These top-rated cleansers, scrubs, and toners target texture, dryness, and uneven skin.
, or the process of getting rid of dead skin cells that can clog pores, cause breakouts, and make skin appear dull, textured, and uneven.
Your skin naturally sheds dead cells on its own—but this natural exfoliation process slows as you age, which is where the best exfoliators for mature skin come in.
“As we age, cell turnover slows, leading to dullness and uneven texture. Regular exfoliation can restore radiance and smoothness,” explainsEmily Wood, M.D.,, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
“Mature skin is often thinner, drier, and more sensitive, so over-exfoliating can cause redness, irritation, or compromise the skin barrier,” she notes. Exfoliators can also make skin more sensitive to the sun, addsThat’s why it’s important to find a good exfoliator that’s suitable for your skin type and tolerance. Those with mature skin should look for formulas that contain nourishing and calming ingredients likea board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Marble Falls and Austin, TX.
Experts recommend starting once a week and building from there, as needed. Recommended by both Dr. Spearman and Dr. Garshick, this overnight treatment is a powerhouse exfoliator that works with all skin types. Thewhile a small dose of phytic acid helps brighten and protect the new layer of revealed skin. Finishing the formula are a number of soothing botanicals, including jojoba and sunflower seed, which help your skin feel softer and more radiant.
Because of its potency, Dr. Garshick recommends using it only a few times a week, though it has shown to be suitable for nightly use.
“My skin prior to using this, was really textured on my cheeks, however after the first use, I saw amazing results! My skin is getting smoother and has an amazing glow. I use the serum three times a week, alternating with my retinol. ”New to exfoliators?
Dr. Spearman loves this budget choice from The Ordinary for first-time chemical exfoliant users. Not only is the price right , but she says the percentage of lactic acid in this formula is “gentle and hydrating,” meaning it resurfaces and tones your skin while minimizing irritation.
“My skin feels overall smoother and more even toned. I have sensitive skin and this feels gentle enough, no redness so far. I think it’s a great affordable exfoliant that delivers noticeable improvement. ”!
). The toner pads exfoliate and refine pores for smoother, clearer skin with a formula that’s infused with citric acid, white willow bark , and soothing botanical extracts. Each pad is dual-sided—one side is soft for hydrating and soothing, while a textured side helps exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. I’m 52 with post-menopausal, mature dry skin, and these toner pads are amazing!
They’re generously soaked with solution, and the dual-textured design makes them perfect for both gentle exfoliation and smoothing out the skin. I’ve been using them daily, and my pores look cleaner and more refined while my skin feels fresh and hydrated. I love that they combine AHA, BHA, and soothing ingredients like panthenol and sodium hyaluronate—so I get exfoliation without irritation. They also leave a nice cooling sensation, which makes my skin feel extra refreshed.
”This top-rated pick from Dermaologica comes in a rice-based powder that transforms into a creamy foam once activated with water, delivering exfoliating papain, salicylic acid, and rice enzymes to help smooth the skin while also visibly brightening and balancing uneven skin tone. It’s gentle enough for daily use, thanks to a soothing formula with colloidal oatmeal and allantoin, which helps calm irritated skin and reduce the appearance of redness.
“Gentle but SO effective!! I’ve been needing an exfoliator but didn’t want anything too harsh... I was SHOCKED at how well worked and the glow it left on my 52-year-old skin. Wow.
This is honestly amazing stuff and very gentle, didn’t cause AHY redness and almost everything causes that on me. Absolutely love!! ”Looking for an overnight treatment that’s affordable, moisturizing, and dermatologist-approved? Dr. Wood recommends this treatment from CeraVe: “The added hyaluronic acid and ceramides really help to prevent the drying effects chemical exfoliators often produce,” she says.
The multi-AHA formula is also particularly effective in helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles—an added bonus.
“I call this my ‘wake up and glow’ potion. It tingles a bit , and my skin looks smoother without the horror-movie peel. It’s like a mini chemical peel that doesn’t come with regret. I love how gentle and effective it is, especially for mature, sensitive skin like mine.
”Dr. Camp and Dr. Wood both recommend this popular serum from skincare brand Sunday Riley for those with sensitive skin, which catapulted to its top-tier viral status after being included inlist back in 2018.
“It’s gentle enough for daily use,” says Dr. Camp of the lactic acid-containing treatment that also includes a bevy of smoothing and calming botanicals like licorice, lemongrass, arnica, and aloe. Unsurprisingly, its popularity has not waned, and it’s an editor favorite here at“I really struggled with finding an exfoliator that didn’t not break out my dry, sensitive, and breakout prone skin—until I splurged on Good Genes,” says Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Lewis Finigan.
