10 Body Lotions That Target Crepey Arms and Legs (2024)

Crepey skin, like dark spots and wrinkles, is an inevitable part of aging for many of us. The textural change, which causes a crinkled, thin, and dry appearance to the skin, is a result of loss of collagen and elasticity. "This is a normal part of aging that's accelerated by external factors, like sun damage, environmental pollutants, and hormonal changes," explains Jennifer Sawaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners in Scottsdale. Below, Sawaya and other top experts share more on how to treat crepey skin plus whether topical body lotions can make a difference.

Can you get rid of crepey skin?

The short answer: not completely, but products and treatments can help, especially in preventing the crepiness from getting worse. While body lotions aren't miracle workers, they do make a difference. "Moisturizing creams and lotions can help minimize the appearance of crepey skin on arms and legs, especially if they contain the right ingredients," says Dendy Engleman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. In-office treatments are helpful, too, especially for building more collagen and elastin, which helps with elasticity and firmness. "Laser resurfacing, microneedling, and radiofrequency can tighten and rejuvenate the skin to create a smoother texture," says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut. Your dermatologist will be able to guide you to the best treatment options for you.

What to look for in a lotion for crepey skin on arms and legs?

Any moisturizing body lotion can temporarily improve the appearance of crepey skin a bit, says Sawaya. However, if you want a long-term improvement, you need a body treatment formula with active ingredients. "Look for something with a retinoid; this helps restore the skin's elasticity and accelerate collagen production," says Engleman. Peptides are also great at improving skin elasticity, says Gohara. Secondary nice-to-have ingredients: hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump and hydrate skin, and alpha hydroxy acids, which exfoliate to help improve dryness and texture.

The experts:

• Jennifer Sawaya, MD, a board-certified with U.S. Dermatology Partners in Scottsdale
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut.
• Dendy Engleman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in New York City

Gohara says retinol is a "heavy hitter" for improving the look of crepey skin. The only potential drawback? Retinol tends to be an irritating ingredient. Luckily, she highly recommends this option because it's gentle enough to use on your entire body daily. In addition to the vitamin A derivative, the formula contains ultra-moisturizing cocoa butter and squalane. Over time, it improves the look of crepiness, dullness, and rough skin. "It does not irritate at all," says Gohara. "I use it nightly."

While it's a splurge, this option is highly recommended by Sawaya and Engleman. The formula works overtime to give you smoother, hydrated, and glowy skin thanks to a hardworking blend of retinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acids that support collagen and elastin production and gently exfoliate the skin. It also contains soothing hydrators to combat potential irritation like green tea, avocado oil, jojoba esters, glycerin, and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid). Niacinamide also improves skin texture and tone. "It improves the appearance of skin texture, skin tone evenness, and crepiness in just eight weeks," says Engleman.

This is another one of Sawaya's go-to recommendations for clients worried about crepey skin. It's a rich moisturizer that adequately hydrates skin without feeling greasy or heavy conveniently packaged in a large 12 ounce tub. It effectively exfoliates skin and boosts cellular turnover but it doesn't irritate despite the high percentage of lactic acid (15 percent). Three types of ceramides in this formula help support and repair the skin barrier.

If, in addition to crepey skin, you're also dealing with rough elbows and knees, then you'll want to try this option, which is also great for anyonr dealing with body acne because it's a lightweight formula that contains salicylic acid and lactic acid to exfoliate skin and unveil a smoother and softer texture. Hyaluronic acid hydrates while ceramides protect the skin barrier, and niacinamide soothes and aids in promoting a more even tone. You can find this non-comedogenic option at any local drugstore.

Apply this on your arms, neck, and chest to visibly tighten, firm, and smooth skin texture. It contains a blend of retinol, marine extracts, and probiotics. With continued use, you'll notice a difference in skin hydration, vitality, and appearance, whether you're dealing with crepiness or sagging skin. It also prevents other signs of aging, thanks to vitamins C and E, powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage.

"This formula targets the appearance of loose skin and is clinically proven to smooth and tighten the look of skin on the arms," says Engleman. You can feel the benefits of this cream happening in real time because, after application, there's a warm and tingly sensation that occurs thanks to the pink pepperslim, a plant extract that is proven to smooth the look of skin. The formula contains red algae and kangaroo paw flower extract meant to hopefully help smooth, tighten, and rejuvenate loose skin a bit.

"Lotions can absolutely help improve the look of crepey skin by providing hydration and plumping the skin temporarily," says Gohara. She recommends this drugstore-friendly pick for those experiencing very dry, crepey skin. It contains nourishing shea butter, glycerin, soothing niacinamide, and antioxidant-rich thermal water from La Roche-Posay, France."It's great for long-lasting moisture and strengthening the skin barrier," says Gohara. "It's my go-to both for hydration and skin repair."

In just two days, 82 percent of users saw a visible improvement in crepey skin on the back of hands and arms during a study conducted by the brand because well-hydrated skin looks smoother. The fast-absorbing, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic formula has hydrating vitamin E, botanicals that ward off environmental aggressors, and omega fatty acids to seal in moisture. With continued use, you'll notice an improvement in skin firmness, elasticity, and fine lines.

Body lotions that help with crepey skin don't always have to look or smell so clinical. If you like it when your body lotion doubles as fragrance but doesn't sacrifice results, then this option from Sol de Janeiro checks all the boxes. It's a decadently rich formula that smells fresh, floral, and bright. It supports collagen production thanks to plant collagen, vegan squalane, and cacay oil, a plant that mimics the benefits of retinol.

This body serum formula contains 0.25 percent pure retinol to encourage the production of collagen and cellular turnover, niacinamide to even and brighten skin tone, and glycerin to hydrate and soften skin. It's an overnight treatment that helps improve dullness, fine lines, and crepey texture. Note: it is a serum, so while it may not be as hydrating on its own compared to other richer formulas, it's a great fast-absorbing option.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with dermatologists to learn about what to look for in a body lotion for crepey skin on arms and legs and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.