It’s absolutely normal for your skin not to be completely smooth, and it isn’t something to feel self-conscious about. Real skin has texture – and we’re proud to showcase that.

We know that not everyone is quite at the stage of embracing skin neutrality, as we hear from some people who feel a little insecure about the crepey texture of their skin. That’s why it’s so important for us to ensure you know what causes it, and how you can support your skin so you feel better in it. 

What is crepey skin?

Crepey skin refers to skin that appears thin, fragile and very finely wrinkled – hence the comparison to the texture of crepe paper. 

This can be caused by a weakened or damaged skin barrier, from environmental stressors such as UV rays and pollution, or habits such as smoking. Moisture loss from your skin via transepidermal water loss (TEWL) can happen as a result of a weakened skin barrier, and also contribute to crepey skin. 

Having a reduced amount of collagen and elastin can also be a cause. Unlike with deeper wrinkles, crepey skin is more about the texture of the skin, rather than the way it looks. 

Crepey skin can appear slightly loose, dry and delicate, especially in areas where your skin is naturally thinner – like on your arms, under your eyes, across your face or on your chest.

By focusing on the health of your skin through hydration and barrier support, you can noticeably improve the look and feel of crepey skin naturally.

What causes crepey skin?

1. Collagen and elastin decline

As we age, the amount of collagen and elastin our bodies make naturally declines. These proteins are responsible for keeping skin firm, bouncy and resilient. 

As the most abundant protein in mammals, collagen is essential for the body, and it comprises a lot of the structure of connective tissues. It works to hold hydration in the skin and strengthen your skin barrier, resulting in stronger, more elastic skin. 

Similarly, elastin is the main component of the elastic fibres in your skin, which helps it to bounce back after stretching. As production slows with age and environmental factors, the skin is less able to produce new fibres, making it susceptible to damage. Without these, your skin becomes thinner and less able to hold its structure.

2. Increased TEWL

When your skin barrier is compromised, it loses water more easily. TEWL is measured as the amount of water lost from your skin’s surface through evaporation. It reflects how well your skin can hold water and act as a barrier. TEWL can lead to dehydrated skin, which can look crepey and less supple.

3. Sun exposure

UV damage is one of the biggest contributors to crepey skin. Over time, repeated sun exposure breaks down collagen in the skin and weakens its structure, which can accelerate some visible signs of ageing.

4. Dryness vs dehydration

Dry skin lacks oil (lipids), while dehydrated skin lacks water. Crepey skin often involves elements of both, and consistency is key. If you aren’t sure whether your skin needs hydration or moisturisation, see our full blog on the differences between moisturisation and hydration.

5. Lifestyle factors

Various lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol and poor sleep all impact how well your skin regenerates and its hydration, making crepey texture more noticeable over time.

6. Rapid weight loss

When skin loses volume quickly (for example, with rapid weight loss), it can struggle to maintain elasticity, leading to a thinner, crepey appearance.

How to get rid of crepey skin naturally

1. Strengthen your skin barrier first

A healthy skin barrier is essential for improving a crepey skin texture. If your skin can’t retain moisture, treatments will not be as effective as they could be.

Focus on gentle cleansing, avoiding over-exfoliation, and using barrier-supporting ingredients.

Product pick: Cleansing Face Balm with Vitamin E

Breaking down and removing stubborn makeup, our Cleansing Face Balm is also rich in fatty acids to support skin elasticity and crepey skin. It’s dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types, and leaves skin feeling smooth, soft, and hydrated. 

2. Deep hydration

Skin hydration works at multiple levels and is all about increasing the amount of water within the skin. Using products with active ingredients like humectants helps to hydrate the skin, as they draw moisture to the skin. 

Hyaluronic acid is a great humectant substance that can hold a thousand times its own weight in water and helps to prevent moisture loss. Aloe vera works to hydrate your skin as well as heal, and glycerin is a highly effective humectant that helps hydrate and smooth the skin.

Product pick: Face Toner with Hyaluronic Acid

Helping your skin to feel balanced and protected, our Face Toner helps to revitalise tired skin. It’s formulated using humectant hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate and brighten.

3. Support collagen naturally

While topical products can’t replace your body’s natural supply of collagen entirely, they can support the skin environment that’s needed to maintain it. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, helping your skin retain its structure and improving skin elasticity. Preserving skin elasticity is what helps to minimise the appearance of loose or sagging skin, helping to keep your skin supple and firm. 

Product pick: Peptide Serum with Custard Apple + Blood Orange

Brimming with niacinamide and vitamin C, our Peptide Serum works to boost collagen and skin elasticity. After rigorous clinical testing, this Peptide Serum has been proven to improve skin elasticity by 29% over the course of 14 days.

4. Use targeted oils to replenish lipids

Using a blend of natural oils helps reinforce your skin barrier by reducing water loss and improving flexibility. This can make crepey skin look smoother and less fragile. Look for products with oils such as jojoba, rosehip, and seabuckthorn in particular.

Product pick: Organic Face Oil with Coffee Extract

Multi-award-winning, our Face Oil keeps skin firm while boosting collagen production. Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidant-rich coffee and rosehip oils fade dark spots and scars whilst brightening the complexion. As this formula is completely oil-based, it works through occlusion, locking in hydration by forming a protective seal over your skin.

5. Daily SPF is non-negotiable

UV damage is a big contributor to crepey skin, so protecting your skin from further damage is essential. Wearing your SPF every day – not just on the sunny ones – is how to do just that. 

Build a routine that works with your skin

Improving crepey skin takes time. With consistent care, you can expect smoother and more hydrated skin. By focusing on hydration and skin barrier health, you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs to look smoother and feel more comfortable over time.

Explore our range of natural, barrier-friendly skincare to build a routine that works with your skin, not against it.