“It instantly brightens and soothes my skin, while getting rid of dull and textured patches. Since using it, my skin feels way softer and more moisturized.
”This best-selling daily peel is designed to smooth skin in two steps: Step one gently exfoliates dead skin cells and evens out tone and texture with a blend of five different alpha and beta hydroxy acids, while step two delivers anti-aging ingredients and soothing antioxidants—including retinol and green tea—to treat fine lines and wrinkles while firming and restoring skin.
“This product is the holy grail of skincare. I’ve been experimenting with acids for years to treat adult hormonal acne and also to reduce pores and firm up my gracefully aging skin. THIS PRODUCT HAS DONE EVERYTHING—it’s the first product I have ever used that completely cured the hormonal clogging, my pores—I am glowing, my skin looks more even and firmer. And I love the formulation.
Just a quick two minutes, open the packet, smoosh it around your face, call it a day. ”Kate Somerville has been synonymous with dermatologist-approved skincare for years. Dr. Camp says if you are in the market for an exfoliating cleanser, you can’t top this viral favorite.
“Used just one to two times a week, this exfoliating treatment eliminates dull skin, removes buildup and residue, and reveals smoother, healthier-looking skin,” he says. “I love the silky texture of the product and how it cleanses but doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight and dry. The enzymes provide a gentle exfoliation over time, and it works really well as a second cleanser! ”This physical exfoliant is as gentle as they come.
Its key ingredient, a finely milled rice powder, combines with moisturizing and calming green tea and algae for a non-irritating finish for even the most sensitive skin. Dr. Spearman enjoys that this exfoliant turns into a creamy foam, perfect for those who want mild manual exfoliation without stripping or drying.
“I use it once a week for a skin refresh and it works AMAZING. For high exfoliation, pour in hand and add a LITTLE water, mix and apply on DRY skin. Gently rub in circular motion for 15 seconds and then add water to turn into foam to wash off completely. Your skin will feel soft, smooth and fresh.
Your other skin products will absorb better and any skin texture will be addressed. One container lasts me eight months. ”over 114,000 ratings on Amazon ! ).
It’s beloved by skincare enthusiasts for its reasonable price tag and extreme effectiveness. Dr. Camp recommends it specifically for those who lean oily, saying: “This leave-on liquid exfoliant includes salicylic acid to clear pores and even skin tone. ”“This exfoliant truly lives up to the hype! The 2% salicylic acid formula works gently yet powerfully to unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and refine skin texture.
I started seeing smoother, clearer skin in just a few days. It also minimizes pore size and gives a subtle glow without irritation. The lightweight, water‑like texture absorbs quickly and layers beautifully under moisturizer and SPF. ”Dr. Wood calls this drugstore choice “a favorite for years” for its potent but gentle formula that uses salicylic acid to unclog pores and soothing cucumber and green tea extracts to calm the skin.
Specially formulated for those with acne-prone skin to prevent further breakouts, Wood says it is effective for all skin types, including sensitive, and helps reduce redness.
“This cream wash works wonders for stressed and breakout-prone skin. It cleans deeply, helps reduce redness, and prevents new breakouts without over-drying. My skin feels balanced, refreshed, and noticeably clearer with consistent use. Great for mature skin!
”Dr. Garshick recommends adding this exfoliating PHA toner to your routine if you are looking to brighten while exfoliating.
“I especially love that it is lightweight and won’t leave the skin feeling dry,” she adds of its formula which also includes prickly pear, aloe vera, and acai extracts. Gentle enough to use up to twice a day, she also recommends the toner to use before applying skincare and makeup.
“My skin barrier is compromised and so my skin is sensitive. I cannot use retinol, glycolic acid, niacinamide or alpahhydroxy acids. I was hesitant to try this product, but my skin was getting so clogged with little bumps and dry patches. I used this one night before bed, let it dry and then slathered my face with Avene moisturizer.
The next day my skin was shedding the dry patches and the bumps were practically gone. I waited one week to let my skin do its thing and then started using it once a day then twice a day. I have had zero issues and my skin looks great.
”Reviewers found that the formula oxidizes quickly if not properly sealed after each use Dr. Garshick recommends this lightweight serum from drugstore-available brand, La Roche-Posay, as a “good option for all skin types,” especially those concerned with dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It uses the same key ingredients—kojic acid and tranexamic acid—and adds glycolic acid, vitamin B5, and thermal spring water “to help soothe the skin,” she notes.
