Upper arm crepiness is one of the most common body skin complaints—that loose, crinkly texture that makes you self-conscious about sleeveless tops. The good news? It’s very treatable. Here’s your complete guide.
Why Arms Get Crepey
Your upper arms are particularly vulnerable for several reasons:
Sun exposure: Arms get UV exposure year-round, but rarely get sunscreen
Neglect: Face gets active skincare; arms get basic (or no) lotion
Thin skin: Upper inner arms have relatively thin, delicate skin
Movement: Constant arm movement creates wear on the skin
Gravity: The underside of upper arms fights gravity constantly
Add normal collagen loss with age, and you get the classic crepey arm texture that many people develop in their 40s, 50s, and beyond.
The Three-Pronged Approach
Effectively treating crepey arms requires addressing three factors:
1. Stimulate Collagen Production
You need to rebuild the structural support that’s been lost. This means:
Retinol body lotion: Daily application of Body Budder or similar active body products
Microneedling: Weekly sessions on upper arms trigger collagen production
2. Deep Hydration
Dehydrated skin looks more crepey. Proper hydration involves ceramides that restore the moisture barrier, hyaluronic acid that plumps and hydrates, and rich moisturizers that seal in hydration.
3. Protection
Stop making it worse with daily SPF on exposed arms, gentle cleansing (no harsh soaps), and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
| Approach | What It Does | Products/Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen stimulation | Rebuilds skin structure | Retinol body lotion; microneedling |
| Deep hydration | Plumps and smooths texture | Ceramide lotion; hyaluronic acid |
| Protection | Prevents further damage | SPF; gentle cleansing; sun avoidance |
Your Daily Arm Care Routine
Morning:
In the shower, use gentle body wash on arms. After shower, apply Body Budder to damp skin. If wearing short sleeves, apply SPF 30+ to arms.
Evening:
Apply Body Budder again to clean arm skin. Massage in well, focusing on crepey areas.
Weekly:
Microneedle upper arms with hydrating serum, then apply Body Budder.
Microneedling Protocol for Arms
Arms respond particularly well to microneedling. Here’s the specific protocol:
Needle depth: 0.5-1.0mm (arms can handle longer needles)
Area: Focus on upper arms, both inner and outer surfaces
Technique: Roll or stamp in all directions—horizontal, vertical, diagonal
Serum: Use hyaluronic acid or peptide serum during treatment
After: Apply Body Budder to treated area
Frequency: Once per week
Supporting Treatments
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing before showering can improve circulation and help with lymphatic drainage. It won’t fix crepey skin directly, but supports overall skin health and may enhance product absorption.
Exercise
Building muscle tone in your arms provides structure under the skin, improving overall appearance. Toned arms look better even with some crepiness. Strength training 2-3x weekly makes a visible difference.
However, exercise builds muscle—it doesn’t fix skin. You need topical treatments for the skin itself.
Hydration
Drinking adequate water supports skin hydration from the inside. It’s not a cure, but dehydration worsens crepey appearance.
What Won’t Work
Basic moisturizers: Hydration alone won’t rebuild collagen or firm skin
“Firming” creams without actives: Marketing claims without retinol/peptides are empty
Quick fixes: No cream will transform crepey arms overnight
Spot treatment: Occasional attention won’t produce results—consistency matters
Realistic Timeline
Week 1-2: Better hydration, skin feels softer
Week 3-4: Texture beginning to smooth
Week 6-8: Visible improvement in crepey appearance
Month 3-4: Noticeable firming from collagen building
Month 6+: Significant improvement with continued treatment
Arms that have been crepey for years won’t transform in weeks. Commit to the routine for at least 3 months before judging results.
Prevention for the Future
Once you’ve improved your arm skin, maintain it with continued daily retinol body lotion, sun protection whenever arms are exposed, monthly maintenance microneedling, and ongoing attention (don’t go back to neglect).
The Bottom Line
Crepey arms are frustrating but very treatable. The combination of daily retinol body lotion, weekly microneedling, sun protection, and patience will produce real improvement.
Give your arms the active skincare attention they’ve been missing. In a few months, you might actually look forward to sleeveless season.
