Crepey Skin
Crepey Skin — thin, finely wrinkled skin with a loose, crinkled texture that resembles crepe paper. It typically appears on areas like the under-eyes, neck, arms, and knees, and results from a gradual loss of collagen, elastin, and moisture that leaves the surface fragile and less springy.
Key points
- Cumulative sun exposure is a leading contributor, as UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin over time.
- It differs from deeper expression wrinkles by affecting large areas of skin with a shallow, papery crinkling.
- Declining oil production and reduced hydration with age make the skin appear thinner and more crinkled.
- Regular moisturization, retinoids, peptides, and diligent sun protection may help improve the look and resilience of crepey skin.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between crepey skin and wrinkles?
Wrinkles are typically discrete lines from repeated movement or folding, while crepey skin is a broader area of thin, loosely textured skin with fine crinkling and reduced elasticity.
Can crepey skin be prevented?
You cannot fully stop age-related changes, but consistent sun protection, hydration, and not smoking can slow the collagen and elastin loss that contribute to crepey texture.
Related topics
This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

