Exfoliating your skin at any age brings about its unique share of benefits. Young women exfoliate their skin to provide a good scrub down to help prevent blemishes and create a healthy looking glow.

As we get older, thankfully we typically don’t have to deal with acne, but we do have to deal with other issues like dull looking skin and clogged pores. Not all face exfoliators are created equal and those that work well for younger skin will not serve mature women’s skin.

Let’s take a look at the best face exfoliators for mature skin, what they do, and why you should exfoliate regularly.

What Is a Face Exfoliator?

A face exfoliator is basically a product whose main function is to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

Why remove dead skin cells? Our skin naturally sheds skin cells daily, but as we get older this process slows down. This can create flaky patches, itchiness, and lackluster skin. Exfoliation comes in handy as we get older to help give our skin a little boost with cellular turnover.

There are two types of exfoliators, physical and chemical. The best exfoliator depends on your skin type and your age.

Physical Exfoliator

Physical exfoliators contain microbeads, granules, or other sort of scrubbing material, like apricot seeds for example. These abrasive agents are meant to slough the skin and remove dead skin cells with.

Useful Info: Certain microbeads have recently been banned by the FDA through the Microbead-Free Waters Act.

Chemical Exfoliator

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.

Why Use an Exfoliator?

As we age, our skin tends to start looking dull. We know that accumulated dead cells on the surface of our skin is a major factor for the lack of brightness. Exfoliating can help restore fresh looking skin.

As your face exfoliator removes the dead layer of skin cells and other types of buildup, it leaves your face refreshed and feeling like new. You will notice that your skin absorbs your moisturizer better after you have exfoliated, therefore using the nutrients better and going deeper into your skin, making your moisturizer more effective.

Best Face Exfoliators for Older Women

The type of exfoliator for mature skin that you choose will depend on your skin type. Be extra mindful when choosing your exfoliator, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. You may notice that some brands use the word clarifying instead of exfoliating.

Always moisturize after using a skin exfoliator to restore much needed moisture to your skin.

NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash

This Foaming Glycolic Wash from NeoStrata cleanses and exfoliates at the same time. It helps restore a clear and radiant complexion. It’s formulated with 18% glycolic acid that gently removes impurities, unclogs pores and supports healthy dermal cell renewal. Grapefruit extracts offer rich antioxidants that promote healthy skin and a refreshed feel.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion

The Clinique Clarifying Lotion is step 2 in their customized 3-Step Skincare System. It is a super gentle clarifying lotion that you can use twice a day. The refreshing formula sweeps away grime and dulling skin flakes to reveal smoother, clearer skin.

RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks

RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks are self-foaming pads that are infused with skin-conditioning cleansers. They are textured on one side to gently exfoliate dirt, oil, and complexion-dulling impurities and smooth on the other to gently cleanse and remove make-up around the delicate eye area.

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser combines alpha and beta hydroxy acids that remove dead cells and other impurities from your skin to provide a smoother and brighter complexion. Round soft jojoba spheres provide gentle exfoliating action while lavender extract tones and soothes inflammation. Mildly astringent citrus oils minimize large pores for a radiant and refreshed appearance.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant is a gentle leave-on exfoliant that contains salicylic acid which quickly unclogs pores, smooths wrinkles, brightens and evens out skin tone. It is gentle enough to use every day and is good for all skin types.

Glossier Exfoliating Skin Perfector

Glossier Solution is not a physical scrub. Solution uses a 10% blend of skincare acids to “unglue” dead skin and sweep it away. It is made with three acid groups: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), and Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) that help improve the appearance of blemishes, visible redness, and enlarged pores.

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel is a fast-acting, two-step daily treatment. The effective dose of 5 AHA/BHAs plus antioxidants and vitamins help lift away dead skin along with excess oils and impurities. The treatment improves the appearance of uneven tone and skin texture.

Whatever product you choose, make sure it serves you well.

Do you exfoliate regularly? Why do you exfoliate? Did you stop exfoliating when you got older? Which product is your favorite exfoliator? Tell us about your exfoliating process in the comments below.