Exfoliation is essential to remove or dissolve dead cells that linger on the surface of the skin, giving it a dull, dry look. Choose a creamy cleanser with vitamin C, or a low-concentration alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), or an enzyme mask with cell-dissolving pumpkin or papaya.
Chemical exfoliators use acids like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) that react with the skin to remove dead skin cells from the surface and clean pores. Dermatologists suggest that older women should opt for chemical exfoliators as they are less abrasive on our skin than physical exfoliators.
Many exfoliators can feel a bit harsh on your skin in your 50s, but regular exfoliation is the key to glowing skin, so finding a gentle product to help you remove dead skin cells is pretty important. "Cell turnover slows down as we age, so our skin loses the youthful glow and looks dull.
Mature skin
Gonzalez. So mature skin may be thin, dehydrated, contain open pores, and have visible wrinkles. Exfoliating one-two times a week keeps the skin tight, improves hyperpigmentation, smooths wrinkles, and corrects dark spots without irritating the skin, she says.
4. Exfoliate at least on a weekly basis. If you have dry skin, you likely have flaky skin, so you should exfoliate once or twice a week.
When it comes to morning versus night exfoliation, you're going to reap the best benefits from exfoliating in the morning time. This is due to the oils your skin produces overnight. You'll be able to more smoothly remove all impurities, dead skin, and oils, when you exfoliate in the morning, rather than at night.
Regular exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to keep older skin looking youthful and bright. As we age, our skin's natural exfoliation process slows down and causes a buildup of dead, dull skin. Exfoliating helps speed up cellular turnover, softening fine lines and wrinkles and diminishing hyperpigmentation.
Reach for a retinol or retinoid product to turn over dull skin and help increase collagen production. “Because these ingredients can be drying, I typically recommend patients start with a retinol- or micronized retinoid-based treatment to lower the possibility of irritation," Herrmann says.
It's a great practice to use in your regular routine, but too much exfoliation or scrubbing too hard with an exfoliator can, in fact, cause inflammation that might cause wrinkles down the line. If you don't over-exfoliate, you shouldn't have any issues with wrinkles down the line.
Take an ordinary washcloth and moisten with warm water, then use this to rub the skin gently in small circles. Cleansing the face before exfoliating may also be beneficial as this opens up the skin's pores. A natural sponge can work well to get rid of dead skin cells on the face.
Exfoliation is important for dry or flaky skin. Avoid mechanical exfoliation on dry skin, because the process is drying and it can lead to microtears. AHAs are effective for dry skin. Glycolic acid will help remove dead cells sitting on the surface of the skin and encourage healthy skin turnover.
If you have sensitive skin, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brian Hibler recommends reaching for alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs, for gentle chemical exfoliation. “Start with an AHA such as glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid at a low concentration, once a week,” he says.
Lack of exfoliation leads to build up of dead skin cells, and could result into dry, dull, patchy, flaky skin, clogged pores, with uneven skin tone.
Avoid abrasive physical exfoliators with harsh grains, sugar, or salt, as well as facial brushes as much as possible. “If you have breakouts, use a chemical exfoliator to fight oil and acne from a deeper level in the skin,” says Loving. “AHA and BHA acids (like salicylic, lactic, and glycolic) will be most effective.
According to dermatologists, you should exfoliate first, then wash your hair, and then wash your body. This will ensure that each shower product you use has time to work. If you have concerns about your skin, you should follow this order as closely as you can. This will help prevent acne, razor burn, or dry hair.
Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, on the other hand, may be too abrasive to use multiple times a week.
The main difference between scrub and exfoliator is that scrub is a cream-based skincare product that contains tiny exfoliating particles while an exfoliator is a mechanical or chemical agent you apply to the skin to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin.
For a really effective cleanse, using a flannel or washcloth is ideal. “A washcloth is really useful for wiping the make up off of your face and more effective than just cleansing and rinsing. It also provides some gentle exfoliation,” says Dr Ophelia.