Do you remember that day when you were looking in the mirror and saw those first fine lines? Or perhaps your skin just no longer had that youthful glow. Exfoliation can help restore some of that glow.
At-Home Exfoliation — Exfoliating at-home is a within-reach method to help level-up your skin without breaking the bank at the spa. The first step to discovering the ultimate over-the-counter exfoliator for aging skin is to read this article.
Back To Basics: What You Need To Know About Exfoliation & Aging Skin
As we age, our skin changes. It’s all part of life. That exfoliation is key to maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
Cellular Age: How Skin Ages — A Cellular Perspective
The skin is like a factory. It is constantly producing new cells, but as we age, that factory slows down. The collagen and elastin that holds skin taut and springy begins to wane. That deceleration is what causes wrinkles and dull skin.
Collagen production declines by about 1 percent a year after age 20, according to the National Institutes of Health. And this is why you need to exfoliate.
The Exfoliator: Unveiling the Youthful Skin
Exfoliation is basically a reset for your skin. It sloughs off dead skin cells, which dull and rough up your complexion. The buildup is then removed, revealing younger, fresher skin beneath. This also makes your other skincare products work better. If dead cells are standing in the way, serums and moisturizers won’t get through as effectively.
Different Types of Over-the-Counter Exfoliators
First off, what kind of exfoliators are at the store? There are a couple of major types of each: physical and chemical.
Physical Exfoliators: Scrubs and Tools
Physical exfoliants contain something for scrubbing dead skin away manually. Scrubs can have sugar, salt, or small beads. The tools are brushes and sponges.
Adapt your rituals: For example, a sugar scrub can be a delicious way to exfoliate. But don’t scrub too vigorously, as that can irritate your skin. It can also help to use a facial brush, but you want to be sure to keep it clean!
Tip to Take Action: When it comes to physical exfoliants, be sure to use delicate, circular motions. Do not push too hard.
Chemical Exfoliants: all the AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs
In chemical exfoliants, acids dissolve the dead skin cells. Popular choices include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid. People with oily skin benefit from beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid. Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are milder alternatives.
AHAs are great for lightening fine lines and wrinkles. BHAs are great for removing gunk in the pores. If your skin tends to be sensitive, PHAs are a solid choice.
Actionable advice: When in doubt, test any new chemical exfoliant on a small section of your skin first. You can then use it on your whole face if you don’t see a bad reaction.
The Best OTC Exfoliating Ingredients for Aging Skin
Certain ingredients are particularly beneficial for mature skin. Look for these when shopping.
Glycolic Acid Is the Gold Standard
Glycolic acid is an AHA that is particularly praised for its wrinkle smoothing and skin texture benefits. It accomplishes this by loosening the affinities between dead skin cells.
Seek out products that contain 5% to 10% glycolic acid. It helps keep skin looks youthful.
Retinoids: The Powerhouse
Retinoids, such as retinol and retinaldehyde, are forms of vitamin A. They stimulate collagen production, which is crucial for skin firmness.
Some retinol products can be bought without a prescription. A great one is the La Roche-Posay Retinol Face Serum. Start using retinoids slowly. Sunblock is obligatory when using them because they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Hyaluronic Acid — Hydration is Important
Mature skin is usually drier. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant so it draws water from the atmosphere into your complexion. It’s like a huge glass of water for your face!
HA is fantastic in combination with exfoliation, as it helps keep your skin hydrated and plump. That can help lessen the appearance of fine lines.
How to Pick the Best Exfoliator for Your Skin Type
The exfoliator you choose depends on your skin. What works for someone else may not work for you.
Dry and Sensitive Skin: Soothing Action
You may want to use gentle exfoliators if you have dry or sensitive skin. These include lactic acid and PHAs. Gentle scrubs can work as well, but be careful not to overdo it.
Update: Fall (and winter) Itch: Step 1 — Keep It Moist in the Shower. This helps to loosen dead skin cells and avoid irritation.
Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Addressing Dull Skin & Clogged Pores
If you suffer from oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is your buddy. More potent glycolic-acid formulations may also provide help. These ingredients clear pores and prevent breakouts.
Actionable Tip: In the morning, use an exfoliant on oily skin to scrub away excess oil that has accumulated overnight.
How to Create an Exfoliating Regimen for Timeless Skin
With that in mind, here’s how to incorporate exfoliation into your skin-care routine.
The approach: Finding your sweet spot — frequency and timing
Exfoliate once or twice a week to begin with. You can always up the frequency if your skin can handle it.
A lot of people enjoy exfoliating at night. This allows your skin to repair itself while you sleep.
Using Exfoliation Alongside Other Skincare Products
It gets even more important after exfoliating, so apply that sunscreen. It is better to use a good base moisturizer for hydrated smooth skin. Antioxidant serums can further prevent damage to your skin.
Avoid combining certain ingredients together. Do not, for instance, use retinol and strong AHAs simultaneously. This can irritate your skin.
Conclusion
Over-the-counter exfoliators can do wonders for your skin. They contribute to fight against the signs of aging. Picking the right exfoliation product for your skin type is the key. Be patient and start slowly.
Exfoliation is only one piece of the puzzle. In order to get the ageless skin, a proper skincare routine along with a healthy lifestyle is mandatory.
