At Pomp, we believe that transformative skincare starts with education and science-backed solutions. That’s why we’re thrilled to share insights from Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph.—a registered pharmacist, nutritionist, and skincare formulator with over 35 years of experience developing high-performance products for estheticians, dermatologists, and discerning clients alike.

As the founder of Truth Treatment Systems™, Ben takes a uniquely biochemical approach to skin health, formulating topical treatments that support the skin at the cellular—not just surface—level. In this blog post, he dives into crepey skin - what it is and more importantly, what you can do about it!

Okay, so you've noticed it. That slightly unnerving texture that's snuck onto your arms, legs, or maybe even your neck. It's not quite wrinkles, but it's definitely not the smooth, supple skin of your youth. Yep, we're talking about crepey skin.

Don't panic! You're not alone. And while it might feel like a secret skin betrayal, it's a super common condition with well-understood causes and, thankfully, some effective strategies to combat it. Let's break it down in a way that's, well, not scary.

What IS Crepey Skin, Anyway?

Think of crepe paper, that tissue-thin, crinkled stuff you use for decorations. Crepey skin basically mimics that texture. It's characterized by:

Thinness

Your skin looks almost transparent in places, like you can practically see through it.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

These aren't the deep-set wrinkles of your face; they're more like a network of tiny creases, creating a textured surface.

Looseness and Sagging

It lacks elasticity. Pinch it, and it doesn't snap back the way it used to. It just kind of... hangs there.

Dryness

It often feels dry and rough, no matter how much lotion you slather on.

Fragility

It's easily bruised and torn. A simple bump can leave a mark that lingers longer than it should.

It typically appears on areas exposed to the sun: arms, legs, chest, neck, and even hands. The more sun you've soaked up over the years, the more likely you are to see it.

Why Me? What Causes Crepey Skin

Let's get to the root of the problem. Understanding the "why" helps us tackle the "what now." Here's the inside scoop:

Sun Damage, the Usual Suspect

This is the biggest culprit, hands down. UV radiation is like kryptonite to collagen and elastin, the two proteins that give your skin its structure and elasticity. Over time, sun exposure breaks down these proteins, leading to thinning, wrinkling, and sagging. Think of your skin cells like a rubber band, and the sun like a pair of scissors snipping away at them.

Aging: It's Not Just a Number

Let's be honest; time marches on. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and elastin. Our skin cells regenerate slower, and our ability to repair damage diminishes. This is just a natural part of the aging process, but it definitely makes our skin more vulnerable to the "crepe."

Dehydration: A Thirsty Skin is a Sad Skin

When your skin lacks moisture, it loses its plumpness. Those fine lines and wrinkles become more visible. Imagine a grape turning into a raisin; that's what dehydration can do to your skin's texture.

Weight Fluctuations: Stretch and Sag

Significant weight gain stretches the skin, potentially damaging collagen and elastin. When you lose weight, the skin may not be able to fully "bounce back," resulting in looseness and a crepey texture.

Genetics: Thanks, Mom (and Dad)!

Some of us are simply predisposed to developing crepey skin due to our genes. If your parents or grandparents had it, you might be more likely to develop it too.

Menopause: Hormonal Havoc

Women, take note! The drop in estrogen during menopause can have a big impact on skin health. Estrogen plays a vital role in collagen production. As estrogen levels decline, so does collagen, leading to thinner, drier, and more crepey skin.

Smoking: Another Reason to Quit!

Smoking damages collagen and elastin, restricts blood flow to the skin, and deprives it of vital nutrients. It's basically a trifecta of skin-aging doom.

Internal Fixes: Feeding Your Skin From the Inside Out

Okay, so we know what's happening. Now, what can we do about it? Let's start with the inside. What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on it.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Drink plenty of water. Aim for at least eight glasses a day. Herbal teas and water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables also contribute to your overall hydration.

Collagen Peptides: The Building Blocks

Consider taking a collagen peptide supplement. These hydrolyzed collagen molecules are easily absorbed and can help stimulate collagen production. Look for types I and III collagen, which are most abundant in the skin.

