Skincare at every age is an important part of daily routine. But it becomes even more crucial as you get older. But why is that? Simply because the body produces less collagen as you grow older. And less collagen means more dead skin cells, thus more dryness and dullness.
Your skin then starts to look older and skin tone uneven. But the good news here is that exfoliation has the capacity to keep all these unwanted side effects at bay simply by preventing the clogging of your pores.
So if you really want to get rid of dead skin cells, then you’ve got to start exfoliating at least 3-4 times a week. And if that’s not enough, then I have reviewed some of the best exfoliators you can use on a daily basis as well. These work very effectively when it comes to diminishing age spots and rejuvenating tired-looking skin.
So let’s get to the list specifically created for mature skin, shall we?
Top Face Exfoliators & Scrubs for Mature Skin
Top Choice - Clarisonic Mia Prima Derm Recommended Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush
This dermatologist-recommended facial cleansing brush is called Mia Prima. And what Mia Prima does is use a single mode, single button, and single minute to cleanse your skin quickly and easily.
It works within your skin’s natural elasticity for removing impurities often left behind even after traditional cleansing. And the tool does so very gently. In comparison to your hands, this thing cleanses your skin 6 times better.
Post-cleansing, expect your pore size to reduce in terms of appearance. You can even expect your skincare products to get absorbed into the skin better.
Now let me tell you about the technology aspect. Mia Prima features oscillation technology. This patented function flushes your pores using water for both surface cleansing and deep pore cleansing. It’s a gentle exfoliator you can use even twice daily.
Since it’s waterproof, application in the shower is also possible. And a single charge yields 100 minutes of usage. In the end, just let me make one thing very clear to those with sensitive skin. Clarisonic doesn’t disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, unlike strong, harsh exfoliants.
Clarisonic Mia Prima ey Features
1 mode with 1-minute cleansing cycle
Mia Prima is waterproof
100 minutes of use on a single charge
Runner-Up Choice - Olay Facial Cleansing Brush
Here’s yet another dermatologist-recommended facial cleansing brush. You’ll find this to be the best exfoliator for aging sensitive skin. The brand is Olay after all. The device, when paired with Olay’s Regenerist facial cleanser, makes way for a deep, thorough cleansing action.
It maximizes the hydrating, cleansing benefits of the formula you can use on a daily basis. So your anti-aging cream or moisturizer can penetrate deeper post-cleansing.
What about the product’s features? There are 2 speed modes. The first one consists of gentle exfoliation, which is good for sensitive or delicate skin. While the second mode is deep clean. But you can use either for removing stubborn makeup.
And just like the previous option, this one too can be used in the shower. So convenience and comfort are a part of the experience here as well. Speaking of which, the head of the cleansing brush is small enough for getting around difficult areas like your nose too.
Olay Facial Cleansing Brush Key Features
2-speed facial cleansing brush
Lightweight design and quiet operation
Great for removing makeup
Best Budget Choice - Innerneed Super Soft Silicone Face Cleanser
I can simply just go on and on about this Super Soft Silicone Face Cleanser. For starters, it’s a very affordable and portable option. The cleaning brush design consists of food-grade, high-quality silicone.
The bristles of this daily exfoliator are so soft that you can use it on your baby too. Likewise, if you have sensitive mature skin, then these super-soft bristles are indeed the way to go. Thanks to the non-abrasive structure. With the finger hold, it’s also easy to control.
There are 2 different bristle diameters you get. The tiny and dense version is for cleansing pores, removing blackheads and oil, and exfoliating.
The bottom area, on the other hand, consists of massage wave points. So these might come in handy when you wish to boost blood circulation by giving yourself a much-needed facial massage.
It’s a pack of 4. And each one is gentle enough for exfoliating aging, sensitive, or normal skin without causing any form of irritation.
Innerneed Super Soft Silicone Face Cleanser Key Features
Food-grade, high-quality, super-soft silicone
Thick, soft bristles with massage wave points
Finger hold grip
What Is Mature Skin?
