The first time I spotted it, I was leaning over the bathroom sink putting on mascara. My elbow bent, light from the side window hit just right — or wrong — and there it was. The skin on my upper arm had this thin, crinkled texture. Not saggy, just… different. The sort of thing you don't notice until one day you do, and then you can't stop looking for it.

A few days later, I was getting ready with a friend before a dinner out. Mid-lipstick, I mentioned it. Without hesitation, she rolled up her sleeve: “Oh, you've joined the club.” We both laughed — that knowing kind of laugh where you're amused, but also quietly thinking, so this is happening now. That was the moment I decided to figure out what crepey skin really was, why it shows up, and what you can actually do about it.

What Is Crepey Skin?

It gets its name from the texture — like crepe paper: thin, delicate, and finely wrinkled. Unlike a single line or two, it often appears over larger areas, giving skin a looser, more fragile look. You might spot it on upper arms, neck, chest, inner thighs, or under the eyes.

Why It Happens (Not Just Age)

Age: Over the years, our bodies make less collagen and elastin — the proteins that keep skin firm and springy. Skin cells renew more slowly, natural oils decline, and skin becomes thinner and drier.

Sun Damage: UV rays quietly chip away at collagen and elastin. Even if you're not a “sunbather,” the school runs, walks, and drives with your arm on the window ledge all count.

Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, poor diet, dehydration, and rapid weight changes can all speed things up. And yes, those long, hot showers? Lovely, but not your skin's best friend.

Genetics & Hormones: Some people are just more prone to it. Hormonal changes — especially during menopause — can make it worse.

How to Slow It Down

You can't stop time, but you can slow the process.

  • Hydration: Use moisturisers with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. Apply to slightly damp skin for best results.

  • Sun Protection: SPF 30 or higher every day, even indoors if you're near windows.

  • Balanced Diet: Include healthy fats, protein, and antioxidant-rich foods.

  • Skin Actives: Retinoids to boost collagen, vitamin C to protect and brighten, niacinamide to strengthen.

At-Home Habits That Help

Once the basics are down, small extras can make a difference:

  • Gentle Exfoliation: Lactic acid or other mild exfoliants once or twice a week can smooth texture.

  • Body Oils: Rosehip or squalane oils help soften skin and lock in hydration.

  • Overnight Treatments: Rich creams or sleeping masks can give skin an extra boost while you rest.

I've done the “lotion before bed, cotton pyjamas after” routine for years. It's not glamorous, but the mornings after skipping it? My skin notices.

Professional Options for a Boost

If you want quicker results, in-clinic treatments can give you a head start:

  • Laser Resurfacing: Stimulates collagen production and smooths the surface.

  • Radiofrequency Microneedling: Combines heat with microneedles to firm deeper layers.

  • Ultrasound Therapy: Targets below the surface for gradual lifting.

  • Fillers: Add volume where thinning skin makes crepiness more noticeable.

A Personal Note (and a Detour)

Last year, I tried a single radiofrequency microneedling session on my arms. I wasn't expecting much from one treatment, but three months later, slipping into a sleeveless top, I noticed a change. Not huge — just enough to make me keep up my sunscreen and moisturiser.

Here's the detour: that same month, I started carrying a tiny tube of hand cream in my bag after catching my reflection in shop glass and noticing dry hands. Not related to treatments, but now it's habit — and my hands look better for it.

Another Little Story

A neighbour of mine swears by applying body oil straight after her morning shower, even before coffee. She says it's the only thing that keeps her arms looking smooth year-round. I tried it one week — and while I can't commit before caffeine, I have to admit my skin felt softer.

How to Keep Results Going

  • Drink water throughout the day — not just once or twice.

  • Use SPF daily — make it as automatic as brushing your teeth.

  • Eat foods your skin likes — colourful veg, nuts, good fats.

  • Manage stress — because high cortisol quietly wrecks collagen.

I keep a small sunscreen in my car's cup holder. It's bailed me out more than once when an “I'll just be out for a minute” turns into hours.

The Takeaway

Crepey skin is common, but it's not the whole story of your skin. With prevention, consistent care, and the occasional professional boost, you can slow it down and improve how it looks and feels.

The aim isn't perfection — it's skin that's healthy, comfortable, and still feels like yours. And if you catch it in the mirror one day? Just know you've got plenty of ways to take control.