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Let’s face it, as we age, our skin doesn’t always behave the way we want it to. One of the most frustrating concerns that many of us deal with is crepey skin. Whether it’s on our arms, legs, or even our face, this condition can make us feel self-conscious and make us look older than we feel. But what is crepey skin exactly, and more importantly, how can we treat it?
Crepey skin is characterized by a thin, loose, and finely wrinkled texture, much like crepe paper. While sun damage is a major cause, other factors such as lack of moisture, reduced cell turnover, collagen loss, and weight fluctuations can also contribute to this condition.
But don’t lose hope, there are plenty of over-the-counter creams and lotions on the market that can help improve the appearance of crepey skin. But with so many options available, finding the best one for you can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and rounded up the top lotions for crepey skin. From tightening formulas to prevent further sagging to luxurious options that will leave your skin feeling smooth and youthful, we’ve got you covered.
So, whether you’re dealing with crepey skin on your arms, legs, or even your face, keep reading to discover the best options for achieving smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
Best Lotions For Crepey Skin Reviewed
1. Best Budget: Gold Bond Ultimate Strength & Resilience Skin Therapy Lotion
Pros:
- 24-hour moisturization to plump crepey skin
- Hypoallergenic formula that’s perfect for sensitive skin
- Affordable
Cons:
- Pump bottle design makes it a bit hard to get the product out
- Not suitable for face
2. Best Overall: Crepe Erase Intensive Body Repair Treatment
Crepe Erase Intensive Body Repair Treatment is a luxurious option for those looking to combat crepey skin. Its proprietary “TruFirm” complex, a blend of plant extracts, works to boost collagen and elastin production, plumping and firming the skin.
The formula also includes “super hydrators” such as beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, Vitamin E, cassava, olive oil, and cocoa butter, which lock in moisture and repair damage and reduce inflammation.
This lotion is particularly effective on the arms, legs, knees, and neck, but like Gold Bond lotion, it isn’t suitable for your face. Its thick but quick-drying formula is especially helpful during harsh winter months when cold air can dry out the skin. A little goes a long way, making it a long-lasting option.
While it is one of the more expensive lotions on the market, its effectiveness make it worth the investment for those who can afford it. It has a high rating and many positive reviews online for its ability to smooth out and firm up crepey skin.
Pros:
- Best for crepey skin
- Can be used on the face as well
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons:
Related: Best Foundations for Mature Skin Over 60
3. Best Retinol: Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream
Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream is an excellent option for those looking to combat crepey skin. The “5.5” in the name refers to the pH of the product, which is within the ideal range for skin, helping to balance the pH levels.
Retinol, a Vitamin A derivative, is a powerhouse ingredient known for its anti-aging properties. It improves elasticity, firms crepey skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Additionally, the cream contains organic ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant that combats the effects of sun damage.
Natural moisturizers such as black tea, aloe vera, shea butter, and extracts of rosemary, sunflower, and apple, make this cream a nourishing and hydrating option for the skin. It’s free of parabens, sulfates, added preservatives, and alcohol, and it’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Although the product is suitable for both the face and body, some users find it a bit thick and may not like the smell. Additionally, the pump bottle design can make it easy to accidentally over-dispense. But, these are small drawbacks to an overall effective product.
Pros:
- Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin
- pH-balanced
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Consistency is thick
- Doesn’t smell so great
4. Best for Treating Dry Crepey Skin: Diva Stuff Crepey Skin Body & Face Cream
As implied by the name, this skin cream is specially formulated to treat crepey skin. The rockstar ingredient here is hyaluronic acid, which functions as a humectant and can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water. This means that it’s really hydrating. If you’ve spent any time researching skincare, you’re likely familiar with HA. It’s a pretty common ingredient in skincare products designed to alleviate dryness.
Since lack of moisture is one cause of crepey skin, hyaluronic acid is an excellent way to combat it. And that’s why you’re gonna love this product as it contains HA galore. It also contains olive oil which is a powerful antioxidant. Then there are other powerful moisturizers like honey, coconut oil, argan oil, macadamia nut oil, etc.
It also contains AHAs that boost collagen synthesis, so wrinkles and loose skin will be a thing of the past. The best part? Unlike Gold Bond and Crepe Erase lotions, it also works well on your face as well. What’s more, you can also use it as a spot treatment, thanks to the inclusion of skin-lightening ingredients such as vitamin E.
