Skip to content
  1. Now offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50!
7 Science-Backed Natural Ingredients That Help Improve Crepey Skin

7 Science-Backed Natural Ingredients That Help Improve Crepey Skin

    Table of Contents

    1. Why Skin Becomes Crepey
    2. The Science Behind Skin Barrier Health
    3. 7 Natural Ingredients That Work
    4. Daily Application Guide
    5. Expected Results Timeline
    6. Supporting Your Skin Health

    Quick Takeaways

    • Main Problem: Crepey skin results from collagen loss, lipid depletion, and barrier damage
    • Solution: Targeted natural ingredients can rebuild your skin barrier and restore firmness
    • Timeline: Most people see improvements in 4-8 weeks with consistent use
    • Key Ingredients: Rice ceramides, olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe vera, glycerin, and essential oils

    Why Skin Develops a Crepey Appearance

    Crepey skin—that thin, finely wrinkled texture showing up on your arms, chest, and neck—develops through several interconnected processes:

    The Primary Culprits:

    • Collagen and Elastin Loss: After age 40, these crucial proteins decline by approximately 1% annually
    • Lipid Depletion: Ceramide levels can drop by up to 40%, compromising moisture retention
    • UV Damage: Sun exposure accelerates collagen breakdown and creates oxidative stress
    • Glycation and Inflammation: Chronic micro-inflammation stiffens collagen fibers

    The result? Skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and unable to bounce back from daily stress.

    Understanding Your Skin Barrier: The Foundation of Healthy Skin

    Your skin's outer layer (stratum corneum) functions like a protective brick wall with three essential components:

    • Ceramides (50%): The "mortar" binding skin cells together
    • Cholesterol (25%): Maintains structural integrity
    • Fatty acids (15%): Support flexibility and hydration

    When this barrier breaks down:

    • Moisture escapes through increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
    • Skin becomes more sensitive and prone to damage
    • Collagen breakdown accelerates

    The solution lies in restoring these lipids alongside humectants and antioxidants.

    7 Research-Proven Natural Ingredients for Crepey Skin

    Natural ingredients for crepey skin


    1. 🌾 Rice-Derived Ceramides

    Why They Work: Rice ceramides are among the most effective natural ingredients for rebuilding compromised skin barriers.

    Clinical Benefits:

    • Replace lost ceramides for improved moisture retention
    • Enhance skin elasticity and smoothness
    • Support healthy pH balance and reduce dryness

    Research Findings: Studies show rice ceramides can reduce TEWL by 20-35% and improve skin elasticity within 4-8 weeks of consistent topical application.

    Clinical Reference: Effect of Rice Ceramides on Skin Barrier Function, Nutrients, 2022

    2. 🫒 Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

    Why It Works: Delivers essential fatty acids and powerful polyphenol antioxidants that protect and repair aging skin.

    Clinical Benefits:

    • Polyphenols boost the activity of skin cells (fibroblasts) crucial for skin repair.
    • They help increase important building blocks that support skin structure and healing.
    • Provides long-lasting moisture.

    Research Findings: Lab studies show that olive oil polyphenols make skin cells grow and move better, which is helpful for healing and maintaining healthy skin.

    Clinical Reference: The Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin Health: Study on the Effect of Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol, and Oleocanthal on Human Fibroblasts, Nutrients, 2023

    3. 🥥 Virgin Coconut Oil

    Why It Works: Creates a protective barrier while delivering anti-inflammatory compounds that calm irritated skin.

    Clinical Benefits:

    • Medium-chain triglycerides form a protective moisture seal
    • Natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
    • Supports barrier repair and reduces sensitivity

    Research Findings: Clinical studies confirm virgin coconut oil significantly improves skin hydration and lipid levels in compromised skin.

    Clinical Reference: Coconut Oil in Dermatology, International Journal of Dermatology, 2018

    4. 🥑 Cold-Pressed Avocado Oil

    Why It Works: Rich in beneficial fatty acids and vitamins, including Vitamin E, that work to reduce wrinkles, boost collagen production, and improve skin elasticity.

