Crepey skin, thin and finely wrinkled like crepe paper, often appears on the upper arms, inner arms and above the knees. It's caused by a mix of age, sun and loss of collagen and elastin. Microneedling can help these areas look smoother and firmer. Here's how to approach it.
The short answer: use a 36-pin cartridge at 0.6mm to 1.0mm on the arms and around the knees every four to six weeks. Stay at the lower end on thin, delicate skin like the inner arms. Over several sessions, crepey texture can look smoother and firmer. It won't lift loose skin significantly, but it can make a visible difference to texture.
Why crepey skin develops
- Collagen and elastin loss with age
- Sun exposure, especially on the arms
- Weight changes, which can leave skin looking looser
- Dryness, which makes texture more visible
Depth and cartridge by area
| Area | Cartridge | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Inner arms | 24-pin or 36-pin | 0.6mm |
| Outer and upper arms | 36-pin | 0.6mm to 1.0mm |
| Above the knees | 36-pin | 0.6mm to 1.0mm |
| Elbows | 36-pin | 1.0mm |
Start at the lower end and only increase if your skin recovers well.
Technique
- Exfoliate gently a few days before, not on the day.
- Cleanse the area, disinfect your skin, hands and pen, and let everything dry.
- Attach a new, sealed cartridge and set your depth and a low speed.
- Apply hyaluronic acid.
- Keep the skin taut. For arms, raise your arm; for knees, straighten your leg and stretch the skin with your free hand.
- Glide in overlapping strokes horizontally, vertically and diagonally.
- Avoid pressing over the kneecap; work above and around it.
- Finish with a fragrance-free body moisturiser.
Repeat every four to six weeks, for 4 to 6 sessions.
Aftercare
- Wear loose, clean clothing over the area.
- Avoid hot baths, saunas, swimming and heavy exercise for 48 hours.
- Avoid fake tan for a few days.
- Moisturise daily, and apply SPF to exposed skin.
Daily habits that help
- Moisturise every day, ideally after a shower while skin is slightly damp.
- Use a body lotion with gentle lactic acid or urea on other days.
- Wear SPF on bare arms and legs.
- Strength training can help the area look firmer by building muscle underneath.
Body care with Olapen
Olapen's 36-pin cartridge covers the arms and knees evenly, with depth adjustable to suit thinner and thicker areas. See our depth chart for every area.
Frequently asked questions
Can microneedling help crepey arms?
It can help crepey texture look smoother and firmer over several sessions.
What depth for arms?
0.6mm on the inner arms, up to 1.0mm on the outer arms.
Can I microneedle my knees?
Yes, above and around the knees, not over the kneecap.
Will microneedling tighten loose skin?
It can help skin look firmer, but it won't lift significant looseness.
How long until I see results?
Usually after 3 to 4 sessions.
The bottom line
Crepey skin on the arms and knees can look smoother and firmer with consistent microneedling. Match your depth to the area, keep the skin taut, moisturise daily and protect exposed skin from the sun.
Microneedling and nanoneedling are cosmetic procedures. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you have a skin condition or any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.