Pros:
- Lightweight formula
- Helps with hyperpigmentation
- Contains SPF
Cons:
- Not as effective for crepey skin as other products, like Crepe Erase or Gold Bond
5. Best for Chest & Neck: Voibella Beauty Best Neck & Chest Firming Cream
The neck and décolletage are two common (and very visible) places where crepey skin might show up. But Voibella is here to help! In addition to the wrinkle-reducing power of retinol, this cream includes Vitamin C and peptides. Both these ingredients support the production of collagen, which is key to retaining skin plumpness.
Vitamin E and green tea extract have antioxidant properties to reduce the effects of sun damage, and jojoba oil assures your skin stays moisturized.
While it’s not as hydrating as Crepe Erase, it can still do wonders if you’re specifically concerned about crepey skin on your neck and chest. Even if you don’t have necklines and wrinkles there yet, I recommend that you start using it early on to delay the onset of aging.
Pros:
- Excellent for treating crepey skin on the neck
- Prevents sun damage
Cons:
- Cannot be used parts other than your neck and chest
6. Best Firming: Skin Nation Super Sexy Firming Cream Body Lotion
There are many reasons to love this product, but let’s start with apple extract. This key ingredient helps fight a number of causes of crepey skin. It’s a highly effective antioxidant and contains high levels of Vitamin C, which combat skin damage. It also contains a natural alpha-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates away dead skin cells, revealing fresher, younger skin.
Then there’s is jojoba oil, aloe vera, and shea butter, all of which moisturize dry, damaged skin. While most products on this roundup only moisturize and help with crepey skin, this product can also reduce dark spots and scars. So it has you covered from all angles.
Really the only drawback I could find to this body lotion is that it has a very strong smell, and therefore may not be suitable for those with fragrance sensitivities.
Pros:
- Tightens loose skin on all parts of your body, including the stomach
- Repairs skin damage
Cons:
7. Best Drugstore: Vichy Ideal Body Skin Firming Lotion
Another well-loved skincare brand, Vichy’s body lotion for crepey skin absolutely lives up to its reputation. It contains hyaluronic acid which, you know by now, is a fantastic ingredient for combating crepey skin. In addition, it’s formulated with 10 botanical extracts for hydrating, nourishing, and firming the skin.
These include rosehip oil, apricot kernel oil, sunflower oil, and the ever-popular jojoba oil, among others. But the real superstar of this lotion is mineralizing water. This water contains 15 minerals that enhance the skin’s moisture barrier, meaning it allows the skin to retain more moisture for longer.
This product is suitable for all skin types, is gentle enough to be used on the face as well as the body, and can provide results that last up to 48 hours. It’s no wonder so many customers swear by this skin-firming lotion.
Pros:
- Improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of crepey skin
- 48-hour moisturization lock
Cons:
- Not intended to be used on the face
- A bit expensive
8. Best Moisturizing: Advanced Clinicals Anti-Aging Hyaluronic Acid Cream
Another powerful product for crepey skin that uses the power of HA to moisturize your skin and reduce saggy skin. But that’s just the beginning of what makes this cream from Advanced Clinicals so powerful.
It also includes AquaSpheres, a mixture of hyaluronic acid and collagen. AquaSpheres encourage the natural production of collagen, which keeps skin firmer and tighter. And it includes a number of natural ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, borage oil, and poppy oil, all meant to moisturize and nourish the skin.
This cream is even trusted by skincare professionals to reduce the appearance of dark spots, stretch marks, and scars. So, it truly will have you looking your best.
Pros:
- Contains skin-soothing ingredients to calm easily irritated skin
- Can also treat dark spots and stretch marks
Cons:
- The concentration of HA is a bit low, so it doesn’t work too well with extremely dry skin
- Some users did not like the smell
9. Best Natural: TreeActive Crepey Skin Repair Treatment
If you’re looking for an all-natural solution for crepey skin, give this lotion a try. It’s packed full of botanicals, all of which are organic. Dragon’s blood, matcha, white orchid milk, and sweet orange oil provide antioxidant effects to reduce signs of skin damage. Hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, olive oil, and shea oil hydrate and plump the skin.
Natural exfoliants like kaolin clay, walnut shells, apricot pits, and avocado powder gently scrub away dead skin to revitalize the look and feel of the skin. And because of its natural, organic ingredients, I found it safe to use all over the body, including the face and neck.
Take note that it’s all-natural, so it does have a tendency to separate. So, be prepared to stir it from time to time. But given all the legwork that this one product does for your skin, I think it’s worth the little bit of extra time it takes to keep this lotion mixed well.
Pros:
- Can be used on the whole body
- Also tightens tummy
- All-natural product
Cons:
- You have to stir the lotion before use
- Has to be used in generous amounts
10. Best for Sensitive Skin: PH Factor 5.5 Retinol Cream
The final product on this list is well suited for those with sensitive skin. It’s pH-balanced that nourishes the skin without disrupting the skin barrier. It also strengthens the skin’s natural barrier to keep out dirt and prevent moisture loss.
