Best Face Exfoliator for Mature Skin Over 50 for 2023

In this article, The best face exfoliator for mature skin, we’ll dive into the importance of exfoliation, outline the different types of exfoliators, and review the best face exfoliators available to help you decide on the perfect method and product for you.

As we age, our skin changes and becomes increasingly challenging. 

At 60, I know from experience mature skin can be dry and dull and have more wrinkles and age spots.  

Exfoliation is essential in maintaining a healthy and glowing complexion for mature skin. 

But with so many options on the market, how can you find the best exfoliator for mature skin? 

Let’s dive in!

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What is Exfoliating or Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is a crucial step in any skincare routine. 

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.

This can be done through physical means, such as scrubbing with a brush or an exfoliating product, or through chemical means, using specific acids that dissolve the bonds between dead cells.

Why is Exfoliation Important for Mature Skin?

​Exfoliation is especially crucial for mature skin for several reasons:

Improves Skin Texture

As we age, the natural cell turnover process slows down, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface.

This can make your skin appear dull and rough. Regular exfoliation helps remove this buildup, revealing smoother and more radiant skin.

Boosts Collagen Production

Exfoliation stimulates collagen production, the protein responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. This is especially important for mature skin, which loses collagen over time.

Enhances Absorption of Skincare Products

By removing dead skin cells, exfoliation allows your other skincare products to penetrate more deeply, making them more effective.

Related article: The benefits of Dry-brushing

There are Two Types of Exfoliators​​:

Physical Exfoliators

These products contain small particles or granules that physically scrub away dead skin cells when massaged onto the skin. Examples include sugar scrubs, microbead scrubs, and facial brushes.

Chemical Exfoliators

These products use acids or enzymes to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed. Examples include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and fruit enzymes.

Physical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliation for the face involves using a brush or scrub to slough off dead skin cells. This type of exfoliation can be beneficial if you have dry or flaky skin.

It can also help to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of blackheads. 

Chemical Exfoliation

A chemical exfoliator is a type of product that uses ingredients like AHAs or BHAs to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells.

Chemical exfoliators are often used to improve the appearance of the skin by helping to remove dead skin cells and revealing the new, fresh skin beneath.

It is often best to choose a chemical exfoliator that is not too harsh for mature skin, which can irritate the skin. 

A good rule of thumb is to start with a gentle product and increase the intensity if needed.

The Benefits of Physical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliation involves using scrubs, brushes, or other tools to manually remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. 

Here are some of the benefits of physical exfoliation:

Instant results: Physical exfoliation provides immediate visible results, as it buffs away dead skin cells that cause dull skin and reveals glowing, smooth skin. 

Improved circulation: Massaging in physical exfoliation can help stimulate blood circulation, promoting healthier and more vibrant skin.

Customizable intensity: With physical exfoliation, you can control the pressure and intensity of the exfoliation process to match your skin’s needs and personal preferences.

Wide range of options: There are various physical exfoliation products and tools available, such as sugar scrubs, microbead scrubs, facial brushes, and exfoliating gloves, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your skin type and preferences.

No chemical reactions: Physical exfoliation doesn’t involve chemical reactions, making it a suitable option for people with adverse reactions to chemical exfoliants.

Pros and Cons of Physical Exfoliation:

Pros of Physically exfoliating the skin:

• Quick and visible results, leaving your skin looking smooth and refreshed.
  
• Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin, when using a gentle physical exfoliator.
  
• It can be performed at home, saving time and money compared to professional treatments.
  
• A wide variety of products and tools are available to suit individual preferences.

Cons of Physically exfoliating the skin:

• Risk of over-exfoliation and skin irritation if not performed correctly or if using harsh, abrasive scrubs.
  
• It can cause micro-tears in the skin if using abrasive particles, leading to inflammation and potential long-term damage.
  
• It may not be as effective for deep exfoliation or targeting specific skin concerns, such as acne scars or skin discoloration, compared to chemical exfoliants.
  
• It may not be suitable for people with certain skin conditions, such as rosacea or eczema, as physical exfoliation can exacerbate these conditions.