It’s only natural for the body to change as you grow older. That said, with age, the turnover or metabolic capacity of your skin cells also changes. In the sense that it becomes slower. Along with that, collagen production and fibroblast activity also reduce.
Your skin starts to look dehydrated, dull, and dry as a result of unhealthy aging. And this often gives rise to age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, dead skin cells, and the like.
So mature skin is marked by these warning signs. In that case, you can pay heed to them simply by incorporating skin care products and lifestyle habits to reverse or control the effects of aging. And to prevent external factors like pollution, sun exposure, tobacco, unhealthy diet, etc. from further aggravating the problem.
Why Use Face Exfoliators and Scrubs for Mature Skin?
Like I already told you, mature skin means having to deal with dead skin cells all the time. And not just that, you also have troubles like dullness, dryness, more irritation, age spots, wrinkles, and more.
So when you don’t exfoliate your skin enough, you’re not removing these dead skin cells. As a result, dullness, flaky texture, dry patches, and other such unwanted signs continue to thrive on and under your skin.
Here’s another reason. Since you have mature skin, your chances of using anti-aging creams and moisturizers are highly likely. Am I right? In that case, exfoliation helps other skincare products penetrate deeper. Apart from stimulating collagen synthesis and increasing cell turnover.
With every passing year, what also increases is your skin’s exposure to the negative effects of sun, pollution, and the environment. And when that happens, skin dryness and irritation are inevitable. So why not counterbalance the effects by exfoliating your skin daily or regularly!
Choosing the Best Face Exfoliators & Scrubs for Mature Skin
If you want to get the exfoliation part of your skincare routine done right, then make sure you’re using a product that doesn’t do more harm than good.
Type of Exfoliator
The most common type of facial exfoliator is a physical exfoliator. They take the form of brushes and scrubs. More often than not, these consist of microbeads. That’s why physical exfoliators are not such a suitable choice for sensitive skin; they can be harsh on the skin.
Also, there’s just no denying that the removal of dead skin cells takes place only on the surface. Meaning physical exfoliators don’t reach under the surface of the skin to remove oil, dirt, and impurities from within.
The next is a chemical exfoliator. And it has the capacity to penetrate deep for the destruction of oil, dead skin cells, grime, etc. These also unclog your pores to prevent acne.
The most common types of chemical exfoliators include alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Glycolic acid is the most common one among the chemical exfoliators I’ve reviewed.
Ingredients
Obviously, ingredients matter only in the case of chemical exfoliators. So apart from the chemical exfoliating ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid, there are other ingredients added too. So you have to make sure these are plant-based.
Good examples include aloe vera, green tea extract, orange extract, and more. The formulation should be gentle on the skin, which is crucial if your skin type is sensitive.
As for mature skin, the exfoliator should also offer anti-aging benefits. Some of the most common age-defying ingredients added are retinol, collagen, stem cells, glycerin, Vitamin C, etc.
Skin Type
Your mature skin isn’t a type of skin. Skin types include oily skin, acne-prone, dry skin, combination skin, normal skin, and sensitive skin.
If you have sensitive skin, then look for dermatologist-tested or hypoallergenic formulations. Those with oily or acne-prone skin, choose only non-comedogenic products. As for dry and combination skin, they demand a formula that exfoliates without causing excess dryness.
How Often to Exfoliate Your Face?
With 50 million skin cells shedding daily, dead skin cells don’t take time to develop. So you have every reason to exfoliate daily.
That said, chemical exfoliators are more fitting for daily cleansing. Because they contain exfoliants with skin-soothing ingredients, for example glycolic acid and aloe vera. On the other hand, physical exfoliators are too abrasive.
But there are certain rules to keep in mind if you have dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin
Sensitive or Dry Skin – Stay away from harsh products i.e. physical exfoliators. And for daily exfoliation, make sure the formula is infused with gentle, moisturizing glycolic acid.
Acne Prone or Oily Skin – Go for salicylic acid chemical exfoliators because of their oil-soluble nature. It’s the best for unclogging pores on a daily basis.
