Exfoliation is a hot topic in skincare right now, as it should be! Exfoliating comes with so many benefits, especially for mature women. It can remove dead skin cells, fight dullness, and even help reduce the appearance of fine lines. But there is a quirk to consider: you can go too far. Exfoliating too much can be just as damaging as exfoliating too little.
Follow these exfoliation tips for mature skin to enjoy the benefits.
1. Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliation
When you hear the word “exfoliation,” what comes to mind? Maybe you picture someone scrubbing their skin with a rough sponge or washing with a gritty cleanser. These methods are examples of a specific type of exfoliation called physical exfoliation. While physical exfoliation has its place in a maintenance plan, you do need to be careful not to overdo it. Using an abrasive cleanser every day, for example, is likely to leave your skin red and irritated, not smooth and fresh.
The other type of exfoliation is chemical exfoliation. This consists of the use of acids, like beta hydroxy acid (BHA) or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), to break down and remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. It is still possible to overdo it with chemical exfoliants, but when used sparingly, they tend to be gentler on sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Many mature women do best with a combination of chemical and physical exfoliation in their skincare routine. For example, you might use an exfoliating scrub twice a week, plus a BHA mask every other week. The ideal maintenance routine and the best products to use will depend on your own unique skin type. A skincare professional, like those at Balance MedSpa, can offer more specific guidance.
2. Ease Your Way In
With both physical and chemical exfoliation, it is important to start slow. Give your skin time to adapt and respond. For example, when you first start using an exfoliating cleanser, you might use it once a week. Over time, you might increase your use to two or three times per week.
With some chemical products, you might also slowly increase the concentration over time. For example, you might start with a mask with 0.5% BHA, then later upgrade to a 1% mask. If your skin ever starts feeling itchy, dry, or irritated, that’s a sign to slow down or use less.
3. Exfoliate at Night
In most cases, the best time to exfoliate – whether using a cleanser, a mask, or some other product – is at night. This way, your skin has time to replenish itself and absorb any moisturizer overnight, so you can wake up with a fresh, hydrated complexion.
Exfoliating at night also keeps you out of the sun when your skin is most vulnerable. However, you’ll still want to apply sunscreen the next day if you plan on going outside.
4. Explore Professional Treatments
Adding exfoliation to your at-home skin maintenance routine is just the first step. If you want to maximize your benefits, consider visiting Balance MedSpa for a professional exfoliation treatment, such as a chemical peel or microdermabrasion.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a simple procedure that can be done on your lunch break. Your practitioner applies a chemical solution to your skin. The solution works to remove dead and damaged skin. After a few minutes, it is rinsed away, revealing the fresher, younger skin underneath. Most clients do have some redness and mild irritation afterward, but it soon clears up.
We offer three kinds of chemical peels at Balance MedSpa:
- Balance Peel: One of the best chemical peels for women over 50, the Balance Peel targets trouble spots with a balanced blend of three acids.
- Jessner’s Peel: Lactic, citric, and salicylic acids work together with resorcinol to peel away stubborn dead skin.
- Custom Peel: Sensitive skin? Acne? Oily patches? We can formulate a custom peel with your specific concerns in mind.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a physical exfoliation treatment that works well for clients with acne scars, sun spots, age spots, or overly textured skin. We use an abrasive tool to gently rub away dead skin cells. The process is entirely pain-free, and a session takes less than 30 minutes. Any redness or irritation post-treatment is minor and short-lived.
When it comes to microdermabrasion, Orlando women often like to schedule a maintenance appointment in late winter or early spring. It’s the perfect way to say “goodbye” to dull winter skin and “hello” to a dewy spring look, especially if you follow it up with a hydrating facial.
We hope we’ve provided you with a deeper understanding of exfoliation, its benefits, and the treatments available at Balance MedSpa. Feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more about the ways we help mature women care for their skin.