The formula includes retinol, which exfoliates and boosts collagen production to keep skin firm. Ferulic acid boosts the potency of antioxidants, which helps reverse the effects of sun damage, while shea butter, chamomile, black tea, and aloe vera soothe and moisturize dry and damaged skin.
If you needed one more reason to love this product, it’s completely cruelty-free. The only creatures that are harmed by this lotion will be any nasty bacteria trying to take up residence on your skin. Personally, I think that’s a win-win situation.
Pros:
- Ideal pH of 5.5
- Packed with antioxidants to give you a youthful appearance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
- A bit thick for your face
What Causes Crepey Skin?
Crepey skin can be caused by a variety of factors, with sun damage being one of the most prevalent. The UV rays from the sun can weaken and break down the elastin and collagen fibers that keep our skin tight, firm, and youthful. As a result, the skin becomes loose, thin, and crepe-like over time.
However, sun damage is not the only cause of crepey skin. As we age, our skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin, which can lead to a loss of elasticity and firmness. Additionally, factors such as stress, pollution, and a lack of moisture can also contribute to a crepe-like appearance.
It’s important to note that regardless of the cause, there are steps you can take to prevent and treat crepey skin.
How To Prevent Crepey Skin?
Now, that you know what causes crepey skin, let’s see what you can do to prevent crepey skin. First off, start wearing sunscreen every single day. It’s the most effective way to delay the onset of crepey skin. Reapply every 2 hours when you’re out in the sun. You will thank yourself later.
Secondly, make sure to keep your skin moisturized and nourished. It’s best that you invest in lotions specifically formulated for aging and crepey skin. They can also help a great deal in preventing a crepe-like appearance. You can also use oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, etc. as they’re extremely moisturizing and nourishing.
Other than that, eat a healthy diet full of antioxidants. Fruits rich in vitamin C are also great because vitamin C is known to boost collagen production. Do all these things, and your skin will remain young, youthful, and vibrant for longer.
FAQs On The Best Lotions For Crepey Skin
Do lotions work for crepey skin?
Yes and no — it depends on the products you choose. If you choose a product with ingredients such as AHAs and retinol, then you’ll see some improvement in the appearance of crepey skin. That’s because these ingredients help boost collagen production, which is key to reversing crepe skin.
That said, most lotions for crepey skin do not live up to the hype. Therefore, it’s important to choose tried-and-tested products with tons of positive customer reviews. Aside from that, make sure to always wear sunscreen. This will prevent crepey skin from worsening over time.
Is Vaseline good for crepey skin?
Loss of hydration can cause inflammation, which in turn exacerbates crepey skin. And purified petrolatum can help seal in moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and hydrate thin skin. This makes Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion a good choice for crepey skin.
Even though it won’t magically make your crepey skin disappear, you can expect some improvement with regular use.
What is the best ingredient for crepey skin?
While there are many ingredients that can help with crepey skin, Retinol is easily one of the best. Retinol can work wonders in restoring skin’s elasticity by stimulating collagen production. Plus, it can also make fine lines and wrinkles less apparent. You can definitely expect good results with regular use.
There are so many retinol-based products on the market, so finding one shouldn’t be a problem. Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream is a good place to start.
Does drinking water help crepey skin?
While drinking water may not help with wrinkles or crepey skin, it is overall very good for your skin. It removes toxins from your body, which can make your skin look healthier and better.
There’s no scientific evidence to support that drinking water can indeed help with crepey skin. That said, you should still drink plenty of water to stay beautiful and hydrated.
Dermatologist Tips for Crepey Skin
Conclusion
We’ve given you some fantastic options for body lotions that reduce crepey skin. I hope you’ve fallen in love with at least one product on this list. But when it comes to choosing the right body lotion for you, here’s what you should know.
Always look for products with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and other natural oils. These will all help lock in moisture, which keeps skin plump and healthy.
Other ingredients such as retinol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and green tea extract are loaded with antioxidants. They can also help repair crepey skin.
Collagen boosters are also essential for lessening crepey skin. So, if a cream or lotion contains collagen, that’s a great sign.
Additionally, take into account what your skin type is. If you have oily skin, avoid products that may be too thick or greasy. They can exacerbate oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, make sure you’re using a product that is suitable for sensitive skin. And so on.
Ultimately, no one knows your skin and its needs better than you. Hopefully, you can take the knowledge that you’ve gained from this article and use it to find the best body lotion for crepey skin.