    Clinical Benefits:

    • High concentration of oleic acid and Vitamin E.
    • Stimulates the skin's natural collagen and elastin production.
    • Enhances the skin's protective barrier and helps in nutrient absorption.

    Research Findings: Research confirms avocado oil's ability to improve skin barrier recovery and enhance collagen synthesis. Studies have also shown its anti-aging potential, leading to reduced wrinkles and smoother skin.

    Clinical Reference: This section is adapted from: The Potential of Avocado Oil for Topical Use: A Narrative Review, ResearchGate, 2024 (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381939597_The_Potential_of_Avocado_Oil_for_Topical_Use_A_Narrative_Review). This material is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).

    5. 🌿 Whole-Leaf Aloe Vera

    Why It Works: Contains mucopolysaccharides that deeply hydrate the skin, along with compounds that stimulate collagen and elastin production, and possess anti-inflammatory properties.

    Clinical Benefits:

    • Binds moisture to the skin for enhanced and lasting hydration.
    • Reduces redness and inflammation, improving skin integrity.
    • Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, contributing to improved skin elasticity and firmness.

    Research Findings: Reviewed studies indicate that aloe vera can improve skin elasticity, enhance overall skin integrity, and help reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles.

    Clinical Reference: Aloe vera: A short review, Indian Journal of Dermatology, 2008

    6. 💧 Glycerin

    Why It Works: As a powerful humectant, glycerin draws moisture from the environment into your skin, helping to maintain essential hydration levels and support the skin's natural barrier function.

    Clinical Benefits:

    • Effectively attracts and retains water in the outer layers of the skin, leading to deep hydration.
    • Improves the skin's overall smoothness and elasticity.
    • Supports the natural function of aquaporin water channels, which are vital for efficient moisture distribution within the skin.

    Research Findings: Scientific reviews consistently demonstrate glycerin's ability to significantly increase skin hydration and highlight its role in enhancing moisture transport mechanisms, including through aquaporin channels.

    Clinical Reference: Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2008

    7. 🌸 Essential Oils (Lavender & Lemongrass)

    Lavender Oil Benefits:

    Why It Works: Contains antioxidants that help combat free radicals, and supports the skin's natural healing processes, including stimulating collagen production.

    Clinical Benefits:

    • Provides antioxidant protection, potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
    • Promotes faster wound healing and aids in reducing scarring by stimulating tissue repair.
    • Offers antibacterial and antifungal properties that may help with acne and certain skin conditions.

    Lemongrass Oil Benefits:

    Why It Works: Rich in citral, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, it helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in skin cells.

    Clinical Benefits:

    • Reduces inflammatory responses in human skin cells.
    • Protects against oxidative stress and associated DNA damage.
    • Shows potential to inhibit enzymes (MMPs) that can break down collagen, supporting skin's integrity.

    Research Findings: Studies on lavender oil in rats have shown improved wound healing and stimulated collagen production. For lemongrass, in vitro studies highlight its significant anti-inflammatory activity in human dermal fibroblasts and its antioxidant effects, along with potential to inhibit collagen-degrading enzymes.

    Clinical References:

    Daily Application Guide for Maximum Results

    Morning Routine:

    1. Apply to clean, slightly damp skin
    2. Use gentle upward motions
    3. Allow 5-10 minutes for absorption
    4. Always follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen

    Evening Routine:

    1. Cleanse skin thoroughly
    2. Apply while skin is still damp
    3. Use slightly more product than morning
    4. Gently massage in circular motions

    Pro Tips:

    • Consistency is key—apply twice daily without skipping
    • Start with a small amount and increase as needed
    • Store products in cool, dry places to maintain potency
    • Choose products with multiple complementary ingredients rather than single oils for best results
    • Look for formulations that include all the key ingredients mentioned above for comprehensive care

    Expected Results Timeline

    Week 1-2: Improved hydration and softer texture Week 3-4: Reduced roughness and enhanced smoothness Week 5-8: Visible improvement in skin firmness and elasticity Week 9-12: Significant reduction in crepey appearance

    Note: Individual results may vary based on skin condition, age, and consistency of use.

