. Results vary by person, so give it at least a month. Contains grapefruit peel oil.
Deal at DermStreet: 25% off with code SPOOKY25
Retinol and acid treatments
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Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion — Retinol plus four ceramides, hyaluronic acid and squalane in a non-greasy evening lotion for crepey arms, legs and chest. Use at night and wear sunscreen on treated areas.
Deal at DermStreet: 25% off with code SPOOKY25 -
Replenix Glycolic Acid 15% Resurfacing Body Lotion — A resurfacing glycolic lotion with antioxidants for rough elbows, knees, arms and legs. Start a few times a week and build up.
Deal at DermStreet: 25% off with code SPOOKY25
Daily hydration
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iS Clinical Body Complex — A hydrating body lotion with hyaluronic acid, a touch of lactic acid, vitamins A, C and E and centella-derived actives. A lighter daily step that helps keep skin soft between treatment nights.
Deal at DermStreet: 30% off with code SPOOKY30
How to add crepey skin treatments to your routine
Morning: after showering, apply a peptide firming cream or hydrating lotion to slightly damp skin. Finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen on any exposed areas, including arms, chest and the backs of your hands.
Evening: two or three nights a week, apply a retinol or glycolic body lotion to dry skin (not both on the same night). On the other nights, use your peptide cream or a rich moisturizer.
Keep showers warm, not hot, pat skin dry, and moisturize within a few minutes. Consistency matters more than intensity: most body treatments need several weeks of steady use. For more options, browse our bath and body, retinol and peptides collections, and pair this routine with our winter barrier guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes crepey skin?
Sun damage is the main cause, because UV exposure breaks down elastin. Aging, reduced oil production, dry skin, significant weight changes, certain long-term medications, tanning beds and smoking also contribute. It usually appears in your 40s.
Can crepey skin be reversed?
It can be visibly improved. Moisturizers, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids and peptide creams can make skin look smoother and firmer, and daily sunscreen helps prevent further damage. Deeper laxity may need in-office treatments.
What is the best ingredient for crepey skin?
Retinol is one of the most studied options for texture and firmness, while peptides, hyaluronic acid and alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic acid also help. Many routines combine a peptide cream with a few nights of retinol or acid.
How long does it take to see results on crepey skin?
Expect to use a body treatment consistently for at least four to eight weeks. Results build gradually and vary from person to person.
Can I use retinol on my body while pregnant?
Check with your doctor first. Retinoids and strong acids are generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a physician approves them.
Where can I buy crepey skin body treatments?
DermStreet.com carries authentic, physician-grade firming body care, and its licensed estheticians can help you choose. Current deals: StriVectin 35% off with code SPOOKY35, ALASTIN Skincare, SkinMedica and Replenix 25% off with code SPOOKY25, and iS Clinical 30% off with code SPOOKY30.
The Bottom Line
Crepey skin responds best to patience and a simple plan: hydrate every day, add retinol or an acid a few nights a week, use a peptide cream for firmness, and protect exposed skin from the sun. Build your body routine at DermStreet, where StriVectin is 35% off with SPOOKY35, ALASTIN Skincare, SkinMedica and Replenix are 25% off with SPOOKY25, and iS Clinical is 30% off with SPOOKY30.
Our licensed estheticians at DermStreet can help — call 888-249-2502 or start a live chat.
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Sources
Cleveland Clinic — What's causing your crepey skin and how can you fix it?
American Academy of Dermatology — How to prevent skin cancer
This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.