Crepey Skin: What Causes It & Can Collagen Help?
By Eryn Behan, Founder of NEE-V
If you've noticed the skin on your arms, neck, chest, hands or around your knees suddenly looking thinner, looser or a little like crepe paper, you're not imagining it.
Crepey skin becomes increasingly common as we age because our skin naturally becomes thinner and loses some of the collagen and elastin that help give it firmness, structure and elasticity. Sun exposure can accelerate these changes, while declining oestrogen during menopause can also have a significant effect on women's skin.
So can you actually improve crepey skin? And where does collagen fit into the picture?
Here's what the research tells us.
What is crepey skin?
Crepey skin is a common term used to describe skin that appears thin, finely wrinkled, loose or crinkled, with a texture resembling crepe paper.
It can appear on the face, but many women first notice it elsewhere, particularly on the:
- neck and décolletage
- upper arms
- hands
- thighs
- knees
- under-eye area
Crepey skin isn't a medical diagnosis in itself. It's generally a visible manifestation of changes occurring in ageing and/or sun-damaged skin.
What causes crepey skin?
There isn't one single cause.
As we age, our skin naturally changes. It becomes thinner and drier, while structural changes affect its firmness and elasticity.
Collagen and elastin are particularly important.
Collagen helps provide structure and strength to the skin, while elastin contributes to its ability to stretch and return to shape.
When these structural components change with age, skin can begin to look thinner and less firm.
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation is another major contributor. The cumulative effects of UV exposure cause photoageing, which can present as wrinkles, loose skin and other visible changes.
Genetics, smoking and other environmental and lifestyle factors can also influence how our skin ages.
Why does crepey skin become more noticeable after 40?
There isn't a birthday when skin suddenly becomes crepey.
But the structural changes associated with ageing accumulate over time, which is why many women begin noticing changes in skin firmness, elasticity and texture through their 40s and beyond.
For women, there's another important factor.
Menopause.
Does menopause cause crepey skin?
Menopause can contribute to the skin changes associated with a crepey appearance.
As oestrogen levels fall, skin can become drier, thinner and less firm.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that studies suggest women's skin loses approximately 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause, followed by a more gradual decline of around 2% each year over the following 20 years.
As collagen diminishes, skin loses some of its firmness and begins to sag.
This helps explain why some women feel as though their skin has changed quite quickly during perimenopause and menopause.
It's also why I think the conversation around skin ageing needs to move beyond simply talking about wrinkles.
Our skin is changing structurally.
Can collagen help crepey skin?
This is where we need to distinguish between crepey skin as a description and the individual characteristics that contribute to its appearance.
There isn't strong clinical evidence showing that collagen supplements specifically “cure crepey skin”.
However, there is human clinical research showing that specific collagen peptides can improve characteristics of ageing skin, including skin elasticity and wrinkles.
And that's important because reduced elasticity and collagen loss are part of what can contribute to skin appearing loose, thin and crepey.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving women aged 35 to 55, daily supplementation with specific collagen peptides for eight weeks resulted in a statistically significant improvement in skin elasticity compared with placebo.
Another placebo-controlled clinical study investigated VERISOL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides®, the specific collagen peptides used in NEE-V's bovine collagen formulations.
Women aged 45 to 65 consumed 2.5 g of VERISOL® daily for eight weeks.
Researchers reported a statistically significant reduction in eye wrinkle volume compared with placebo, alongside changes in markers associated with the skin's dermal matrix.
So while I wouldn't tell anyone that collagen is a miracle fix for crepey skin, there is a much more interesting evidence-based conversation to have:
specific, clinically researched collagen peptides may support some of the structural characteristics of skin that change as we age.
What does VERISOL® actually do for ageing skin?
Not all collagen peptides are identical.
This is something I talk about frequently because “contains collagen” doesn't tell you very much about a supplement.
VERISOL® is a specific composition of Bioactive Collagen Peptides® that has been studied in human clinical trials for skin-related outcomes.
Research has investigated areas including:
- skin elasticity
- wrinkles
- dermal collagen-related markers
That's one of the reasons I chose VERISOL® when developing NEE-V.
I didn't simply want to put generic collagen into a tub.
I wanted to understand which collagen peptides were being used, what they had actually been studied for and whether the research aligned with why women were taking the product.
VERISOL® vs Standard Collagen: What’s the Difference?
How long does collagen take to support skin changes?
Collagen isn't an overnight treatment.
Clinical studies examining specific collagen peptides and skin outcomes have typically looked at consistent daily supplementation over a period of weeks rather than days.
For example, studies involving specific collagen peptides have measured skin outcomes after approximately four to eight weeks of daily use.
That doesn't mean everyone will notice a visible change within exactly eight weeks.
Individual results vary, and factors including age, skin condition, sun exposure, nutrition and lifestyle can all influence the appearance of our skin.
But it does reinforce something I've always believed about wellness:
consistency matters more than quick fixes.
Is bovine or marine collagen better for crepey skin?
Neither source is automatically better simply because it is bovine or marine.
The more useful questions are:
What specific collagen peptides are being used?
What have those peptides been studied for?
What is the recommended daily amount?
Can you realistically take the product consistently?
Marine and bovine collagen come from different sources and may suit different preferences.
