How Often Should You Exfoliate Over 50? Tips, Timing & Products I Love

I’ve been writing a lot lately about skincare, but let’s be honest. Once you hit 50, your skin just doesn’t do what it used to. Those dead skin cells hang on like they’ve paid rent, and the glow we had in our 30s needs a little nudge to come back. The trick? A little exfoliation, but not too much.

Let me show you what I’ve learned and a few products (some I’ve tried, some are just highly recommended) that can help you get that fresh, smooth skin back without overdoing it. If you’re experiencing the same issues, then How Often Should You Exfoliate Over 50? Tips, Timing & Products I Love is for you!

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A Few Quick Tips

• Don’t exfoliate every day; your skin needs time to recover
• Always apply moisturizer afterward (your skin will love you for it)
• Be gentle; you want to polish, not sand your skin

Why Exfoliation Matters After 50

As we age, our skin’s natural cell turnover slows down. That can lead to a dull, uneven complexion, and nobody wants that! Gentle exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells, smooth texture, and even improve how your moisturizer and serums absorb. It can also help reduce the look of fine lines and sun damage over time (yes, please!).

How Often Should You Exfoliate After 50?

For most of us, once or twice a week is plenty. Mature skin tends to be more sensitive, so less is more. And if you’re like me, and your skin lets you know real quick when it’s mad, just start slow. Always, always follow up with a good moisturizer after exfoliating. Your skin will drink it up.

Signs You’re Over-Exfoliating

If your skin feels tight, dry, itchy, or starts flaking more than usual, it may be time to back off. Redness and irritation are also signs that you’ve gone too far. The goal is healthy, glowing skin, not angry, reactive skin!

Exfoliators at Drugstore Prices

A Quick Routine Example

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple once-a-week routine to try:

1. Cleanse with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
2. Apply a mild exfoliant (chemical or physical, your choice)
3. Rinse (if needed), then pat dry
4. Apply a rich moisturizer or facial oil
5. Finish with an SPF the next day, always!

Brooklyn Botany Brown Sugar Body Scrub

Yum, lol. The brown sugar is super fine and gentle, so it polishes without leaving you red or irritated. I love that it’s packed with oils, so when you rinse it off, your skin feels soft instead of dry.

• Smells lightly sweet (not overpowering)
• Great for arms, legs, and even hands
• Leaves skin feeling silky without scratching

Dove Brown Sugar and Coconut Butter Body Scrub

This is the one I grab when my skin is dry and dull. It’s more like a creamy polish than a gritty scrub, and it just melts in as you rub it on. Plus, the coconut butter smells so good, even for someone like me who likes my things fragrance-free. It reminds me of the beach!

• Very moisturizing while exfoliating
• Easy to find in most stores
• Gentle enough to use once or twice a week

Majestic Pure Himalayan Salt Body Scrub

If your elbows and heels are rough, this one is a little more textured. It’s got Himalayan salt crystals that really help smooth things out, and the oils in it keep it from feeling too harsh. I wouldn’t use this all over my body, just on the “tough spots.”

• Works great on heels and dry patches
• Smells fresh and clean
• Leaves a soft glow after rinsing off

M3 Naturals Turmeric Scrub

This is such a nice option if your skin is looking a bit blah. The turmeric helps brighten things up, and it has coconut oil, so it’s not drying. It’s also a nice-sized jar, so you don’t run out quickly.

• Helps with uneven texture
• Gentle for mature skin
• Smells nice and earthy

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This one is a cult favorite for a reason. It helps unclog pores and smooth skin without being too harsh. I use it once a week at night and always follow with a hydrating cream. You just swipe it on and let it do its magic with no scrubbing at all!

• Great for clearing out pores
• Can smooth fine lines with regular use
• Doesn’t have fragrance (big plus for sensitive skin)

DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub

If you like the feeling of a facial at home, this is a good one to try. It has super fine grains that gently buff away dullness. I wouldn’t use this more than once a week, but when you do, your face should feel AMAZING.

• Makes skin soft and polished
• Brightens up dull areas
• Easy to rinse and doesn’t leave residue

e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator

Don’t skip your lips, Gurls! Dry lips make lipstick look terrible. This little stick is perfect because it’s neat and easy to carry. Keep one in your bathroom and one in your bag.

• Handy stick form (no mess!)
• Gently scrubs off flakes
• Hydrates at the same time

Handmade Heroes 100% Natural Lip Scrub

If you prefer a jar, this one is a favorite for a lot of people. It’s sugar-based and smells like coconut sorbet. It takes a tiny amount to leave your lips soft and smooth.

• Vegan and natural
• Smells delicious
• Makes lips lipstick-ready in seconds

USDA Organic Lip Scrub Vanilla

Here’s a nice little treat if you love natural ingredients. It smells like vanilla and does a gentle exfoliation. I like that it doesn’t feel waxy or heavy.

• Simple ingredients
• Sweet vanilla scent
• Leaves lips smooth and soft

Types of Exfoliants: Chemical vs. Physical

You might hear about chemical and physical exfoliants, and no, chemical doesn’t mean harsh!

• Chemical exfoliants use gentle acids like AHAs (glycolic, lactic) or BHAs (salicylic) to dissolve dead skin cells.
• Physical exfoliants use tiny particles or beads to manually buff away flakes.

For mature skin, chemical exfoliants are usually gentler and more effective when used correctly. Look for low concentrations of glycolic or lactic acid to start.

Wrap-Up Tips

• Start once a week and build up if your skin can handle more
• Listen to your skin, it will absolutely tell you when it’s not happy
• Nighttime is usually the best time to exfoliate
• Don’t mix too many active ingredients at once (like retinol + exfoliant)

At this stage in life, exfoliation is all about balance. Just a little effort once or twice a week can help your skin look fresh, smooth, and glowing. Trust me, it’s worth making it part of your routine.

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Verse Of The Day

Matthew 4:7 (NIV)
⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”