Treat the texture and the sagging differently
Crepey skin is thin skin with fine wrinkles and a crinkled appearance. Sun damage, aging, weight changes and dryness can contribute. Moisturizer temporarily plumps fine lines; retinol can improve texture and support collagen, the protein that gives skin structure.12
A firming cream cannot lift sagging skin, however ambitious the name on the jar. Any tightening from a cream is subtle at best.2
What to use at home
- 1During the day, protect exposed arms with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and use shade or protective clothing outdoors.
- 2Apply moisturizer every day. Hyaluronic acid helps hold moisture; lotions containing lactic acid or glycolic acid are other options for crepey texture.
- 3At night, introduce the lowest strength retinol you can find every other night, increasing slowly as tolerated. Use moisturizer alongside it.
Retinol can initially cause dryness and flaking. Avoid retinoids during pregnancy. If your arms are already very dry, inflamed or prone to skin allergies, ask a dermatologist about alternatives before starting. Stop and seek advice if irritation develops; in darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks. There is no specific timeline here for retinol to improve arm texture.13
What works better for loose skin?
| Treatment | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound | Modest lifting and tightening, usually within 2 to 6 months. |
| Noninvasive radiofrequency | Best results around 6 months; some people need additional treatment. |
| Noninvasive laser | Can help upper arms; often 3 to 5 treatments, with results 2 to 6 months after the last. |
| Radiofrequency through tubes or needles | Used on upper arms; results usually begin around 1 month, with wound care and downtime. |
Procedures suit small amounts of sagging better than large folds of excess skin. A board certified dermatologist can assess the options. Skin tightening procedures are unsuitable during pregnancy, with a skin infection or when taking certain medications.2
For substantial excess skin after major weight loss, discuss removal with a plastic surgeon. Surgery leaves scars, so weigh that tradeoff against the amount of loose skin you want removed.1
Fat freezing targets pockets of fat rather than crepey texture, so it answers a different question with a colder machine.1
Where this answer comes from
- 1Crepey Skin: Causes and Treatmenthealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 2Many ways to firm sagging skinaad.org
- 3Retinoid or retinol?aad.org