Benefits of Chemical Exfoliation

​Chemical exfoliation uses acids or enzymes to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed. 

Here are some of the benefits of chemical exfoliation:

Uniform exfoliation: Chemical exfoliants provide even and consistent exfoliation across the entire skin surface, ensuring a uniform result.

Deep exfoliation: Chemical exfoliants can penetrate deeper into the skin layers, effectively targeting issues like clogged pores, acne, and hyperpigmentation.

Suitable for sensitive skin: Some chemical exfoliants, such as polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) and certain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), like lactic acid, are gentle and well-tolerated by sensitive skin types.

Increased collagen production: Chemical exfoliants, especially AHAs, can help stimulate collagen production, promoting firmer and more youthful-looking skin.

Improved skin texture and tone: Regular use of chemical exfoliants can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, resulting in smoother and more radiant skin.

Pros and Cons of Chemical Exfoliation

Pros of Chemical Exfoliation

• It offers more targeted and deeper exfoliation than physical exfoliation, addressing specific skin concerns like acne and hyperpigmentation more effectively.
  
• It provides even and consistent exfoliation, reducing the patchy or uneven results risk.
  
• It can be tailored to individual skin types and concerns by choosing the appropriate variety of chemical exfoliants (e.g., AHAs for dry skin and BHAs for oily skin).
  
• Stimulates collagen production and helps improve skin texture and tone.

Cons of Chemical Exfoliation

• It may cause skin irritation, redness, or peeling if not used correctly or if the product is too strong for your skin type.
  
• It can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn and sun damage if proper sun protection is not used.
  
• Some chemical exfoliants may not be suitable for very sensitive skin or certain skin conditions, such as rosacea or eczema.
  
• The process may take longer to show visible results than physical exfoliation, as it often requires consistent use over time.

How to Choose the Best Exfoliator for Mature Skin?

Choosing the right type of exfoliation for your mature skin involves understanding your skin’s needs, concerns, and preferences. Here are some steps to help you make the best choice:

Determine your skin type: Identifying your skin type (e.g., dry, oily, combination, or sensitive) is crucial in selecting the most suitable exfoliation method.

For instance, dry skin may benefit from a gentle physical exfoliator or a mild AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) , while oily skin might respond well to a BHA-based chemical exfoliator.

Identify your skin concerns: Consider any specific skin issues you want to address, such as fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin texture. 

Chemical exfoliants, like AHAs and BHAs, are often more effective at targeting these concerns on a deeper level than physical exfoliants.

Consider your skin’s sensitivity: Mature skin can be more delicate and prone to irritation. If you have sensitive skin or specific skin conditions like rosacea or eczema, choose gentle exfoliating products, such as a soft microfiber cloth for physical exfoliation or a mild chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid or lactic acid.

Evaluate your preferences: Consider which exfoliation method you prefer or feel more comfortable using.

Some people enjoy the immediate results of physical exfoliation, while others prefer chemical exfoliants’ deeper, targeted action.

Consult a board-certified dermatologist: If unsure about the best exfoliation method for your mature skin, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice and recommendations.

The Best Physical Face Exfoliators for Mature skin

There are various options to choose from regarding physical exfoliators for the skin. Some popular choices include loofahs, washcloths, scrubs, and brushes.

These tools can help buff away dead skin cells and impurities, leaving the skin looking and feeling healthy and smooth.

So whether you have sensitive, dry, oily, or combination skin, a physical exfoliator can help you achieve a radiant complexion without unwanted side effects.

Here are some common types of physical exfoliation methods:

Washcloth

A simple and gentle option for physical exfoliation is a soft washcloth, microfiber, or muslin cloth. When used with a cleanser, these materials can effectively buff away dead skin cells, making them suitable for daily use, especially for sensitive skin.

Facial brushes

Facial brushes come in various forms, such as manual or powered devices like sonic cleansing brushes. They help exfoliate the skin by using bristles to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores gently.

The Best Facial Brushes for Women

FOREO LUNA Mini 2

This compact silicone facial brush uses T-Sonic pulsations to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin.

