Crepe skin (or “crepey skin”) describes skin that looks thin, finely wrinkled, and loose, similar to crepe paper. Instead of one deep wrinkle, the area shows many tiny lines and often feels more fragile and lax. It can appear in sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and forearms, as well as in covered areas such as the inner arms, thighs, or abdomen. Sun damage is a major cause, because years of UV exposure break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its firmness and elasticity. Natural aging, weight changes, dryness, and genetic or lifestyle factors also contribute. Crepey skin is not dangerous, but it can feel out of proportion to how you feel on the inside, and many patients tell us they avoid certain clothing or feel self-conscious because of skin texture. Treatment is focused on helping your skin better match how you feel.

Because crepey skin involves both surface texture and deeper support, treatment focuses on stimulating collagen and refining the skin’s surface. At Peak Skin Center, we customize a plan that may include nonablative fractional resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, or a combination, depending on the area treated, your skin type, and your goals. Nonablative fractional resurfacing is a laser procedure that creates tiny columns of heat beneath the surface of the skin while leaving most of the top layer intact, triggering new collagen and elastin production and gradually improving firmness, elasticity, and fine wrinkling with less downtime than more aggressive resurfacing.

Chemical peels are another key option, especially when texture and tone are the main concerns. By applying a calibrated solution to the skin, we encourage controlled exfoliation and renewal of the outer layers, which can smooth the surface, soften fine lines, and improve brightness with relatively simple aftercare. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, uses fine needles to create tiny micro-channels in the skin that stimulate a natural healing response, thickening and strengthening thin, crepey areas and improving overall texture and tone. These procedures are often combined and supported with a home care regimen that includes daily sun protection, moisturizers, and targeted active ingredients recommended by our team.

Downtime and recovery depend on the specific treatment or combination chosen, but crepe skin procedures at Peak Skin Center are generally well tolerated. After nonablative fractional resurfacing, most patients experience redness, mild swelling, and a sensation similar to a sunburn for a few days, followed by gradual improvement in texture and tone over the next several weeks. Lighter chemical peels may cause mild flaking or dryness for a few days, while medium-depth peels may involve more visible peeling and a slightly longer recovery period. Microneedling typically involves a day or two of redness and sensitivity, followed by temporary dryness or tightness as the skin renews itself. As with all collagen-stimulating treatments, improvements develop gradually as your skin rebuilds from within.

Sun protection is critical during and after treatment, because UV exposure is one of the main drivers of crepey skin. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen and sensible sun habits help protect your investment and maintain your results. Many patients see the best improvement with a series of treatments spaced out over time and appreciate that the changes look natural and progressive rather than sudden or artificial.