It looks like crêpe, hence the name. Years of exposure to the sun or simply normal aging breaks down the collagen. That’s why the skin becomes fragile, saggy, and wrinkled. Thankfully, the best lotion for crepey skin can turn the tide.
If your skin is just beginning to show signs of age, the right lotion can make all the difference. No moisturizer will perform as well as plastic surgery or dermatological treatments, but it can help. Lotion that firms the skin and delivers plenty of antioxidants can help slow down and reverse the damage. Check out the crepey skin cream reviews below to learn more.
| The best lotions for crepey skin | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream |
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| PH Factor 5.5 Retinol Cream |
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| Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment |
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| Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion |12% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) |
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| NIVEA Skin Firming Variety Pack with Body Lotion and Gel-Cream |
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| Adamia Therapeutic Repair Lotion |
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| CeraVe Moisturizing Cream |
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How to fix crepey skin
The first order of business is to hydrate the skin. If it’s dehydrated, it will look more wrinkly. Drink a little more water and don’t forget the moisturizer. Use a body lotion with extra emollients to keep the moisture where it belongs.
Second, you need to protect your body from sun damage by wearing sunscreen. That’s because UV rays are breaking down the elastin and collagen in the skin. Without enough of these essential components, the skin doesn’t heal as quickly, doesn’t stretch easily, and doesn’t stay firm (1).
Third, drastic weight loss and certain medications can aggravate the problem. Unfortunately, there may not be much you can do about those things. Instead, you’ll have to counteract the damage with topical treatments. Use a lotion with plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid. If necessary, consult with a dermatologist to remove excess skin.
Also, exfoliating lotion with glycolic acid encourages cellular turnover to renew the skin. Vitamin C and ferulic acid are also good since they stimulate collagen production.
Lastly, try retinol as it’s proven to thicken collagen and improve the skin’s elasticity. It’s available in a variety of products including face and body lotion for crepey skin. Follow the directions and don’t forget the sunscreen as retinol can make you more prone to sunburn.
Best Lotions for Crepey Skin in 2024
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream
Take a look at this generous jar of body cream with a pump top. It holds 16 ounces, enough to last you for quite a while. That’s good news because you’re going to have to use it every day and be patient to see results.
The active ingredient is retinol which is clinically proven to fix crepey skin, wrinkles, and age spots. The catch is that it takes weeks or months to make the miracle happen.
Retinol is the primary ingredient that dermatologists recommend to make skin look younger. And this brand has formulated it in a cream that’s safe to use after a procedure on both the face and body. Plus, it has no parabens or artificial fragrance unlike so many products with retinol. Instead, it’s fortified with aloe, green tea, and chamomile.
Finally, it’s cruelty-free and made in the USA. It even comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Reviewers say the cream smooths the skin and strengthens it. Older users find that their skin is less fragile and looks firmer.
Pros:
- Retinol cream in a fragrance-free, paraben-free formula
- Safe for both the face and body
- Smooths the crêpe texture and erases fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles
- Made in the USA and comes with a satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- None
PH Factor 5.5 Retinol Cream
Why does a 5.5 pH matter? It’s the sweet spot for your skin. It’s just enough acidity to help ingredients to penetrate and ward off bacteria, too.
This anti-aging cream takes advantage of the science to deliver retinol and ferulic acid where they can do the most good. What is ferulic acid? It’s a potent antioxidant that combats photo-aging and damage caused by pollution.
By the way, retinol isn’t just good for crepey skin, it also helps with acne. Women in perimenopause understand the frustration of dealing with aging skin at the same time they have pimples like an adolescent. This cream should help with all of those concerns especially since it can be used on both the face and body.
What’s more, the cream is made without parabens, artificial colors, propylene glycol, and mineral oil. It also happens to be vegan and cruelty-free. Other active ingredients include black tea (with plenty of antioxidants), aloe, rosemary, and chamomile.
One thing to note is that this cream may be a little drying for some people, so don’t hesitate to apply an additional emollient-rich lotion over the top once the cream has absorbed completely.
Pros:
- pH-balanced retinol cream with ferulic acid and no parabens
- Vegan formula is mild enough for the face and body
- Firms crepey skin and fades wrinkles and dark spots
Cons:
- May be a little drying for those with dry skin
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Have you heard about Paula’s Choice? It’s a brand that never includes artificial fragrances or parabens among other unnecessary ingredients. Also, they have very informative descriptions for their products right down to the role of each ingredient.
This retinol treatment is a lightweight, non-greasy lotion with antioxidants, shea butter, and evening primrose oil. It’s suitable for all skin types.
A consumer study followed one hundred users for four weeks. In the end, 91% of the participants said the lotion improved their skin’s texture and hydration.