It features a variety of intensities and touchpoint thicknesses for a customizable cleansing experience.

The silicone design also makes it easy to clean and more hygienic than traditional bristle brushes.

Clarisonic Mia 2

This advanced facial brush has rotating brushes that remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin’s surface and pores.

The rechargeable Clarisonic Mia 2 deep-cleans and gently exfoliates the skin without tugging and features two different speeds and a one-minute pulsing T-timer.

Vanity Planet Raedia Facial Cleansing Brush

This battery-operated facial brush comes with three interchangeable brush heads: daily cleansing, exfoliating, and silicone for sensitive skin. Its dual-speed setting allows for customization based on your skin’s needs.

Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System

This affordable facial brush system offers a two-speed rotating brush head designed for daily cleansing and gentle exfoliation. It’s also water-resistant, allowing for use in the shower.

Michael Todd Beauty Soniclear Elite

This antimicrobial facial brush uses sonic technology to cleanse and exfoliate the skin gently. It features six speed settings and a variety of brush head options for a customized skincare routine.

Scrubs

Exfoliating scrubs contain small particles or granules, such as sugar, salt, ground nuts, or synthetic beads, that help physically buff away dead skin cells.

They can be massaged into the skin using gentle, circular motions and are typically rinsed off with water.

The Best Facial Scrubs For Mature Skin Over 50:

• Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
• DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub and Face Exfoliator
• SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub 
• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – Exfoliator Face Scrub Powder
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Exfoliating Gloves

Made from slightly abrasive materials like nylon or natural fibers, exfoliating gloves can be worn on the hands and used to massage the skin in circular motions, providing effective physical exfoliation.

Konjac Sponge

Derived from the root of the Konjac plant, this soft and porous sponge gently exfoliates the skin when used with water or a cleanser.

It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is an eco-friendly option.

Silicone Facial Pads

These pads, made from soft silicone, have small, flexible bristles that gently help exfoliate and cleanse the skin.

They can be used with your regular cleanser and are suitable for daily use.

Dermaplaning

This treatment involves using a sterile, single-use blade to gently scrape away dead skin cells and peach fuzz from the skin’s surface.

Dermaplaning provides a smooth, exfoliated complexion and can also improve the absorption of skincare products.

Related Article: DIY Dermaplaning at Home

The Best Chemical Exfoliators for Mature Skin

Chemical exfoliation methods come in various forms and formulations, each with its unique benefits and characteristics.

Exfoliating Cleansers

These cleansers combine the benefits of cleansing and chemical exfoliation in a single product.

They often contain mild concentrations of chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic or salicylic acid, and are suitable for daily or regular use.

The Best Exfoliating Cleansers for Mature Skin Over 50

These are all terrific exfoliating cleansers for mature skin. I have personally tried each one of these cleansers. And will be writing a detailed review of them all very soon.

Right now, CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is my Favorite. 🙂

• CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
• Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel
• L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Bright Reveal Facial Cleanser
• Neutrogena Bright Boost Resurfacing Facial Exfoliator 
• Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser
• La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Face Cleanser
• La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub for Sensitive Skin

Exfoliating Toners

Exfoliating toners usually contain a lower concentration of chemical exfoliants, making them suitable for daily or regular use. They help remove dead skin cells and excess oil while balancing the skin’s pH level.

The Best Exfoliating Toners for Mature Skin Over 50

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Paula’s Choice skin perfecting toner is a very popular toner contains 2% salicylic acid (BHA) to exfoliate and unclog pores. It’s suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Pixie Glow Tonic

Another fan favorite, Pixie glow tonic has 5% glycolic acid (AHA), to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is an affordable toner that contains 7% glycolic acid, offering a more potent exfoliating experience. It’s ideal for those seeking a more intensive AHA toner.

REN Clean Skincare Glow Tonic

REN Clean Skincare Glow Tonic is a gentle exfoliating toner contains lactic acid, an AHA suitable for sensitive and dry skin types. It helps improve skin tone and texture while also hydrating the skin.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

This Korean skincare product contains a combination of AHAs and BHAs, making it suitable for various skin types. It helps exfoliate, brighten, and clarify the skin.

