Exfoliate Two or Three Times a Week
As Ciraldo explains, our dead skin cells don't shed as fast as we age. That makes the skin start to look dull and textured. Fortunately, exfoliating two to three times a week can help solve (or at least stave off some of these concerns).
Depending on the needs of your skin, you should exfoliate two to three times a week. Although some people may only need to exfoliate once per week, or even once every other week.
Natural cell turnover slows with age, which results in pigmentary changes (sunspots), fine lines, and dryness. Some would say exfoliating becomes even more important at this stage to keep stimulate new cell growth and healthier skin."
wearing sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. wearing protective clothing during periods of prolonged or intense sun exposure. using moisturizers. using creams and lotions high in antioxidants that promote the production of collagen, such as retinol (a type of vitamin A), vitamin C, and vitamin E.
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.
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 think that weekly exfoliation is enough, and it's a good starting point for a newbie. 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.
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.
If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
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Once or twice a week is great, but everyday exfoliation is even better. Clinique Derm Pro Dr. Michelle Henry gives us her top five reasons to exfoliate daily. Once or twice a week is great, but everyday exfoliation is even better.
Just keep in mind that your age affects what treatments are most effective for you. While people in their 20s and 30s might benefit from sun protection and light serums, those in their 40s may reach for a retinol. However, more mature women might benefit from in-office cosmetic dermatology treatments.
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.
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.
“The use of retinol is core to any anti-aging regime, especially if you're over 30,” says Dr. Alexis Young, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center. “Retinol breaks up the top dead layer of the skin and increases cell turnover, allowing smoother skin to shine through.”
Drinking enough water each day replenishes your skin's tissue and cells, allowing for younger and healthier looking skin. Another key to maintaining a youthful appearance is to simply get some rest! When you sleep, your body continuously releases hormones that promote cell turnover and renewal.