    Supporting Your Skin Health Journey

    Beyond topical treatments, support your skin health with these evidence-based practices:

    • Daily sun protection with broad-spectrum SPF 30+
    • Antioxidant-rich diet including berries, leafy greens, and healthy fats
    • Adequate hydration (8-10 glasses of water daily)
    • Quality sleep (7-9 hours nightly for optimal skin repair)
    • Stress management through meditation or regular exercise

    How We Combine These Ingredients

    At Natural Escapes Body, our Aloe & Olive Hand & Body Lotion in Lavender and Lemongrass combine all these research-backed ingredients:

    ✓ Rice ceramides for barrier repair

    ✓ Whole-leaf aloe vera and glycerin for hydration

    ✓ Extra-virgin olive, coconut, and avocado oils for nourishment

    ✓ Plant-powered essential oils for antioxidant protection

    Our clean, naturally-derived formulations align with clinical research protocols proven effective for improving crepey, aging skin through twice-daily application.

    About the Author

    Melissa is the founder of Natural Escapes Body. With over 25 years of experience handcrafting naturally-derived, plant-based skincare, she combines science and tradition to create formulas that are safe, effective, and luxurious. Her work is grounded in research, transparent ingredient sourcing, and a commitment to cruelty-free wellness.

    Ready to transform your skin? Start with consistent application of these natural ingredients and be patient—your skin will thank you for the science-backed nourishment.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    + Can you really improve crepey skin with natural ingredients, or do you need medical treatments?
    Absolutely—while medical treatments like lasers and retinoids can help, studies show that using the right combination of barrier-rebuilding lipids (like ceramides), humectants (like glycerin and aloe), and antioxidants (like olive oil and essential oils) can significantly improve hydration, firmness, and smoothness over time. Consistency is key, and many people see visible changes in 4–8 weeks.
    + How long does it take to see results when using plant-based creams for crepey skin?
    Clinical research typically shows improvements in hydration and barrier function within 2–4 weeks, with more noticeable firmness and elasticity after 6–8 weeks of daily use. For best results, apply twice a day to damp skin and protect with sunscreen.
    + Is coconut oil enough by itself to fix crepey skin?
    Coconut oil can help seal in moisture and calm irritation, but it's not enough on its own to rebuild the lipid barrier. You'll get better results when it's combined with ceramides, humectants like glycerin, and antioxidants. Think of coconut oil as a supportive layer rather than a standalone solution.
    + Are rice ceramides better than synthetic ceramides?
    Rice-derived ceramides are naturally accompanied by beneficial fatty acids and sterols, which help them integrate into your skin barrier more effectively. Some studies suggest they're less irritating and better tolerated for sensitive or aging skin compared to purely synthetic ceramides.
    + What essential oils are safest for crepey skin?
    Lavender and lemongrass are both well-studied and safe for most skin types when properly diluted in a carrier formula. Lavender has proven wound-healing and collagen-boosting benefits, while lemongrass delivers antioxidant protection. Always patch-test new products if you have sensitive skin.
    + Is aloe vera effective for crepey skin or is it mostly for burns?
    Aloe vera does much more than soothe sunburn. Clinical studies show it helps bind water in the skin, stimulates procollagen-I, and improves elasticity over time—making it a great ingredient for crepey or thinning skin.
    + Do I need to exfoliate crepey skin?
    Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead cells and improve absorption of moisturizers, but over-exfoliating can worsen dryness and irritation. Use a mild product no more than once a week and always follow with a ceramide-rich moisturizer.

    Melissa Andrews

    Leave a comment

    Please note, comments must be approved before they are published