Vitamin C: The Collagen Booster

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. It acts like a co-factor, helping the enzymes that produce collagen do their job. Load up on citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens. You can also take a Vitamin C supplement.

Antioxidants: The Free Radical Fighters

Protect your skin from damage with antioxidants. Eat a colorful array of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, E, and selenium. Berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds are all excellent sources.

Hyaluronic Acid: The Hydration Hero

While often used topically, hyaluronic acid supplements can help improve skin hydration from within.

Healthy Fats: The Skin Lubricators

Include healthy fats in your diet, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. These fats help keep your skin moisturized and supple.

Topical Powerhouses: How to Get Rid of Crepey Skin

Now let's move on to what you can apply directly to your skin to fight the crepe.

Retinol: The Gold Standard: Retinol (a form of vitamin A) is a powerhouse ingredient. It stimulates collagen production, speeds up cell turnover, and improves skin texture. Start with a low concentration (0.1% to 0.5%) and increase frequency of use over time from once weekly to 2-3 times a week.
Vitamin C: The Brightening Booster: Topical vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects your skin from damage and brightens your complexion. It also helps stimulate collagen production. Look for serums containing lipophilic Vitamin C (THDA), it’s stable, penetrates past the stratum corneum and it incredibly soothing and skin softening too!
Hydroxy Acids: Exfoliate and Renew:

Salicylic Acid (BHA): This oil-soluble acid helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. It can also help improve skin texture and reduce inflammation.
Mandelic Acid (AHA): This gentler AHA is suitable for sensitive skin. It helps exfoliate the skin, improve texture, and stimulate collagen production.

Shower Power: Why After-Bath Application is Key

Okay, so you've got your arsenal of retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids ready to go. But timing is everything! Applying these powerful ingredients after you shower, or bathe is like giving them a VIP pass directly to where they need to be. Here's why:

Open Pores = Enhanced Absorption: Think of your skin as a fortress. Normally, it's designed to keep things out, protecting you from the outside world. But when you shower or bathe in warm water, the pores on your skin open up, like tiny drawbridges lowering down. This temporary state of increased permeability allows those active ingredients – retinol, vitamin C, and the acids – to penetrate deeper and more effectively.
Damp Skin: The Hydration Highway: Your skin is at its most receptive to hydration when it's damp. Applying your products to damp skin after showering or bathing traps moisture and helps the ingredients to better absorb and bind to the skin. This is particularly important for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which acts like a sponge, pulling moisture from the environment into your skin.
Increased Surface Area Accessibility: After a shower, your skin is clean and free of accumulated oils, dirt, and dead skin cells. This clear surface provides greater and unimpeded access to the skin for targeted treatments and anti-aging actives. Think of it like clearing a field before planting seeds; the clean surface allows your topical treatments to be absorbed more effectively. This is especially relevant for larger areas like arms and legs where even coverage can be a challenge.
Enhanced Exfoliation Prep: If you use a scrub or exfoliating washcloth during your shower, you’ve already prepped your skin for treatment, and helped boost penetration!

The Takeaway

Don't just slap on your retinol and vitamin C whenever you think about it. Make it a ritual, a post-shower/bath indulgence for your skin. By applying these ingredients when your pores are open and your skin is damp, you're maximizing their absorption and effectiveness, giving you more bang for your skincare buck. It's like turbocharging your skincare routine! So next time you step out of the shower, remember that window of opportunity and give your skin the love and attention it deserves.

The Bottom Line: Consistency is Key

There's no magic bullet for crepey skin. It's a multifaceted problem that requires a multi-pronged approach. Consistency is key. A combination of internal nourishment and targeted topical treatments, along with sun protection, will give you the best chance of improving your skin's texture, firmness, and overall appearance.

And remember, be patient! It takes time to rebuild collagen and elastin. But with dedication and the right strategies, you can make a noticeable difference. You've got this!

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For more articles like this, check out more on our blog!

Crepey Skin: Let's Talk About It (And What You Can Do!)