We become more at risk for skin injuries and conditions as we age. This is due to elderly adults losing some of their skin's protective fat layer and becoming thinner. According to Medline Plus, around 90% of seniors are dealing with at least one skin disorder.
If you've been feeling like you're at a dead-end when it comes to improving and protecting your skin, there are some gentle skincare methods you can incorporate into your routine to revitalize aging skin. One of these youthful skin techniques is exfoliating.
This blog will discuss why you should be exfoliating your skin to turn back the hands of time. We'll talk about our anti-aging exfoliation tips that you can use to promote better skin.
We shed dead skin cells every month or so to make space for new cells. However, sometimes the dead skin cells don't completely shed. This can result in clogged pores and dry patches.
Exfoliating is a way to prevent this from happening. It refers to the practice of removing dead cells from your skin's outer layer. You'll typically use something such as the following during the process:
Exfoliating is a great skincare practice for anyone of any age. It becomes even more useful for aging skin due to our body not being able to process things like it used to.
Skin exfoliation encourages your cells to renew and replenish themselves faster. When you leave the cell regeneration process up to your body, you put yourself at risk for poor skin barrier function. This can make your skin more susceptible to the following:
Exfoliating allows you to get rid of the dead cells that aren't helping your skin, making way for new ones to take their place.
Freshly exfoliated skin looks radiant and youthful. That's because all of the hardened and dry skin cells have been removed. Smoother and healthy skin is left in its place.
Our skin becomes slower at turning over dead cells as we age, also known as desquamation. Our skin starts to look less toned and patchy when we can't naturally shed it. Your skin will look fresher and softer when you get rid of the dead cells blocking the new ones.
Removing dead skin cells can provide you with other benefits, such as:
Exfoliating is important for mature adults with oily skin. That's because your skin's oil acts as a glue that holds your dead skin cells in place. This can contribute to clogged pores.
Collagen is an important part of our skin and bodies. It becomes even more important as we age.
Our skin has elasticity and strength thanks to collagen. Our bodies begin to naturally produce less collagen as we get older. This results in the following:
Exfoliating can help stimulate collagen production. As a result, your skin may feel firmer. It may not help all your wrinkles disappear, but it can help reduce their appearance.
Mature skin tends to be more tender and sensitive due to loss of collagen. There are certain steps you need to follow to safely exfoliate your skin. The goal is to not aggravate your skin while gently exfoliating it.
While mature skin has some commonalities, like dryness, they're not all the same. Your exfoliation products need to cater to your skin type, such as:
The best exfoliators for mature skin might include pads or scrubs that help lift your dead skin cells off. Look for less abrasive scrubs that include ingredients like:
These ingredients are gentle enough on sensitive mature skin without causing more problems.
It's best practice to exfoliate before applying the rest of your skincare routine. That's because all debris has been removed after exfoliation, allowing your skincare products to better penetrate your skin. A few of the extra products you can apply after include:
One option would be to exfoliate your face in the shower. The warm water from your shower will do the following:
Make sure you rinse your face after you've exfoliated to not only remove the product but the dead skin cells as well. You can also run the warm water over your face before you exfoliate to ensure it's softened.
You shouldn't exfoliate more if you're doing it regularly and not getting the results you want to achieve. On the flip side, you shouldn't increase your pace if you're getting your desired outcome. Over-exfoliation can cause various issues, such as:
Exfoliating a few times a week is a good way to start. You can always choose a mild exfoliant if you'd like to use it more often.
You shouldn't feel any pain or burning when exfoliating. However, you don't want to be dainty when you're using the skincare products.
Apply a small amount of pressure while rubbing the exfoliant on your skin. If you fail to do so, you won't remove any dead skin cells.
Aging Skin isn't something that you have to dread. Taking care of your skin by exfoliating and using other products is a great way to improve your appearance and take care of your body. Working with a healthcare provider can help you pick the right products for your skin type and goals.
LakeHouse New Holstein is one of the leading senior living communities in the area. With our wellness program, we put our residents' health and happiness at the forefront. Reach out to our office to book a tour of our community in New Holstein, WI.