Combination Skin – Feel free to pick either chemical or physical exfoliators and scrubs. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to keep your dry patches, dead skin cells, and oily zones under control.
Mature Skin – For mature skin, place your trust in glycolic acid as this alpha hydroxy acid offers anti-aging benefits.
How to Care for Mature Skin?
Apart from regular or daily exfoliating, here’s what you can do
You can massage your face regularly to boost elasticity and blood circulation. It’s also a great idea for fading fine lines and wrinkles.
Protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun by applying sunscreen all the time.
Buy a humidifier if you can because what the appliance does is add moisture into the air. And that, in turn, provides hydration to your skin if you live in dry weather.
Make sure you’re consuming healthy drinks and foods. And that means no smoking, no drinking, and exercising daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Effects of Over-Exfoliating and Under-Exfoliating?
When you go overboard, skin irritation is the most obvious warning sign. Such as visible redness or flaking. Needless to say, skin damage occurs. And then conditions like eczema are only unavoidable.
Under-exfoliating, on the other hand, makes the skin look dull, rough, and congested. Due to the building up of dead skin cells.
Is Cleansing the Face Necessary Before or After Exfoliating?
You start by cleansing your face and then using the exfoliator. Because the latter, more often than not, targets only your dead skin cells. As for the former, it removes other unwanted elements like makeup, dirt, grime, etc.
When is the Best Time to Exfoliate?
The answer to this depends on your personal preferences. Meaning if you wear makeup daily, then it only makes sense to exfoliate at the end of the day. So you can get rid of all the makeup residue.
But if you prefer starting your day with a glowy complexion, morning exfoliation is the best.
Is It Okay to Use Multiple Exfoliants?
More than one exfoliant is only going to invite unnecessary skin irritation. Even though all the options you’re using are gentle on the skin. It’s better to use just one type of product at a time.
However, you can combine chemical and physical exfoliators. Just don’t go overboard.
Does Exfoliating Reduce Wrinkles?
The process removes dead skin cells, excess oil, dirt, and other impurities. These elements do indeed make your skin look dull and old. So for your skin to look more youthful and radiant, it’s important to exfoliate.
In fact, when you exfoliate, you’re also allowing your anti-aging skin care products to penetrate deeper into the skin.
How to Exfoliate Skin?
When using a physical exfoliator, just remember to be gentle. No matter what type of skin! Make gentle, small, circular motions with your scrub. In the case of an exfoliating brush, these should be short and light strokes.
Keep going for about half a minute. And then rinse your face using lukewarm water.
And if using a chemical exfoliator, bring it on after the cleanser and toner. You can use your fingers for application. Make sure to leave out the area around your eyes.
Other Face Exfoliators & Scrubs We Reviewed
Konjac Organic Skincare Facial Sponge Set
This best organic exfoliator may not have a lot in common with the others, which is actually a good thing. But the primary job it does is the same. And that is doing away with dead skin cells and promoting smooth skin.
The unique characteristics include its 100-percent organic nature that includes natural konjac fiber. Then there’s activated charcoal as well that naturally nourishes the skin. So your mature skin is free of not only dead cells but also oil, dirt, and blackheads.
Konjac Organic Skincare Facial Sponge Set Key Features
Organic exfoliator with natural ingredients
Infused with activated charcoal
When soaked, sponges expand and become soft and squishy
My Konjac Sponge All Natural Korean Fiber French Red Clay Facial Sponge
I don’t hesitate to admit that this is by far the most innovative facial sponge in the form of an exfoliator. It’s got konjac root and French red clay. Both of which clear away dead skin cells, rejuvenate tired, dull, and aging skin, and treat clogged pores and acne.
The sponge takes only a few seconds in water to soften and plump up. Those dealing with conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema are also likely to use it to their advantage. Speaking of sensitivities, the facial sponge is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
My Konjac Sponge Key Features
French red clay to soothe and replenish skin
Konjac root for deep, thorough cleansing
Tear-drop shape reaches difficult-to-clean spots
Wonder Puff Deep Cleansing Puffs
If you ask me, these deep cleansing puffs are better in comparison to some anti-aging facial creams and cleansers out there. The latter, more often than not, is loaded with harsh chemicals. But the former is not as harsh, that’s for sure.