Reviewers who tried it on stretch marks and cellulite find that it makes their skin firmer and smoother although it takes a few weeks to work.
Pros:
- Lightweight, non-greasy blend of retinol, evening primrose oil, shea butter, and antioxidants
- Contains no artificial fragrance or parabens
- Proven to firm skin texture and leave it more hydrated
Cons:
- None
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion |12% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Not everyone is able to use retinol, and that’s where glycolic acid comes in handy. It’s a natural exfoliant derived from sugarcane. Not only does it make the skin more radiant, but it also helps with collagen production. The end result is younger-looking skin with a smoother texture.
This body lotion is free from artificial fragrances and parabens and infused emollients to seal in moisture. It has an acidic pH of 4.0 to help it penetrate and work more effectively. Use it twice a day to get faster results, but please remember to use sunscreen.
If you’re uncertain about trying it, apply some to rough spots like elbows or heels. You’re likely to be impressed.
On the downside, those who wish to avoid lanolin, urea, mineral oil, or petrolatum need to look elsewhere.
Pros:
- Potent glycolic acid lotion to smooth rough and crepey skin
- Fortified with emollients
- No artificial fragrances or parabens
Cons:
- Has some ingredients that could irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin
NIVEA Skin Firming Variety Pack with Body Lotion and Gel-Cream
Is there a drugstore lotion for crepey skin? You betcha. Nivea’s two-pack with lotion and cream features Q10 to increase collagen production. The brand says that if you apply these products twice a day, you’ll see an improvement in skin tone within two weeks.
What’s the difference between the two products? One is a body lotion and the other is more of a spot treatment with a gel-like texture. For example, you might use the cream on especially crepey areas. It’s fortified with L-carnitine and lotus for extra-firming power.
Some reviewers have been astonished at how effective these products are at smoothing the skin. They say the texture isn’t sticky and the scent is pleasant enough. Happily, the formula has no parabens, but it does contain an artificial fragrance and mineral oil.
Pros:
- Affordable treatment that improves skin texture in two weeks or less
- Includes body lotion and a spot treatment
- Pleasant texture and scent, paraben-free
Cons:
- Like any topical treatment for crepey skin, it needs to be used consistently to maintain the improved skin tone
Adamia Therapeutic Repair Lotion
What can you do to firm the skin if you prefer natural ingredients? Try this lotion that’s won a Women’s Choice Award. It contains no parabens, petroleum, GMOs, gluten, artificial fragrance, or soy. It’s also surprisingly non-greasy and quick-absorbing.
It’s not only for smoothing the skin, but also for helping it heal. Those with surgical scars, thin skin, and other issues find that it works like magic. One of the active ingredients is macadamia oil which is similar to the skin’s own oil. Since the amount of natural oil in the skin declines with age, this is the perfect helper.
Pros:
- Free of harsh ingredients including parabens, petroleum, and artificial fragrances
- Firms and strengthens the skin, helping to heal scars and smooth crepey skin
- Non-greasy, quick-absorbing, and award-winning
Cons:
- None
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Even if you have sensitive skin, you still have options. Simply applying a rich moisturizer like this one can be enough to minimize the crepey texture. After all, dehydrated skin looks older, doesn’t it? If it’s properly hydrated, it’s going to feel firmer and look younger. That’s where CeraVe’s cream comes in handy.
Like all of the brand’s products, it has three essential ceramides. This component is naturally found in the skin, but the amount of it declines with age. Applying ceramides to the skin is proven to restore the skin’s natural barrier.
The formula also features hyaluronic acid, one of the world’s best moisturizers. It attracts and holds a thousand times its weight in water. It helps this cream plump saggy skin for up to twenty-four hours.
Not to worry, this dermatologist-recommended product contains no oils, artificial fragrances, or parabens. You should notice an improvement in the look and feel of your skin after only one use, but continue to use it daily to maintain the benefits. It’s thick and rich and can be used on both the face and body.
Pros:
- Rich cream restores moisture for up to twenty-four hours on the face or body
- Uses ceramides and hyaluronic acid to plump and strengthen the skin
- Free of artificial fragrances, parabens, and oils
Cons:
- None
Conclusion
Love your skin even if you hate the crepey parts. Give it plenty of moisture to plump it. Try a resurfacing treatment like retinol if you want to firm the texture. And don’t forget the sunscreen to protect the collagen that keeps it looking young.
We hope we helped you find the best lotion for your skin concerns today. If so, feel free to leave us a note about it in the comments below.
Source:
1. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-causing-your-crepey-skin-and-how-can-you-fix-it/ Crepey Skin? A Surprising Cause — and 4 Expert Fixes, published October 2, 2019, accessed July 7, 2021