PCA SKIN Nutrient Face Toner

PCA SKIN Nutrient Face Toner for Women is a specially formulated skincare product designed to nourish, balance, and gently exfoliate the skin.

This toner contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin, promoting cell turnover and helping to improve skin texture and tone. and is This toner is suitable for all skin types.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 is a gentle exfoliating toner that is specifically formulated for dry combination skin and is one of my all time favorites! 🙂

It removes dead skin cells, excess oil, and impurities from the skin, leaving it smoother, more radiant, and better prepared to absorb the following skincare products.

Exfoliating Scrubs

Exfoliating scrubs are skincare products designed to provide physical exfoliation by removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.

They contain small particles or granules that help to gently buff away dead skin cells and impurities when massaged onto the skin.

These particles or granules can be made from a variety of natural or synthetic materials, such as:

• Sugar or salt crystals
• Ground nutshells or fruit pits (e.g., apricot kernels, walnut shells)
• Jojoba beads or other biodegradable beads
• Ground coffee beans
• Bamboo or rice powder

Exfoliating scrubs often come in the form of a cream, gel, or paste-like consistency that can be used as a part of your skincare routine, usually 1-3 times a week, depending on your skin type and sensitivity.

The Best Exfoliating Scrubs for Mature Skin

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

This gentle, rice-based powder scrub activates upon contact with water, releasing enzymes, and skin-brightening agents like salicylic acid and rice enzymes.

This exfoliating scrub is ideal for mature skin due to its gentle exfoliation and soothing properties.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

This dual-action scrub contains both physical and chemical exfoliants, including lactic acid and fruit enzymes. It’s designed to polish and refine the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Fresh Sugar Face Polish Exfoliator

Fresh sugar face polish is made with real brown sugar crystals, this natural scrub gently exfoliates and hydrates mature skin. It also contains nourishing ingredients like strawberry seed oil and grapeseed oil, leaving the skin smooth and radiant.

Tatcha Rice Polish

This water-activated enzyme powder scrub contains rice bran and papaya enzymes, providing gentle exfoliation suitable for mature skin

It helps to promote a smoother and more even-toned complexion.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Age Defying Exfoliator

This scrub is formulated with professional-grade micro-crystals and lactic acid to provide both physical and chemical exfoliation.

It targets fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness, revealing a more youthful and radiant complexion.

Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub

This Olay facial scrub is specifically designed for mature skin, combining physical exfoliation with anti-aging ingredients like glycolic acid and salicylic acid

It helps to unclog pores, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and promote a more youthful complexion.

Exfoliation Serums for Mature Skin

These lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids contain a high concentration of active ingredients, such as AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs.

Serums are applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the skin.

The Best Exfoliating Serums for Women with Mature Skin

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

This Drunk Elephant serum combines glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids to gently exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and promote a more radiant complexion.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This cult-favorite serum contains 2% salicylic acid, which effectively exfoliates and unclogs pores, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

This serum contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates and brightens the skin, improving texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

This affordable serum offers 10% lactic acid, providing a potent yet gentle exfoliation experience. It’s ideal for those seeking an effective AHA serum without breaking the bank.

SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator

This high-end serum contains a combination of hydroxyethyl urea and amino sulfonic acid, which work together to exfoliate and hydrate the skin, promoting a smoother and more even-toned complexion.

Exfoliating pads

Peel Pads are pre-soaked pads or wipes infused with chemical exfoliants, making them a convenient and easy-to-use option for chemical exfoliation.

They are typically used after cleansing and can be a part of your daily or weekly skincare routine, depending on the product’s strength.

The Best Exfoliating Pads for Mature Skin

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

These pre-soaked exfoliating pads contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) that work together to exfoliate, brighten, and smooth the skin.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

Nip + Fab Gycolic pads contain glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and resurface the skin and witch hazel to tone and soothe.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

Formulated with lactic and glycolic acids, these facial exfoliating pads help to exfoliate, tone, and brighten the skin while remaining gentle enough for sensitive skin types.

QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads

These exfoliating pads contain a potent concentration of 20% glycolic acid, making them effective for resurfacing the skin, improving its texture, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling

These face exfoliating pads, such as lemon and wine, come in various formulations to cater to different skin concerns.

They feature a dual-sided design, with one side for manual exfoliation and the other for chemical exfoliation using AHAs and fruit extracts.

Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads

These Peter Thomas Roth facial pads combine 2% salicylic acid and 10% glycolic acid to provide both physical and chemical exfoliation, targeting acne, clogged pores, and uneven skin texture.

Exfoliating Masks

These facial masks contain chemical exfoliants, offering a more targeted and intensive exfoliation treatment.

Exfoliating masks are usually applied once or twice a week and rinsed off after a specific duration, as the product instructions indicate.

Chemical Peels

You can do light, superficial chemical peels at home, but if you want a deeper peel, you must visit a dermatologist or a skincare professional.

These professional treatments involve applying a high-concentration solution of chemical exfoliants to the skin, which is then removed after a specific period. 

Chemical peels provide more intense exfoliation and can target specific skin concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, or wrinkles.

Ebanel 30% AHA 2% BHA Chemical Peel Exfoliant Gel

This is a potent at-home chemical peel solution that combines the exfoliating power of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to deliver effective skin resurfacing and renewal.

The formulation includes 30% AHA, consisting of glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids, and 2% BHA, in the form of salicylic acid.

At-home Chemical Peel Kits

Chemical peel kits provide a milder version of professional chemical peels, allowing you to perform controlled chemical exfoliation at home.

Ellen Lange Retexturizing Skin Peel Kit

This at-home chemical peel kit is a popular option for women with mature skin.

It is designed to provide gentle yet effective exfoliation, leaving the skin smoother, brighter, and more refined.

It includes a Peel Prep Scrub, Peel Accelerator Pads, and a Glycolic Peel Solution.

Related article: Chemical Peel Benefits

Excellent face moisturizers for mature skin:

• Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer 
• Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream
• RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Daily Face Moisturizer 
• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream

FAQs: The Best Face Exfoliator for Mature Skin over 50

Q: How often should I exfoliate my mature skin?

Start by exfoliating once or twice a week and observe how your skin reacts. You can adjust the frequency based on your skin’s needs and tolerance.

Remember that over-exfoliating can cause irritation and damage, so finding the right balance is essential.

Q: Can I use both physical and chemical exfoliators?

Yes, you can use both types of exfoliators, but it’s essential to space them out and not use them on the same day.

Alternating between physical and chemical exfoliators can provide a more well-rounded approach to your exfoliation routine.

Monitor your skin’s reaction to ensure you’re not over-exfoliating.

Q: Are there any natural alternatives for exfoliating mature skin?

Yes, there are natural alternatives you can use to exfoliate your skin. For example, you can create a gentle scrub using sugar or ground oatmeal mixed with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil.
Alternatively, as a facial mask, you can use natural ingredients with mild exfoliating properties, such as honey, yogurt, or papaya.

Q: How can I tell if I’m over-exfoliating?

Some signs of over-exfoliation include redness, irritation, dryness, increased sensitivity, and a tight or shiny appearance to the skin. If you notice any of these symptoms, reduce the frequency of exfoliation and give your skin some time to recover.

Q: Can I exfoliate if I have sensitive, mature skin?

Yes, you can exfoliate sensitive, mature skin, but choosing gentle exfoliating products specifically designed for sensitive skin types is crucial.

Look for products with mild ingredients, like lactic acid or fruit enzymes, and start with a low exfoliation frequency to see how your skin reacts.

​

The Best Face Exfoliator for Mature Skin

In closing, the best face exfoliator for mature skin is the one that works best for your skin type. You may need to try a few different products before finding the perfect formula for your needs. 

A solid skincare routine, including consistent exfoliating, will go a long way to keeping your skin fresh and glowing no matter your age!

What skincare products do you love most? Please share in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

XO, Christine