At NEE-V, our bovine collagen products use VERISOL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides®, while our marine formulation provides an alternative for people who prefer marine-derived collagen.
Rather than choosing based solely on whether the front of the tub says “marine” or “bovine”, look at the actual formulation and evidence behind the ingredient.
Marine v Bovine - whats the difference?
What else can help crepey skin?
Collagen is only one part of looking after ageing skin.
Protect your skin from the sun
UV exposure contributes significantly to premature skin ageing.
Daily broad-spectrum SPF protection is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent further sun damage.
Moisturise
Ageing and menopausal skin can become significantly drier.
Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help support skin hydration and improve how dry skin looks and feels.
Consider retinoids
Retinoids and retinol are widely used in ageing-skin routines. A dermatologist can advise whether they're appropriate for your skin, particularly if your skin has become thinner or more sensitive.
Eat well
Protein, vitamin C and a varied nutrient-rich diet all contribute to normal body functions, including those involved in maintaining healthy skin.
Don't smoke
Smoking accelerates visible skin ageing and affects the skin's structure and appearance.
Speak with a dermatologist
If crepey or sagging skin is a significant concern, professional treatments may also be worth discussing.
Depending on your skin and goals, dermatologists may recommend options including topical treatments, chemical peels, lasers or other procedures.
Can you completely reverse crepey skin?
Probably not, and I think we need to be careful with the word “reverse”.
Ageing is a biological process, not a condition we need to cure.
What we can do is support our skin, protect it from preventable damage and consider evidence-based approaches that may improve aspects such as elasticity, hydration and wrinkles.
That's a much more realistic approach to healthy ageing.
And personally, it's one I find far more empowering than being told we need to somehow make our skin 25 again.
Crepey Skin and Healthy Ageing
When I created NEE-V, collagen was largely talked about as a beauty ingredient.
The longer I've worked in this space, the more I've come to see it differently.
Our skin is one visible part of the biological changes happening as we age.
For women in particular, the changes around perimenopause and menopause can be significant.
That doesn't mean we need to fear them.
But I do believe we deserve to understand what's happening to our bodies and make informed decisions about how we want to support them.
For me, that's what healthy ageing is really about.
Not chasing youth.
Not promising miracles.
But using good evidence, good nutrition and simple daily habits to help us feel our best through every stage of life.
What should I look for when choosing collagen for ageing skin?
Don't judge collagen simply by the size of the tub or the number of grams written across the front.
Look deeper.
Consider:
- the specific collagen peptides used
- whether those peptides have been clinically researched
- what outcomes were actually studied
- the recommended daily serving
- other ingredients in the formulation
- whether you'll enjoy taking it consistently
- transparency from the brand about its ingredients
More collagen doesn't automatically mean better collagen.
The quality and specificity of the ingredient matter.
That's why NEE-V uses clinically researched collagen peptides and keeps our formulations intentionally simple.
Created with care. Backed by science. Loved for results.
Explore NEE-V Collagen
Discover our range of clinically researched collagen formulations created to support your daily beauty-from-within and healthy-ageing ritual.
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Crepey Skin FAQs
What is crepey skin?
Crepey skin is a common term used to describe skin that appears thin, loose, finely wrinkled or crinkled, similar in texture to crepe paper. It becomes more common as skin changes with age and cumulative sun exposure.
What causes crepey skin?
Crepey skin can be influenced by natural skin ageing, changes in collagen and elastin, dryness and cumulative UV exposure. Hormonal changes around menopause can also contribute to thinner, drier and less firm skin.
Why does skin become crepey after 40?
There isn't a specific age when crepey skin begins, but age-related structural changes accumulate over time. Many women also experience significant skin changes during perimenopause and menopause as oestrogen levels decline.
Does menopause cause crepey skin?
Menopause can contribute to changes associated with crepey skin. Falling oestrogen levels are associated with thinner, drier and less firm skin, while collagen levels can decline significantly around menopause.
Can collagen supplements help crepey skin?
Collagen supplements shouldn't be described as a cure for crepey skin. However, human clinical research on specific collagen peptides has shown improvements in skin characteristics including elasticity and wrinkles, which are relevant to the appearance of ageing skin.
Does VERISOL® help skin elasticity?
Human clinical research on specific collagen peptides, including research involving VERISOL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides®, has investigated skin elasticity, wrinkles and markers associated with the dermal matrix. Results from controlled trials have reported improvements in selected skin outcomes compared with placebo.
How long does collagen take to work for skin?
Clinical studies vary, but some research involving specific collagen peptides has measured improvements in skin outcomes after approximately four to eight weeks of consistent daily supplementation. Individual results can vary.
Is marine or bovine collagen better for crepey skin?
Neither marine nor bovine collagen is automatically better. Consider the specific collagen peptides used, the clinical research supporting them, the formulation and which product best suits your preferences.
Can crepey skin be reversed?
Age-related skin changes cannot simply be reversed. However, sun protection, moisturising, appropriate skincare, healthy lifestyle habits and some professional treatments may improve aspects of skin texture, hydration, wrinkles and firmness.
What is the best collagen for ageing skin?
There isn't one collagen product that's best for everyone. Look for a product that clearly identifies its collagen source and peptides, provides an appropriate daily serving, is transparent about its formulation and, ideally, uses peptides supported by relevant human clinical research.