“Excellent product! I developed hyperpigmentation on my hands because of sun rays while I drive car, I was thinking to have laser treatment but I don’t not if I am eligible for this treatment or not, story short I started to use this serum, my hand dark pigmentation is getting lighter and lighter every day!!!! ”Resurfacing pads are a great solution for anyone looking for an “easy to use and a great all-in-option,” says Dr. Wood.
Utilizing Skinbetter Science’s patented retinoid-AHA blend, this single pad can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and rough patches to reveal a more radiant and youthful complexion. Though they may seem pricey, Dr. Wood says they can be used once per week, meaning that a 30-pad supply can last upwards of six months.
“Honestly, the best product I’ve found for controlling acne and evening out my skin tone. I only use one pad weekly, and it lasts forever. Totally worth every penny! ”A resounding yes, per all our dermatologists.
Exfoliating is a key step for smoother skin as it gets rid of dead skin cells—but it’s especially important for mature skin, which experiences a natural slowing of the natural exfoliation process.
“As we age, skin cell turnover naturally slows, leading to a duller complexion, uneven tone, and rougher texture,” explains Dr. Garshick. “Gentle exfoliation can help restore a smoother, brighter appearance and enhance the effectiveness of hydrating or collagen-boosting treatments. ”Overexfoliating is a real concern, our dermatologists warn—especially as mature skin can be more sensitive and therefore more prone to irritation.
Plus, exfoliators can make skin more sensitive to the sun, which is why “it is important to use an “Start slowly, once a week, and increase to 2–3 times weekly if tolerated,” Dr. Spearman tells us.
“Pairing exfoliation with a nourishing moisturizer helps protect and hydrate the skin after treatment,” she adds. “Always apply exfoliants to clean, dry skin and remember to still moisturize the skin to support the skin barrier,” Dr. Garshick says. Opt for chemical exfoliators over physical ones.
“Chemical exfoliants also contain ingredients that may provide additional benefits like treating discoloration, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid and mandelic acid or helping to prevent breakouts as with salicylic acid,” says Dr. Garshick. She warns also that physical exfoliators can be too abrasive and create microtears in mature skin, so if you prefer a scrub, look for finely milled ingredients like rice starch or powder.
To avoid irritation, “gentle chemical exfoliation with AHAs or enzymes is often best for mature skin,” Dr. Spearman says. These water-soluble acids help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, which leads to more collagen production and smoother, more even skin. Even the most gentle chemical exfoliants can be drying on mature skin, so formulas with moisturizing or soothing ingredients is what Dr. Wood recommends.
“Niacinamide helps prevent redness and irritation while squalene moisturizes,” she says. “Hyaluronic acid and ceramides really help to prevent the drying effects chemical exfoliators often produce,” she adds. Overall, exfoliating can help brighten your complexion, even out texture, and help your skincare penetrate. If you are looking forthan that, specific ingredients can help.
Those looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles should opt for a formula with a retinoid. Those who are looking to reduce discoloration or hyperpigmentation might choose one featuring kojic acid. Dara Spearman, M.D., F.F. A.D.
, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, all contributed their favorite exfoliators that they use on their own clients. As a writer with mature skin, I also contributed my own expertise and my own favorite—which aligned with the recommendations of our professional dermatologists.
Last, I pored through countless reviews to make sure the doctor-recommended products saw similar results on real-life users.has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections.
Additionally,also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.she underwent bariatric surgery and changed her focus to health and wellness. Previously, Charlotte was the Sexual Health & Wellness Writer for Refinery 29. There, she wrote and edited shopping content about new wellness trends, beauty launches, and sex-positive products. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her girlfriend—and the love of her life, her senior dog, Rory.
All three can typically be found perusing the Fort Green farmer’s market for fresh produce or curling up on the couch to watch Survivor.
Skincare Exfoliators For Mature Skin
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
11 Best Sunscreens For Acne-Prone Skin, According to DermatologistsWhen it comes to sunscreen, no one does it quite like EltaMD—seriously, the brand makes the best sunscreens.
Read more »
We Asked Our Favorite Dermatologists For Their SPF Tips: 9 Of The Best AnswersTo help you stay safe in the sun, we rounded up our favorite SPF tips from the world’s top derms to help you apply (and re-apply!) correctly.
Read more »
11 Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin That Tackle Visible Signs of Aging, According to DermatologistsHere are the best moisturizers for mature skin that plump and hydrate to lessen the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and aging concerns, according to experts.
Read more »
Can You Safely Use Retinol in the Summer?Here’s what dermatologists want you to know.
Read more »