Why Your Skin Starts Looking Like Crepe Paper — And How to Fight Back

The first time I noticed it, I was standing in the bathroom, rushing to get ready for a friend's wedding. I'd just slipped on a sleeveless dress and caught sight of the skin on my upper arms in the mirror. It wasn't sagging exactly, but it had this fine, crinkly texture. Almost like the delicate folds in craft paper. I remember thinking, wait, when did that happen?

If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with crepey skin. The name's not especially glamorous, but it describes the look perfectly - skin that's thin, fragile, and a little loose. For most of us, it shows up gradually, then suddenly seems more obvious overnight.

Why It Happens (and It's Not Just Age)

Sure, getting older plays a role. As the years pass, our bodies simply produce less collagen and elastin - the two proteins that keep skin firm and stretchy. Skin cells turn over more slowly, we make less natural oil, and hydration levels dip. It's a slow shift, but it adds up.

But the sun? The sun is sneaky. Even if you've never been one to burn, years of casual exposure - walking the dog, hanging the washing, driving with the window down - can chip away at your skin's structure. UV rays weaken collagen fibres and thin out the surface, and one day you realise that "healthy glow" has been replaced by something less forgiving.

Lifestyle choices matter, too. Smoking cuts off some of the blood flow that keeps skin nourished. Dramatic weight changes can leave stretched skin that struggles to tighten. Even long, hot showers (my guilty pleasure) can dry things out over time.

Small Changes That Add Up

The good news? You don't have to overhaul your life in a week to see improvement.

• Hydrate like you mean it. Inside and out. Drink water regularly (yes, boring advice, but it works), and use moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. I've started applying mine right after a shower when my skin's still a bit damp - it makes a difference.
• Ease in some actives. Retinoids aren't just for fine lines on your face; they can encourage collagen anywhere you use them. Vitamin C brightens and protects, while niacinamide helps with that "papery" feel. Start slow if you've got sensitive skin - no one likes the irritation stage.
• SPF is non-negotiable. Honestly, sunscreen is the cheapest anti-ageing tool out there. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, every single day, even if you're just pottering around at home.

When You Want More Noticeable Results

If you've been consistent for months and still feel frustrated, there are in-clinic options worth exploring.

Some people swear by laser resurfacing to refresh the surface and trigger collagen growth. Others get great results from radiofrequency microneedling - it sounds a bit space-age, but it's basically a targeted way of tightening skin from beneath. There's also ultrasound therapy for deeper lifting and fillers if lost volume is part of the issue.

None of these are "magic fixes," but paired with good home care, they can speed things up and give your skin a head start.

Habits That Help You Long-Term

• Be gentle with exfoliation - enough to smooth, not so much that you weaken the barrier.
• Try sleeping on your back if you can; it reduces the creases from pillows.
• Keep stress in check - cortisol can undo some of your hard work.
• Stay active; better circulation means more nutrients delivered to your skin.

A Quick Reality Check

Here's the part no one likes to hear: you can't turn back the clock entirely. But you can absolutely slow it down. Crepey skin might be common, but it's not a permanent sentence. The earlier you start looking after your skin, the better the payoff years from now.

Even if you're already seeing changes, consistency is your best friend. Think of it like a slow renovation rather than a quick paint job - each layer you add builds towards a stronger structure.

And honestly? Give yourself some grace in the process. Your skin tells the story of where you've been - a little crepe here and there just means you've lived a life worth remembering.