What Is Exfoliation?
Our skin has a natural process of removing dead skin cells to make space for new cell regeneration. Sometimes, the skin is unable to do this completely, which results in flaky patches, dry skin, and clogged pores. Exfoliation is the process of removing these dead, dry skin cells from the top layer of the skin using exfoliation tools, granular scrubs, or chemicals. It opens up clogged pores, promotes collagen production, and improves skin vitality. Let’s now take a look at the best drugstore face exfoliators for mature skin.
12 Best Drugstore Face Exfoliators for Mature Skin
1.Best For Dull Skin: E.ra Organics Revive + Microdermabrasion Scrub & Mask
This 2-in-1 formula by E.ra Organics helps remove acne, blackheads, dark circles, and acne scars. It also reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. This scrub is best suited for dry, dull, and sensitive skin types. It cleanses and minimizes pores, removes dead skin cells, and moisturizes the skin. The formula is enriched with sugar grains that gently scrub the skin, leaving it looking healthy and beautiful. It is enriched with high quality botanical ingredients like manuka honey, organic aloe vera, walnut, orange peel oil, and cehami. Manuka honey has anti-aging properties and promotes cellular regeneration, while organic aloe vera accelerates skin cell growth and gives a natural glow. Walnut contains vitamins A and E with antioxidant properties that help reduce wrinkles, while orange peel oil fights dark spots, and cehami increases cell growth. This video will give you more insights into the product. Pros
Organic formula Smells good Sulfate-free Paraben-free Vegan Alcohol-free Dye-free Artificial fragrance-free Cruelty-free
Cons None
2. Best Non-Comedogenic:Neutrogena Bright Boost Resurfacing Micro Face Polish
This formula by Neutrogena has a dual-action exfoliation action that gets rid of signs of aging and dull skin, and boosts radiance. It is three times more powerful than regular face scrubs and cleansers and provides better skin tone with smoother texture and brighter complexion. This face polish contains mandelic and glycolic acids that offer both chemical and physical exfoliation to the skin. It reduces the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and open pores and is suitable for all skin types and tones. This product removes dead skin cells and dissolves the tiny bonds between the cells, promoting surface cell turnover. To make an informed decision before buying, you can check out this video. Pros
Gentle Non-comedogenic Dermatologist-tested No residue Oil-free Alcohol-free
Cons
Strong scent
3. Best Non-Drying Formula:Touch Microdermabrasion Scrub
This facial scrub by Touch is a unique formulation of exfoliating alumina crystals in a moisturizing cream. It eliminates dull, aging, dry, and dead skin cells and provides renewing hydration and moisturization through emollients and humectants. This facial scrub is enriched with green tea, chamomile, and aloe vera extracts that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It also contains allantoin, a skin protectant that heals and stimulates the growth of fresh, healthy tissue. This scrub helps reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation, blackheads, and acne scars. It exfoliates the skin surface to minimize discoloration and smoothen its texture. Pros
Non-comedogenic Safe for all skin types Gentle Non-drying Artificial color-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Sulfate-free Alcohol-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Strong scent Not very gritty.
4. Best Lightweight Formula:Léedge Full Body Exfoliator
This product by Léedge is a body and face exfoliating tool. Its precise design enables easy removal of dead skin cells and grime from the surface of the skin. This facilitates the regeneration of new and younger cells and gives you a refreshed, radiant glow. This tool also removes excess oil, pollutants, and toxins from the skin, offering deep cleansing, reducing pore size, and restoring the skin’s texture. It can be used before shaving or waxing to exfoliate the skin. You can also use it for pedicure to smoothen and soften rough, dry feet or as a pre-tanning preparation. This exfoliator can also help remove hard makeup, paint, or harsh materials on the skin. Pros
Lightweight Easy to use Easy to clean
Cons
Expensive
5. Best Moisturizing:Tula Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
This exfoliating sugar scrub from Tula Skincare leaves the skin even-toned, brighter, and smoother. Sugar is gentle on the skin. It cleans dirt, buildup, and excess oil from the surface of the skin without stripping its natural oils or creating abrasions. This face scrub is enriched with probiotic strains and superfoods like papaya and pineapple that polish and soften the skin and accelerate new cell production. The formula also contains natural fruit enzymes that chemically exfoliate and brighten the skin. Pros
Moisturizing Smells good Mild A little goes a long way Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Mineral oil-free Petrolatum-free Synthetic fragrance-free Dairy-free Gluten-free Silicone-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Sugar dissolves quickly.
6. Best Revitalizing:Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator
The Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator removes grime, buildup, and dead skin cells from the skin. It contains hydrating rose extracts and micro-spherical jojoba beads that offer light exfoliation and revitalize the skin surface. The cucumber extract in this formula is rich in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant with healing properties. It moisturizes the skin and gives it a smooth and supple texture. This exfoliator refines and revitalizes the skin, revealing a fresh and even-toned complexion. It also reduces skin irritation and soothes the facial skin. Pros
Gentle Smells good Paraben-free SLS-free SLES-free DEA-free Mineral oil-free Artificial color-free
Cons
Expensive
7. Best Eco-Friendly:Thinkpichaidai Leonie Turmeric Konjac Sponge
The Thinkpichaidai Leonie Konjac Sponge is a 100% natural exfoliator that is eco-friendly and gentle on the skin. It is infused with high-density konjac, which stimulates blood flow and keeps bacteria away. It also balances the skin’s pH levels and makes it clear and healthy. This powerful turmeric-infused deep cleansing scrub exfoliates dead skin cells and accelerates skin renewal. It helps reduce aging signs like wrinkles and dark spots. This konjac sponge is 100% biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals. Pros
Natural Vegan Easy to use Chemical-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Does not last long.
