The Positive Impact of Skin Exfoliation and Aging

Skin exfoliation and aging go hand-in-hand, though the relationship between the two can be complicated. Exfoliation is necessary for mature skin because skin cell turnover slows, making it all the more important to remove dead skin cells and encourage your skin to replace them with new cells. However, you have to take care not to exfoliate too harshly or frequently, or your mature skin will be in worse condition.

Exfoliation is a crucial factor in taking care of aging skin. When executed correctly, it will positively impact your skin and can even brighten the skin and help you avoid wrinkles. This article will explore the benefits of skin exfoliation and its importance for mature skin.

Signs of Aging Skin

Our skin ages with us, and like other body parts, will begin to show signs of aging eventually. Maturing skin is a natural process that we can’t control. However, when aging skin is taken care of properly, you can remain youthful and glowing. Some signs of aging skin to look out for include:

• Unfamiliar thinness and transparency
• Increased fragility and bruising
• Unwanted dryness, itchiness, or roughness
• Loose-hanging or slack skin
• Dark spots, dullness, or dehydration

There are other factors besides age that can cause the skin to age prematurely. Eating sugar can cause early skin aging, as can smoking, weight gain, and daily facial movements. Our skin will age slower by avoiding those aggravators that we know can cause early aging (and other health problems).

Identifying Skin Type

Knowing how to take care of your skin also means identifying what type of skin you have. Everyone is different in this department. Knowing your skin type will unlock the key to what products to use on your skin and which facials you should consider. The different skin types include:

• Normal
• Oily
• Dry
• Combination
• Acne-prone
• Sensitive

Benefits of Skin Exfoliation

If you’ve noticed the tell-tale signs of mature skin, then it’s time to exfoliate regularly. Many older women find their skin has lost its once youthful glow. This is purely scientific and, in most cases, can’t be avoided. However, regular exfoliation can help bring that glow back to your skin by getting rid of all the dull, dead skin cells that cling to the skin’s surface. Removing the dry debris off your face will reveal your smoother, softer skin below.

Here are a few other reasons why skin exfoliation is so great:

• Aids in natural skin cell-turnover process
• Helps targeted moisturizers and treatments penetrate the skin better
• Reduces breakout-causing congestion
• It helps smooth rough areas
• Prevents ingrown hairs
• Treats stretch marks that naturally occur over the years

Exfoliation Techniques for Mature Skin

To reap the positive impact of skin exfoliation on mature skin, you’ll want to follow some guidance involving aging skin exfoliation. The goal is to exfoliate gently and avoid aggravating your skin. Continue reading for more tips on exfoliation techniques.

Choose the Right Exfoliant

At-home exfoliants include scrubs, pads, and brushes that work to physically lift the dead skin cells off your body’s surface. There are also leave-on treatments that work to dissolve and digest dead skin cells. You will want to choose an exfoliant that works with your skin type and how often you plan to exfoliate.

Professional exfoliants include chemical peel treatments, which remove the outer layer of damaged skin. Chemical peels can even reduce age spots and wrinkles. Consulting with a knowledgeable skincare professional can help you determine the best services for your skin.

Exfoliate in the Morning

It’s important to exfoliate before applying any other products to your skin, which is why we recommend exfoliating in the morning. Once you’ve cleared the skin of cell debris, then it’s okay to apply moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup, or other products.

Avoid Abrasive Scrubs

Many people like to try making their own homemade body scrub, which is excellent for areas other than the face. Since the skin on your face is more sensitive, especially mature skin, it’s best to stick to more gentle scrubs. For those with oily skin, there are even oil-absorbing scrubs made of clays. To exfoliate the rest of your body, try a DIY body scrub, such as an easy sugar scrub recipe, to get rid of dead skin.

Don’t Overdo It

Unlike some instances, more isn’t always better when it comes to exfoliating. Your skin will suffer if you exfoliate too much, which is why it’s best in moderation. The risks of over-exfoliation include:

• Dehydration
• Accelerated aging
• Sensitive or irritated skin
• Increased UV damage

Exfoliating your skin a few times a week is the perfect way to ensure you’re taking care of your skin without accidentally harming it in the process. If you’d like to exfoliate more than a few times a week, using a mild exfoliant is recommended.

Taking Care of Your Skin as You Age

Besides regular exfoliation, you can take some additional steps to help your skin as you age. Remember – aging is a natural process that everyone goes through. In many cultures, wrinkles and other signs of aging actually have a positive implication. Nevertheless, those with mature skin often want to keep their skin as youthful as possible. Besides exfoliation, treatments and diet can help you achieve younger-looking skin.

Treatments

Many medical spas offer treatments aimed specifically at anti-aging. These include:

• Photofacials
• Microneedling
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials
• Chemical peels

Food and Drink

For those that want to supplement their regular skincare routine and treatments with other proactive anti-aging measures, paying attention to diet is crucial. Incorporating certain foods into your diet can help your skin, including:

• Avocados
• Sweet potatoes
• Green tea
• Dark chocolate
• Red wine

Even just drinking water can help keep your skin healthy. When you pay attention to what goes into your body, your skin will improve, too.

Maintaining Youthful Skin With Exfoliation

For those that have recognized signs of aging skin, paying attention to proper exfoliation is one way to combat dull or dry skin. By shedding the old skin cells, your skin will appear more smooth and youthful. Regular exfoliation, along with treatments, proper skincare, and a healthy diet, will ensure beautiful skin for years to come.