They may not prevent acne but they certainly make mature skin look rejuvenated and glowing. After all, their capacity to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells trapped between your skin layers is quite commendable.
Wonder Puff Deep Cleansing Puffs Key Features
Perfect scrubbing consistency
Great quality and thick enough
Works as a microdermabrasion treatment
Chemical Exfoliators for Mature Skin
L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Bright Reveal Facial Cleanser
Perhaps the best exfoliator for face 2020 is designed by L’Oreal Paris Skincare. This facial cleanser is a daily formula for gently exfoliating away dullness to reveal radiance.
Mature skin means having to combat wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dullness, etc. every single day. So a cleanser formula like this can come in handy. And the fact that it’s got glycolic acid for improving tone, clarity, and texture means a lot more than you can imagine.
L’Oreal Paris Skincare Key Features
Formulated with Vitamin C and glycolic acid
Consists of gentle micro-pearls for exfoliation
The best for mature, dry, and sensitive skin
Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub
There’s no doubt this is the best drugstore exfoliator for mature skin. The brand Cetaphil has now become synonymous with not only anti-aging skincare products but also for gentle exfoliation. It’s a very suitable choice for the most sensitive skin types.
The micro-granules in here eliminate dull and dry skin for supporting your skin’s natural cell turnover. The formulation also has vitamin complex and skin conditioners for leaving your skin feeling smooth, radiant, and soft.
Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub Key Features
Gentle for daily use
Formulated with special micro-granules
Non-comedogenic and non-irritating
La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub
This Ultra-Fine Scrub protects sensitive skin simply by respecting your skin’s physiological balance while gently exfoliating it. It smoothes and also purifies aging or mature skin. There are ultra-fine pumice particles for removing unwanted stuff like dead skin cells.
What’s even more enticing is the inclusion of antioxidant-rich thermal spring water. This ingredient not only soothes the skin but also protects it from sun and aging-related damage.
La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub Key Features
Exfoliating, soothing, and anti-aging benefits
Contains ultra-fine pumice particles
Great for sensitive skin
Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
The perfect alternative for a cleaning mask, Clarins exfoliator is a very gentle smoothness booster. So if you don’t have time to use an exfoliating face mask, you can make this a part of your daily skincare routine.
No doubt, it strips away impurities, dead skin cells, and makeup. It’s good for creating a healthy-looking, more radiant complexion. It works the best even if your skin type is combination. Meaning it cleans your oily zones while also preventing dryness.
Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser Key Features
Infused with orange extract
One-step gentle exfoliator
Great for all types of skin, including sensitive
Natural Aqua Gel Toyo Cure Water Skin Exfoliator
Isn’t it better to keep your skin away from the harsh chemicals of commercial exfoliators and scrubs? In that case, how about the best face exfoliator scrubs for mature skin with natural ingredients?. Unlike strong chemical peeling masks, this cleanser catches your dead skin cells gently.
The unique activated hydrogen water formula removes dead skin cells and even impurities from the surface of your skin. In fact, it even clears away oil present deep within for preventing the formation of acne. And a single bottle can last for 3-4 months, even if used twice daily.
Natural Aqua Gel Toyo Cure Water Skin Exfoliator Key Features
Formulated with activated hydrogen water
Free of preservatives, fragrances, and colors
Gentle exfoliation and deep cleansing
Once Upon A Tea Green Tea Matcha Gentle Foaming Exfoliator
Gentle enough for daily use, this green tea matcha exfoliator deep cleanses to unclog pores. No doubt, the anti-aging cleanser is the most suitable for the mature skin of both women and men.
In fact, the microdermabrasion effect is why I, like many others, decided to shortlist it. Green tea extract prevents acne breakouts, sloughs off dead skin cells, clears the complexion, and makes your skin look and feel younger. All this without destroying natural pH balance and moisture.
