What should you know about crepey skin on cheeks?

The cheeks have delicate, frequently exposed skin. Over time, ultraviolet exposure can reduce collagen support, while dryness makes fine lines more visible. Changes in facial volume can leave the surface looking less smooth, particularly when smiling or moving the face. Burning, scaling, persistent redness, or itch may point to irritation or another skin condition. A sudden one-sided change should not be treated as ordinary ageing without an examination.

Cleanse gently, moisturise twice daily if needed, and choose products without added fragrance when the skin is reactive. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to the face each morning and reapply when outdoors; hats and shade add protection. Introduce exfoliating or retinoid products cautiously, one at a time, and stop if burning or marked redness develops. A dermatologist can assess pigment, lines, laxity, and volume separately before discussing resurfacing, energy-based treatment, or injectables.

Have a clinician examine a spot that bleeds, crusts, grows, changes colour, or fails to heal, especially on sun-exposed cheeks. Also seek advice for persistent swelling, pain, marked redness, or a rash that does not settle with gentle care. Urgent review is appropriate for sudden facial swelling with breathing difficulty or swelling around the eye.

Is this texture related to dryness, sun damage, volume loss, or another condition? Which active ingredients suit my skin? Should [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/) be assessed? Would [Radiofrequency Skin Tightening](/treatments/laser-and-energy/radiofrequency-skin-tightening/) address laxity, or is another approach more appropriate? What changes would require stopping treatment?