Crepey vs. Sagging Skin: Causes, Differences, & Treatments

While fine lines and wrinkles remain the top aging concern many people wish to treat, other natural skin changes, like crepey and sagging skin, can also make the face appear older. As the skin loses its firmness, smoothness, and elasticity over time, these conditions may develop and lead to a more wrinkled and droopy appearance.

Although crepey and sagging skin may look similar, they are actually quite different in both their causes and the treatments they require. Finding the right solution starts with understanding the differences between the two. 

Continue reading as we explore their differences and how you can effectively treat or improve them with non-surgical options at Sanctuary by Cutis in Singapore. 

What is crepey skin?

As its name suggests, crepey skin refers to skin that appears dry and wrinkled, similar to a crepe paper. It is sometimes called elephant skin because it visually resembles the skin texture of an elephant. Crepiness can occur anywhere on the body, but some areas such as the neck, under eyes, and upper chest are more prone to crinkling. 

Elbows and knees are the first areas to display crepey skin due to the repetitive bending and stretching of the skin. These movements put extra stress on the already thin skin, resulting in a loss of elasticity. This, along with a decline in collagen due to aging, contributes to a crepey appearance.

Crepey skin appears when the skin becomes thinner and loses its ability to return to its original state after being stretched constantly. Aging plays a major role in its formation but several factors also contribute to it:

• Excessive sun exposure
• Gravity
• Sudden or drastic weight changes
• Cigarette smoking 
• Sleep deprivation
• Poor nutrition

What is sagging skin?

Sagging skin involves drooping of the skin due to aging and loss of fat. People of any age can get saggy skin, but it is more common among older people and those who have lost significant amounts of weight. Sagging in the lower face (jowls) and neck are two of the most noticeable signs of aging and aging skin. 

Sagging skin can manifest in several ways, such as:

• Turkey neck – sagging skin that develops on the neck, resembling a turkey’s wattle. It’s associated with aging, sun damage, and weight fluctuations. 
• Jowls – the skin around the chin and jawline can droop, resulting in visible sagging or a jowl appearance. 
• Loss of facial definition – sagging can manifest as double chin or turkey neck, which may cause the jawline to appear less defined. 
• Volume loss – the loss of facial fat and bone volume can happen with age, contributing to sagging, which can also make the skin appear hollow. 

Sagging commonly manifests as loose skin or excess fat around certain areas of the face, but it can also give rise to the appearance of: 

• Under eye hollows
• Dark undereye circles
• Droopy eyelids and brow
• Smile lines or nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines

A decline in collagen and elastin, commonly due to aging, is one of the main causes of sagging skin. Several factors can also contribute to its development including:

• Sun exposure
• Weight loss/weight fluctuations
• Hormonal changes (can happen during menopause)
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, poor nutrition)

Crepey skin vs sagging skin: Main differences

 

	CREPEY SKIN	SAGGING SKIN
TEXTURE	Thin, delicate, and wrinkled skin (like crepe paper)	Loose, droopy skin; may appear hollow or deflated
CAUSE	Aging, sun damage, weight loss, other poor lifestyle choices	Aging, weight loss, genetics
COMMON AREAS	Neck, under the eyes, hands, upper arms	Jowls, chin, eyelids, upper arms, stomach
DEPTH OF CONCERN	Primarily surface level, related to the epidermis or outer layer; noticeable in areas with thin skin	A structural problem that involves the dermis and potentially the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue); associated with loss of collagen and elastin

NIR skin tightening: For sagging and crepey-looking skin

If you’re looking for a non-surgical way on how to treat crepey or sagging skin, NIR (near infrared) skin tightening is worth considering. It can tighten and contour the skin, improve sagging and crepey-looking skin, as well as reduce the look of cellulite for a more youthful appearance. 

How it works: NIR skin tightening in Singapore uses a high-power light source in the near-infrared spectrum. This heats the deeper layers and water in tissues, causing the collagen fibers to tighten and contract, as well as the fibroblast to repair skin cells and build new collagen. This can then reduce the appearance of aging skin.

The procedure can help tighten laxity, as well improve the skin’s texture, tone, and firmness. It is sometimes referred to as Cinderella treatment, as it can make you feel as transformed as Cinderella, looking ready and rejuvenated for an important event. 

Treatable areas: NIR can treat different areas of the body, including the:

• Cheeks
• Chin and jowls
• Forehead
• Crow’s feet
• Forehead
• Neck and décolleté
• Hands
• Upper arms
• Abdomen
• Thighs

Results to expect: Immediately after the procedure, you may notice improvement in skin firmness, but this is partly due to slight swelling post-treatment. Once this subsides, you’ll see more changes, with the area feeling smoother and firmer. Optimal results appear over two to three months or the period when the skin begins to build new collagen. 

How to treat crepey and sagging skin

Crepey skin treatment involves stimulating collagen, focusing on improving skin texture, hydration, and elasticity. This can include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and skin boosters. For sagging skin, the focus is on restoring volume loss and tightening loose skin, such as RF and ultrasound tightening, dermal fillers, and others.

Here are other non-surgical options we have at Sanctuary by Cutis: 

• Exilis Ultra 360 – uses radiofrequency and ultrasound technology to tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin texture. It helps stimulate the production of collagen to address different signs of aging. It can tighten loose skin on the face, jawline, and neck, as well as reduce fat to redefine facial contours.
• FaceStim – combines radiofrequency and muscle contractions to help with collagen formation and tissue remodeling. This can stimulate the inner facial muscles, firm, tighten, and tone the skin, as well as improve skin texture and overall quality.
• Chemical peels – use a chemical solution to remove the skin’s topmost layer and help rebuild collagen. VI Peel Advanced is one chemical peel designed to combat signs of aging. It is ideal for 40+ or people with aging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. 
• Imperium Deep Restoration – features the use of Pulsed Crown RF to target the deep dermis. It can regenerate skin tissues and provide a series of anti-aging benefits. It can reduce deep wrinkles, lift and firm the skin, as well as improve tone and texture by stimulating collagen. 
• 10D Care-9 – uses ultrasound and radiofrequency technology to provide several anti-aging benefits. These include skin lifting and tightening, wrinkle reduction, eyebrow lifting, and improved skin tone and texture. 

Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore, Cutis, also offers non-surgical treatments for crepey-looking and sagging skin. These include Ultherapy, laser skin rejuvenation, injectables, and others. A consultation with an aesthetic doctor in Singapore will let  you know which treatments or products are suitable for your concerns. 

Whether you’re struggling with thin, crepey skin or loose, sagging skin, we’re here to help. Book an appointment with our team today and find the right treatment plan tailored to you.