Once Upon A Tea Green Tea Matcha Key Features
Formulated with green tea matcha
It’s a refreshing and hydrating cleanser
Contains gentle, eco-friendly walnut shell beads
Made From Earth Rooibos Tea Face Scrub
Why is that so many face exfoliators and scrubs are packed with so many harsh or harmful chemicals? To be honest, the answer to that is not important as long as there are more natural, healthier options like this Roobios Tea Face Scrub.
Anti-aging exfoliators like these gently cleanse while also intensively moisturizing the skin. Vitamin E, aloe vera, and rooibos balance complexion. And then there’s organic jojoba wax beads for smooth exfoliation and correcting wrinkles.
Made From Earth Rooibos Tea Face Scrub Key Features
Anti-aging exfoliator with small, soft beads
Roobios tea extract acts as a natural skin healer
Dermatologist-recommended and cruelty-free
DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub and Exfoliator
Now it’s time for a formulation that made it to every best microdermabrasion scrub 2019 list. The DRMTLGY exfoliator does a lot more than remove dead skin cells gently. No more blackheads, large pores, acne scars, etc. are also benefits that are in the cards.
The scrub contains sugarcane-derived glycolic acid. This means only natural ingredients are involved. Others include apple fruit extract, green leaf extract, and lemon fruit extract. But it’s the very fine exfoliation granules that make the formula so great for microdermabrasion.
DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub Key Features
Infused with glycolic acid from sugarcane
Microfine granules suitable for microdermabrasion
Works for enlarged pores, ingrown hairs, oily skin, etc.
BESITO Microdermabrasion Face Scrub and Exfoliator
When the top benefits include reducing blemishes, minimizing pores, gently exfoliating, and improving skin texture, it’s hard to dismiss the source. That explains why this BESITO formula ranks as the best at-home microdermabrasion treatment.
In case you’re wondering, it works on oily skin, dry skin, and even sensitive skin. All because the product is non-comedogenic, oil-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. Ask any dermatologist you know and he/she will definitely vouch for it.
BESITO Microdermabrasion Face Scrub and Exfoliator Key Features
Fine exfoliating particles
It has a microdermabrasion treatment effect
Good for controlling acne
Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Face Scrub
Look at just about any best exfoliator for dry skin reviews and Neutrogena has to come up. As for the Deep Clean formula, it works like magic when it comes to reviving mature skin. This exfoliating facial cleanser penetrates deep to leave your skin feeling rejuvenated.
The brand never uses plastic microbeads because they understand the importance of gentle exfoliation. Needless to say, many dermatologists worldwide recommend Neutrogena. And this one’s energizing exfoliators sweep away your dead skin cells like no other.
Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Face Scrub Key Features
Formulated with moisturizing glycerin
Light gel-based exfoliating scrub
Made for both dry and oily skin
M3 Naturals Superfood Scrub
You don’t have to wait for the superfoods you consume to bring about skin-refreshing and anti-aging benefits. Just make it a point to scrub your face using this potent formula. It has aloe vera, cucumber, collagen, and stem cells.
For aging or mature skin, all of these ingredients are very useful as they boost hydration, improve elasticity, provide antioxidants, and treat acne and dryness. You can now detoxify your skin without disrupting its natural, healthy pH balance.
M3 Naturals Superfood Scrub Key Features
Infused with anti-aging stem cells and collagen
Vitamin-rich aloe and cucumber also included
Scrub particles melt into the skin
Conclusion
Skin cells shed in millions a day. Unfortunately, these don’t just vanish into thin air. Rather they cling to your skin and dull complexion, clog pores, and highlight wrinkles and fine lines. So what’s the best line of defense here? The answer is exfoliation.
When you exfoliate regularly, you’re getting rid of so many dead skin cells you can’t even imagine. And that means opening the door to younger-looking, more radiant skin. And this is even more useful if you’re also applying anti-aging creams or moisturizers.
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