4 Proven Ways to Smooth and Tighten Aging Skin, According to a Dermatologist
Say goodbye to crepey skin with these simple tips.
If the skin on your neck, chest, arms, and thighs resembles thinly, wrinkled paper, you probably have what the dermatology world calls “crepey skin”—but don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to dermatologist Daniel Sugai, MD, FAAD, crepey skin is “a common complaint” among patients, especially those who frequent tanning salons. In a viral TikTok video, Sugai shares his four tips for smoothing and tightening crepey skin, which work from the inside out to promote better overall health.
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1
Consider a hydrating moisturizer with chemical exfoliation properties.
According to Sugai, crepey skin occurs when there is a “degradation of collagen [and] also elastin fibers.”
Collagen, which makes up 30 percent of our body’s protein, promotes new cell growth and provides structure, strength, and elasticity to our skin, per the Cleveland Clinic. However, as we age, our bodies produce less collagen.
Elastin is just as important for our skin health, because “when we stretch out the skin we want it to bounce back into its original place,” explains Sugai. For these reasons, the best defense against crepey skin is hydration.
“We are going to have an exfoliant with hydration to help improve texture, but also have some plumping action and get a little bit of that taut nature back into our skin,” says Sugai.
Another skincare ingredient you can use is urea, which Sugai says is “great at drawing in water.”
Moreover, as Best Life previously explained, “Urea is associated with new cell growth, soothing irritation, and skin hydration. The liver naturally produces carbamide, which is synonymous with urea, an organic compound that’s found in healthy skin cells. Additionally, urea can serve as a humectant.”
Eucerin sells urea-based body lotions, which can also act as a “keratolytic” to soften knees, elbows, and dry, cracked heels, adds Sugai.
2
Add a retinol body lotion to your skincare routine.
In the evenings, after you shower, lather your skin in a retinol body lotion or body cream, advises Sugai. He says retinol is a powerhouse at helping “rebuild collagen.”
“As you age, your skin cells divide more slowly. The middle layer (dermis) of your skin begins to thin, it becomes harder to retain moisture, and your skin has less elastin and collagen,” explains the Cleveland Clinic. Applying a retinol body lotion can soothe crepey skin by “slowing the breakdown of collagen and making your skin more elastic.”
However, keep in mind that it can take “several months” for topical retinol to make a visual difference.
RELATED: 8 Skincare Ingredients That Help Hide Your Wrinkles, Experts Say.
3
Try your hand at resistance training.
Yup, you read that right. Sugai’s third tip isn’t related to skincare, but exercise. “Resistance training will also increase collagen production and help with crepiness as well,” he says.
Examples include push-ups, squats, planks, resistance band exercises, and cable machine exercises.
Results from a 2023 study showed that resistance training “significantly improved” skin elasticity, upper dermal structure, and dermal thickness.
4
Always apply sunscreen.
“UVA radiation really does chew up our collagen and will break up our elastic fibers,” explains Sugai. Hence, you must wear sunscreen every day “to protect from degradation of collagen and elastin.”
If you’re headed to the beach or lounging by the pool, opt for a waterproof formula that you won’t need to reapply after every dip. Conversely, for everyday wear, consider a sunscreen that’s formulated with peptides. These can “really increase collagen production,” says Sugai.
One final skincare tip: Sugai says not smoking, eating well, and getting good sleep can also help with crepey skin.
