A Texas woman says she was considering a pricey laser treatment for crepey skin on her neck, a result of tanning beds two decades earlier. However, an $8 serum from Trader Joe’s may have fixed her concern and saved her thousands.
In a video with over 173,000 views, TikToker Jess (@jesstea_2026) admits she “grossly abused tanning beds” like many other millennials in her teens. She believes she struggles with “crepey skin” on her neck as a result.
At first, she says she considered radiofrequency (RF) Laser, a treatment used to tighten skin and boost collagen production. However, these treatments can cost thousands per treatment, depending on geographical location and the size of the treatment area.
“I have started using this one product…it’s something I found at Trader Joe’s,” she says, noting that you can’t get it on TikToker shop. So, she isn’t recommending it just to cash out on commission.
She continues, “I have seen such a difference in my neck. I may or may not even need to do the laser.”
Jess holds up a bottle of Trader Joe’s Retinol Night Serum with Baobab Oil, which costs just $8.
“It’s potent. It makes you peel,” she says. “I use it one to three times per week. This may have just saved me thousands of dollars.”
Can retinol fix crepey skin?
Tanning can break down the skin’s collagen, the material that keeps it stretchy and healthy. This can give the appearance of prematurely sagging or “crepey” skin.
Retinol is one of the most effective skincare ingredients to help restore the skin’s collagen and overall elasticity, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This can firm it up quickly and reduce the appearance of mild crepiness.
In a follow-up video, the TikToker shares photos supporting her great results from the serum. In her before images, the skin on her neck appears more lax and bunches up slightly in certain positions.
Then she takes a video of her results after two months while moving her neck into different positions. Her skin appears tighter and bouncier, with less bunching.
Will viewers try the $8 Trader Joe’s serum?
In the comments, viewers can’t believe the great results the TikToker got from the affordable serum. Many say they plan to pick up the serum to try for themselves.
“I trust you bc you’re not trying to make money off me. I also have a crepey neck,” one writes.
Another says, “I’m in the same boat! I lived in the tanning beds, and my neck is so crepey, and I’m only 35. Definitely going to try this!”
Others say they’ve enjoyed many of Trader Joe’s skincare products.
“People sleep on the skincare at TJs! Their face lotion with spf is sooo good,” a commenter recommends.
“I use the lip mask from Trader Joe’s & for the 20 years dermatologist have told me my forever pealing lips would need lasers to help it!” a second says.
A third shares, “I had a plastic surgeon who does my lip filler ask me what my skincare regiment was because of how youthful it looks (I was a tan booth girly too) and it’s literally washing my face with TJs Jojoba oil every night.”
@jesstea_2026 Did I just find an $8 hack for crepey neck skin?!! #traderjoes #traderjoesskincare #retinol #retinolskincare #crepeyneck ♬ original sound – Jess
The Mary Sue reached out to Jess via TikTok direct message and comment and to Trader Joe’s via media contact form for further comment.
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