Contrary to advertising claims, OTC creams, potions, lotions and elixirs are unlikely to be effective for crepey skin anywhere, whether on the face, limbs, or trunk. Even prescription strength retinoids, such as Retin A or Avage are unlikely to be particularly effective and better serve for preventive maintenance than treatment.It has also been my experience that relatively expensive, energy-based treatments, about which we hear so much of these days, such as fraxels, as well as radiofrequency and ultrasound treatments, yield subtle, variable and inconsistent results and appear to be backed far more by device manufacturer supported marketing hype than by hard science. The use of "Skin Boosters" is one potential approach to crepey, crinkly skin. In effect, this treatment consists of the injection of small amounts of low concentration fillers, intended to not only hydrate and smooth the skin from underneath, but through its biostimulatory effects, increase new, native collagen and elastic fiber synthesis (neocollagenesis, neoelastogenesis). In general, a series of such treatments, spaced at four week intervals is needed to realize optimal improvement.Unfortunately, there are currently no injectable products in the U.S. specifically approved for this purpose, although in my Israel satellite facility, where a far greater number of regulatory agency approved fillers and volumizers are available, I use Restylane Skin Boosters. In my Upper East Side Manhattan office, I employ Restylane Silk for this purpose.