8. Best Soothing Formula:Protégé XFOLI8 Gentle Refining Exfoliation Treatment
This facial exfoliator by Protégé is a 100% natural face peel with anti-aging properties. It suits sensitive skin, exfoliates acne, and clears clogged pores and blackheads. The formula is infused with pumpkin enzymes that remove dead skin without scrubbing and abrasions. This soothing mask does not irritate or burn the skin. It is made of purely natural fruit extracts like aloe vera, kiwi, pineapple, and papaya that nourish and refresh the skin and impart a radiant glow. Pros
Gentle 100% natural Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Watery consistency
9. Best Gentle Formula:Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
This exfoliator by Pevonia is a hydrating cleanser that gets rid of dead skin cells and unclogs pores by removing buildup and grime. It smoothens rough skin and provides a radiant glow. This non-drying formula works well on flakey, rough skin and provides a smooth and glossy texture. It also enhances nourishment and prepares the skin for further treatment. This cleanser is ideal for mature and dull skin and is suitable for people with keratosis pilaris. Pros
Gentle Non-drying Smells good Alcohol-free Sulfate-free Vegan Cruelty-free
Cons None
10. Best Travel-Frriendly:OctoVie Skin Brush
The Octovie Skin Brush is a face and body exfoliator. It provides a spa-like massage while gently removing dead and dry skin cells, makeup build-up, excess oil, and dirt. This brush is made of recyclable material without latex or BPA. It is constructed with finger-like nubs that are gentle on the skin and minimize pores and the appearance of fine lines. This soft and travel-friendly brush makes the skin softer, smoother, and radiant. Pros
Gentle Easy to use Eco-friendly Travel-friendly Phthalate-free
Cons None
11. Best Organic:Made From Earth Rooibos Tea Face Scrub
The Rooibos Tea Face Scrub provides intense moisturization while gently exfoliating toxins and dead cells from the skin. This anti-aging exfoliator is infused with organic jojoba wax beads that are soft on the skin. It tones wrinkles and fine lines and provides a smooth texture without abrasions. The scrub also contains vitamin E and aloe vera that soothe the skin and even out the skin tone by revealing a fresh layer of balanced and hydrated skin cells. This tea scrub contains witch hazel that provides moisture and nourishment to the skin. Use this exfoliator to bring out the youthful and radiant appearance hidden below the polluted and damaged skin layer. Pros
Gentle Non-drying Paraben-free Sulfate-free Cruelty-free Dermatologist-tested
Cons None
12. Best Cruelty-Free:Renew Green Beauty Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
This mask is enriched with pumpkin enzymes that have anti-aging properties and help exfoliate the skin. It also contains cocoa that softens the skin and increases its elasticity, raw honey that moisturizes it, and sea kelp that nourishes it with bio-minerals. This skin peel gets rid of dirt, grime, excess oil, and dry skin without tearing the top layer. It nurtures the skin, reduces acne, and treats dry patches of skin. Pros
Smells amazing Paraben-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free Petrochemical-free Synthetic fragrance-free Cruelty-free
Cons None As you may have already observed, exfoliators can be of different types. Read on to find out more.
Types Of Exfoliators – What Is The Exfoliant’s Mode Of Action?
Exfoliators are broadly classified into two types – physical and chemical. Apart from these, there are also the gentle scrub formulas.
Physical Exfoliators: These exfoliators scrub the top layer of the skin and provide instant smoothness. Physical exfoliators come in the form of facial scrubs, facial brushes, muslin cloth, and konjac sponges. These often cause mild abrasions while removing the dead skin layer. Chemical Exfoliators: These treat the top and inner layers of the skin and need to be applied and left for a while. Chemical exfoliators take time to show results as they help the skin exfoliate naturally and provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. These also help boost collagen formation. Chemical exfoliators include salicylic acid masks, exfoliating toners, glycolic acid moisturizers, exfoliating cleansers, and chemical peels. Gentle Scrubs: Exfoliators also come in the form of gentle scrubs. These are usually made of natural botanical extracts and include exfoliating beads that are gentle on the skin and dissolve with massage. These extract beads scrub the dry, dead skin off and moisturize the skin.
If you are wondering about the frequency of exfoliation for mature skin, scroll down to the next section.
How Often Should Mature Skin Be Exfoliated?
This really depends on your skin type. If you have very oily skin, you may need to exfoliate more often. Two to three times a week of exfoliation should be sufficient for mature skin. But, if the skin feels irritated and red, it is advised to take a break from exfoliation. This is because even though exfoliation has many benefits, over-exfoliation can be detrimental for mature skin. It strips the skin of its natural oils, slowing down cell regeneration, which accelerates aging of the skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and has a good understanding of the products that suit mature skin. She has compiled the above list of best face exfoliators from drugstore brands after going through the specifications of various products and evaluating loads of feedback gathered from trusted online forums. These products are gentle on the skin and help safely remove dead skin cells besides reducing/preventing acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Is exfoliation good for mature skin? Yes. Exfoliating promotes cellular turnover, which softens wrinkles and fine lines and reduces hyperpigmentation. How often should a 60-year-old woman exfoliate her face? A 60-year-old woman should exfoliate her face two to three times a week to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness. Should you exfoliate your face morning or night? If you have sensitive or dry skin, exfoliate your face before going to bed to enable your skin to repair as you sleep. If you have oily skin or dullness when you wake up, exfoliate in the morning to remove dead skin cells and excess oils. Should you moisturize after you exfoliate mature skin? Yes, moisturize your skin after exfoliation to prevent dryness and enlarged pores. Is facial scrub the same as an exfoliator? Yes. Facial scrub is the same as an exfoliator. They help eliminate dead skin, dirt, and oils from the face.
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