Exfoliation helps make skin smoother, clearer and brighter, which is especially important as we get older. When cell turnover slows down, dead skin cells build up and dullness and dryness can creep in. Fresh, bouncy, glowy skin takes longer to reveal itself.
Since the skin on your face is more sensitive, especially mature skin, it's best to stick to more gentle scrubs. For those with oily skin, there are even oil-absorbing scrubs made of clays. To exfoliate the rest of your body, try a DIY body scrub, such as an easy sugar scrub recipe, to get rid of dead skin.
Exfoliate: Exfoliation is important for all skin types, but it's especially beneficial for mature skin. This will help slough off dead skin cells and reveal the brighter, smoother skin underneath. You can use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical peel to achieve this.
Face scrubs are generally best for oily and dry skin types because they buff away dry skin patches and dramatically change skin texture, says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City.
If you have a sensitive skin one can also have allergic reactions to the chemicals present in the synthetic scrubs as well. 2. Over scrubbing can result in open pores which are exposed to pollution and UV rays at the same time. It also leaves your skin more prone to infections and tanning.
“Some scrubs that have mineral oils, synthetics (abrasive beads made of plastic) or chemicals that can be harmful if you skin is sensitive. If the skin has a cut or bruise, then avoid using a salt body scrub as it will aggravate the condition and burn the skin,” adds Anand.
Coffee grounds
Combine 1 tablespoon (5 g) of the used grounds with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive or jojoba oil so it's easier to apply. Gently massage the grounds into your skin before rinsing them off. Caffeine has antioxidants that help prevent aging and promote better circulation.
Face scrubs help exfoliate and improve skin texture, but daily use depends on skin type and scrub type. Sensitive skin should exfoliate 1-2 times a week, oily or acne-prone skin can handle 2-3 times a week, and normal to combination skin can also use scrubs 2-3 times a week.
If you have normal skin, you can probably exfoliate two to three times a week. If you have dry skin, you may want to exfoliate only once a week or every other week, and make sure to stay away from harsh exfoliants. If you have oily skin, you can exfoliate three to four times a week if your skin can handle it.
"The [tell-tale] signals that you're using your exfoliator too much include: excessive dryness, irritation, redness, and sensitivity. If you see any of these signs occurring on your complexion, it's important to stop using the product immediately."
Take it easy on the exfoliator.
You can exfoliate when you notice excess dead skin cells, have dry skin and want to stimulate your sebaceous glands that produce oil, or a day or two after spending some time in the sun. No matter the age of the skin, exfoliators should only be used every few days at most.
A healthy, resilient skin barrier is vital for maintaining skin health. Over exfoliation disrupts this barrier and puts the skin at risk of losing essential nutrients and water. In turn, the skin may appear dull and lose its suppleness. Over time, this can lead to premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles.
The “black stuff” when you rub your skin is nothing but dead cells, dirt and surface grime. It comes off due to friction caused by rubbing your skin.
SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely. Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn't always easy.
Facial scrubs also contribute to reducing acne scars and dark patches of skin. While these aren't removed completely, they do become lighter. A scrub promotes the natural skin resurfacing process. When you scrub your face, it removes the dead and damaged skin cells and allows the skin to rejuvenate.
Below are dermatologist-recommended and NBC Select staff-favorite products that contain exfoliating ingredients like AHAs and BHAs and are in line with experts' guidance. Although some of these products may be safe for daily use, experts recommend exfoliating one to three times a week.
A great face scrub can bring out your inner radiance and even your skin tone. Just don't overdo it. Plus, the best time to exfoliate your face is at night before bed. This way, you can follow-up with a hydrating night cream and let all that delish moisture soak on in.
4. Always use a nourishing and thick moisturiser after you have scrubbed your face. This is especially important for those having dry skin.
Be careful not to over-exfoliate.
Although the skin's natural ability to exfoliate and gently slough some of the surface dead skin cells is reduced with age, mature skin becomes thinner and more fragile. Strong facial scrubs and brushes may do more harm than good by being too abrasive.
Avoid Abrasive Scrubs
As you get older, you just can't experiment the way you used to. When it comes to an exfoliator for aging skin, stick to what's gentle. The skin on your face is more sensitive, so save the apricots for fruit salad.
By eliminating them through scrubs, exfoliation oxygenates the skin and facilitates the cell renewal process. Besides, deeply exfoliating the skin helps erase imperfections and reduce wrinkles and fine lines, which is a good way to bring radiance back to your skin.