Crepey Skin: Causes & the Best Cream for Crepey Skin

Crepey skin is the term for skin that has become very thin, dry and fragile over the years. It wrinkles easily, looks almost transparent in places and reacts sensitively to the slightest pressure. Crepey skin mainly affects mature skin, but it can also have other causes. In this guide, you will find out how it develops, how to recognise it and what matters when choosing the best cream for crepey skin.

What is crepey skin?

Crepey skin is skin that has lost thickness, elasticity and lipids. It feels thin and dry, and fine creases form when it is pushed together, like thin paper. It most often appears on the backs of the hands, the forearms, the décolleté and the face.

How to recognise crepey skin

Thin and transparent: fine blood vessels shine through the skin.
Fine creases: the skin wrinkles when it is pushed together.
Dryness: the skin feels rough and tight.
Sensitivity: it reacts quickly to friction, heat or cold.
Vulnerability: bruises and small injuries occur more easily and heal more slowly.

What causes crepey skin?

Age: over the years, the skin loses collagen, elastin and fatty tissue and becomes thinner.
Menopause: falling estrogen levels noticeably accelerate collagen loss.
UV light: decades of sun exposure damage the skin’s supporting structure, especially on the hands and face.
Long-term cortisone use: cortisone creams or tablets taken over a long period can thin the skin. If you suspect this, talk to your doctor and do not stop any medication on your own.
Genetics: some people naturally have thinner skin.

What helps with crepey skin?

Crepey skin cannot be completely reversed, but the right care noticeably strengthens it, protects it and improves its resilience:

Replenish lipids: rich plant oils and shea butter compensate for the lack of oil and strengthen the protective barrier.
Bind moisture: hyaluronic acid and moisture binders keep the skin supple.
Support density: actives such as the MPC milk peptide complex, the MBR FibroBoost Complex or plant stem cells support the skin’s structure.
Protect: sun protection every day, gloves when doing housework and gardening, and care when handling the skin.
Be gentle: lukewarm water, mild cleansing and no aggressive peels.

You can find out more about the skin’s protective function in our guide strengthen the skin barrier.

How to find the best cream for crepey skin

The best cream for crepey skin is the one that matches the needs of your skin. Pay attention to these criteria:

Rich texture with plant oils and lipids
Barrier-strengthening actives that protect against moisture loss
Actives for density and firmness
Good tolerability for sensitive skin

These creams meet the criteria:

CytoLine Cream 100: with the MPC milk peptide complex, shea butter, avocado oil and hyaluronic acid. Gives thin skin more density and resilience.
Cream Extraordinary: with 1% FibroBoost Complex, almond, jojoba and argan oil. For very dry skin with high lipid requirements.
THE BEST Face Extra Rich: the extra-rich formula with FibroBoost Complex, Pentavitin and plant oils. Our richest care for very demanding, mature skin.
Premium Face Cream: the rich 24-hour cream with a plant stem cell complex, squalane, olive oil and milk thistle seed oil. Supports the structure of lipid-depleted skin.

You will find more rich care in our collections face cream over 60 and face cream for mature skin.

Crepey skin on the hands

The backs of the hands are particularly often affected, as they are constantly exposed to sun, water and cleaning agents. Hand care with lipids and urea, such as THE BEST Hand or the Hand Treatment, protects and strengthens the thin skin. You will find more in our collection body care.

Your routine for crepey skin

OPEN: cleanse your face with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. You will find gentle formulas in our collection skincare for sensitive skin.
TREAT: apply a moisturising serum, for example the CytoLine Concentrate 100 with MPC.
CLOSE: apply a rich cream such as the CytoLine Cream 100 generously, including on the neck and décolleté.
During the day: thin skin is particularly sensitive to UV light. Protect it every day with our face sunscreen.

Frequently asked questions about crepey skin

What is the best cream for crepey skin?
A rich cream with lipids, moisture binders and actives that support the skin’s density. The CytoLine Cream 100 and the Cream Extraordinary are good choices. Which one suits you best depends on how dry your skin is.
Can crepey skin be reversed?
Not completely. With consistent care, however, the skin becomes noticeably more resilient, smoother and better moisturised.
What can I do about crepey skin caused by cortisone?
Talk to your doctor before changing any medication. Rich, barrier-strengthening care can support the skin alongside treatment.
At what age does crepey skin appear?
Usually from around 60, often earlier after menopause or with heavy sun exposure.
What should I avoid with crepey skin?
Aggressive peels, harsh cleansers, very hot water and rubbing the skin dry. Pat the skin dry gently and protect it from injury.