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This year, my mom turned 60. And despite never getting a drop of
Botox
or
fillers
in her life, she somehow still has the kind of radiant skin that strangers compliment in the grocery store checkout line. Her secret?
High-quality skincare
, consistency, and a really
good exfoliator
that keeps her mature skin smooth, fresh, and luminous.
While great genes probably help her stay youthful-looking too (thanks, mom!), “exfoliators play an important role in any
anti-aging skincare routine
,” explains board-certified dermatologist
Marisa Garshick, MD
at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. That’s because “as we age, our natural skin cell turnover slows down, which can leave skin looking dull, dry, and uneven,” she says.
But that’s exactly where regular exfoliation comes in. TLDR: It’s the process of sloughing away dead skin cells that can cause
clogged pores
, breakouts, and make skin appear dull, textured, and uneven, ultimately revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath. That said, Dr. Garshick says to “still be gentle on the skin and avoid harsh exfoliation or abrasive scrubs that may be too irritating for mature skin.”
Those with mature skin should “look for gentle exfoliants such as lactic acid and
mandelic acid
,” as well as formulas that contain nourishing and calming ingredients like
hyaluronic acid
,
niacinamide
, and squalane. This is especially important because, as Dr. Garshick tells me, “loss of collagen and elastin as we age can contribute to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin laxity.” In other words, the best exfoliators for mature skin don’t just resurface—they also hydrate, soothe, and
support the skin barrier
.
Ahead, the mature skin-approved cleansers, peel pads, lotions, and other exfoliators my mom swears by for glowy, youthful skin.
Peelin’ Good
Lazy skin care lover’s, rejoice! These
supercharged wipes
are pre-soaked in a solution of exfoliating chemicals and brightening ingredients to remove dead skin cells and reveal smooth, radiant skin once swipe at a time.
Medicube
Zero Pore Pad
TikTok can't get enough of these toner pads from
K-beauty brand
Medicube — and after one swipe, you'll understand why. The formula combines citric acid, white willow bark (a natural BHA), and botanical extracts to exfoliate, refine, and brighten. Plus, each pad is dual-sided, with a textured side to buff away dead skin cells and a softer side to hydrate and soothe skin.
M-61
Powerglow Peel
Another cult-favorite beauty product, these peel pads from m-61 can be used on even the most
ultra-sensitive skin types
. They combine glycolic and
salicylic acids
with vitamin K and soothing botanicals, including bilberry and chamomile, to exfoliate and calm the skin in a single step.
See the Difference
For most skin types in need of a glow boost, an
exfoliating serum
is often the answer. These formulas combine non-irritating acids with hydrating ingredients to smooth and brighten without compromising the
skin barrier
.
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La Roche-Posay
Glycolic Acid Serum With Tranexamic Acid
This drugstore-available brand is a good option for all skin types, especially those concerned with
dark spots
and hyperpigmentation. It blends key ingredients—kojic acid,
tranexamic acid
, glycolic acid, vitamin B5, and thermal spring water—to help calm the skin and leave it looking luminous.
CLEARSTEM
Clearity the Blackhead Dissolver Mandelic Acid Serum
All of CLEARSTEM’s products target both
acne
and aging concerns, and this exfoliating serum is no exception. Powered by mandelic acid, lactic acid,
vitamin C
, and turmeric, the formula helps unclog pores, smooth uneven texture, and fade post-breakout marks.
Leave It to Lotions
Whether you’re looking to give thirsty skin the hydration it craves or simply want to shed bumps and texture from head-to-toe, these two non-abrasive lotions ahead are for you.
Naturium
The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Lotion
As its name implies, this
body lotion
—formulated with 10 percent glycolic acid and nourishing shea butter—is designed to reveal smoother, softer skin from the
neck
down.
CeraVe
SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin
Salicylic acid
, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid are just some of the star ingredients in this lightweight,

Book Your Appointment

Ready to transform your skin? Visit Candy Beauty Skin Care at 32 Pell St, Chinatown, NYC.

Call (646) 691-8273 or book online at candybeauty.store.

Our expert estheticians are ready to create your personalized treatment plan.

Source: https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/skincare/best-exfoliators-for-mature-skin/