A mature facial is designed to meet the special needs of aging skin. Genetics and sun exposure cause the epidermis to function less efficiently, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and dry skin. You cannot stop the aging process, but with the correct routine and the right products, you can slow the process down.
The Basic Steps
Begin your mature facial by cleansing your face to remove pollutants that collect on the skin during the day. Cleansing will also remove any makeup that you are wearing. Ideally you will pick a creamy cleanser that is gentle and designed for dry or sensitive skin. Cleansing should be done twice each day.
- Exfoliate
As your skin ages, the epidermis is less efficient in producing new cells. Removal of waste is also slowed, resulting in dry, dull looking skin. Exfoliation helps restore your skin's youthful appearance by sloughing away dead skin cells, revealing fresh, revitalized skin in their place.
Many exfoliants contain microbeads instead of natural ingredients, such as crushed apricot seeds. Either product will exfoliate, but if your skin is dry or sensitive (as mature skin often is), a microbead exfoliant may be your best choice. Unlike natural exfoliants with harsh, irritating and potentially skin-damaging ingredients, microbeads are rounded. Their shape and texture make the exfoliating process a more gentle experience. Microdermabrasion products are especially helpful for your mature facial because they gently resurface dry, dull skin and leave it smooth and beautiful. Depending on the type of exfoliant that you use, this step can be performed daily or weekly.
Your mature facial routine should include a weekly deep moisturizing mask. A mask will purify and renew your skin, leaving it soft and supple. Gently pat the mask onto your skin and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Then wash the mask off gently with warm water.
Mature skin types require special moisturizers designed to meet the unique needs of aging skin. As you age, the dermis generates less collagen. Collagen is responsible for keeping the skin soft and smooth. Therefore, less collagen means less elasticity, resulting in wrinkles, fine lines and dryness.
Select a moisturizer designed to rejuvenate mature skin. Ingredients such as vitamins E and C, retinol, alpha hydroxy acid and sunscreen will renew and protect your skin. Moisturizers should be applied twice a day. Your daytime moisturizer should contain a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your skin from the UV damage that accelerates aging. At night you need a heavier moisturizer that will help your skin renew itself while you sleep.
The Products
Many mature facial products are available today that meet the special needs of aging skin. Here is a list of a few cosmetic companies and the products they offer that meet the requirements of a mature facial.
Mary Kay's TimeWise line is fantastic for your mature facial. Try the antiaging Miracle Set. The 3-in-1 Cleanser will cleanse, exfoliate and freshen in one easy step. Next comes a light Age-Fighting moisturizer and an SPF 25 Day Solution to give your skin the ultimate in UV protection. For nighttime moisturizing, TimeWise Night Solution will nourish your skin with vitamins and antioxidants to revitalize your skin while you sleep. The Moisture Rich Mask will remove dead skin cells to reveal younger looking skin.
The Regenerist collection offers a Daily Regenerating Cleanser that cleanses and exfoliates in one step. Twice a week, use Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System to renew your skin. Daily moisture and protection come from Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum and UV Defense Regenerating Lotion. At bedtime, use Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment
Elizabeth Arden skin care has a variety of products for your mature facial. Begin by cleansing and exfoliating with Intervene 3-in-1. Next try Ceramide Plump Perfect Firming Facial Mask. Moisturize with Ceramide Plump Perfect Moisture Cream SPF 30 during the day and Ceramide Moisture Perfect Night Cream at night.
Professional Mature Facial
About once a month, schedule a little extra pampering for yourself. Visit a day spa or your dermatologist. A professional can treat your mature skin with a chemical peel of alpha hydroxyl acid to smooth wrinkles and dry skin.
Retin A may be prescribed by your dermatologist to treat fine wrinkles. A gel or cream is applied topically each night before bed. The desired result may take several months or up to a year. Results are maintained by applying two to three nights a week.
Laser Resurfacing may be recommended to remove wrinkled skin layer by layer. Your skin will appear red or pink for up to six months before it heals, but the results are long lasting.
For deeper, more stubborn wrinkles you can try injections of collagen, Botox or hyaluronic acid to plump your skin and give you a more youthful appearance.
With minimal effort you can face each day with more youthful looking skin. A mature facial regimen will delay your skin's aging process and allow your inner beauty to shine through.
