Is Your Beauty Routine Too Harsh for Mature Skin?
When it comes to mature skin, more isn't always better. Dr. Sharline Aboutanos frequently encounters Richmond patients who use aggressive exfoliation, multiple active ingredients, and frequent treatments in hopes they will see anti-aging results faster.
The reality is quite different, as aging skin has fundamentally different needs than younger skin. This requires a gentler, more thoughtful approach that respects the skin’s changing needs while still delivering visible improvements.
How Mature Skin Differs
Beginning in your late thirties and forties, skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for firmness and bounce. Oil production decreases, making skin drier and more prone to sensitivity. The protective barrier that once efficiently retained moisture and defended against environmental stressors becomes more fragile.
Excessive exfoliation can damage the skin barrier. Redness, dryness, or even breakouts are a sign that your skincare routine may be too aggressive.
These changes mean mature skin can't tolerate the same aggressive treatments it once could. What felt mildly tingly in your twenties might now cause significant irritation. Skincare products that kept breakouts at bay may now strip away essential moisture. Respecting these changes doesn't mean giving up on great skin, it simply means working smarter with the skin you have now.
Signs Your Routine Is Too Harsh
Several warning signs suggest your current approach may be too aggressive:
Persistent redness or sensitivity that doesn't resolve indicates your skin barrier has been compromised.
Increased dryness, flaking, or tightness—especially if you're moisturizing regularly—suggests your cleansing or treatment products are stripping too much moisture.
Though it may seem counter-intuitive, breakouts or congestion can also signal over-treatment. (When you damage the skin barrier through excessive exfoliation or harsh actives, skin actually becomes more vulnerable to irritation and breakouts.)
Stinging or burning sensations when applying products that never bothered you before is another clear indication that your routine needs adjustment.
Common Culprits in Skincare Routines
Several product categories tend to cause problems. Foaming cleansers containing sulfates clean aggressively but leave skin feeling stripped and tight. While these sometimes work well for oily, youthful skin, mature skin benefits from cream or oil-based cleansers that remove impurities while preserving natural moisture.
Over-exfoliation ranks among the most common mistakes Dr. Aboutanos sees. Many patients believe frequent scrubbing or daily chemical exfoliants will keep their skin youthful, but excessive exfoliation actually damages the skin barrier, leading to sensitivity, inflammation, and accelerated aging. Gentle exfoliation two to three times weekly is typically sufficient in an anti-aging routine.
Products containing high concentrations of alcohol, astringent toners, or harsh acne treatments designed for younger skin can be particularly problematic. These ingredients dry and irritate the skin, disrupting its already-fragile barrier function. Even some anti-aging products can be too aggressive—retinol formulations that work beautifully at lower concentrations may cause irritation at higher strengths, especially when combined with other active ingredients.
A Gentler Approach to Anti-Aging
Dr. Aboutanos recommends starting with a gentle, hydrating cleanser that removes makeup and impurities without stripping. Look for cream-based or oil-based formulas that leave skin feeling soft rather than squeaky clean. And even if you have cleansed twice a day your entire life, you may find that cleansing only once a day (usually at night) is all you need as your skin matures.
To avoid over-drying your skin, introduce one new product at a time and use it consistently before adding another.
When it comes to exfoliation, choose chemical exfoliants like gentle alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic or lactic acid) over harsh physical scrubs. These work effectively without the mechanical irritation that physical exfoliants can cause. Limit exfoliation to two or three times weekly, and pay attention to how your skin responds.
Layer in active anti-aging ingredients thoughtfully. Rather than applying multiple potent treatments simultaneously, introduce one new product at a time and use it consistently before adding another. A well-formulated retinol or retinoid remains one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients, but patients often tolerate it better when started at lower concentrations and gradually increased. Consider using retinol on alternating nights initially, buffering it with moisturizer if needed.
Hydration becomes increasingly critical as the skin’s oil production declines. Look for moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides—ingredients that support the skin barrier while providing plumping hydration. Apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin to seal in moisture more effectively.
Professional Treatments for Mature Skin
For patients seeking more dramatic improvements than at-home anti-aging products can provide, Dr. Aboutanos offers professional treatments designed specifically for your needs:
VirtueRF Microneedling
VirtueRF microneedling combines radiofrequency energy with controlled micro-injuries to stimulate robust collagen production, improving fine lines, texture, and skin laxity with minimal downtime.
UltraClear Laser
UltraClear laser uses fractionated laser technology to address sun damage, uneven texture, fine lines, and pigmentation concerns. The treatment can be customized to different intensity levels depending on your skin type, concerns, and tolerance.
Botox and Daxxify
Botox and Daxxify soften existing expression lines that have become etched into the skin over years of facial movement. By relaxing the muscles responsible for forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines between the brows, these neuromodulators help smooth lines while preventing them from becoming even deeper.
While they can’t achieve the level of facial rejuvenation that a surgical facelift can, when performed by an experienced injector, they can provide subtle relaxation that maintains natural expression while visibly improving the lines that are already present.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers address one of our patients’ most common concerns: volume loss that causes hollowing and sagging. Dr. Aboutanos uses hyaluronic acid-based fillers strategically in the cheeks to restore youthful contours and lift the midface, lips to address fine lines, and in areas like nasolabial folds and marionette lines where loss of facial fat creates deeper creases. This approach provides natural-looking rejuvenation that works with your bone structure rather than overfilling or altering your features.
When to Consider Professional Treatments
The key difference between professional treatments and aggressive at-home routines is expertise and precision. Dr. Aboutanos carefully evaluates each patient's skin condition, selects appropriate treatment parameters, and provides proper post-treatment care to support healing. Professional treatments work with your skin's natural healing processes rather than against them.
“Dr. Aboutanos is incredibly warm & has an amazing bedside manner. She truly cares about her patients. I felt safe knowing I was under her medical care & I am not an easily trusting person when it comes to medical professionals.”
–Patient testimonial for Dr. Aboutanos
Building Your Ideal Skincare Routine
Creating an effective yet gentle skincare routine for mature skin doesn't need to be complicated. Dr. Aboutanos recommends focusing on four essential steps: gentle cleansing, targeted treatment (such as retinol or vitamin C), rich hydration, and daily sun protection. This streamlined approach provides everything your skin needs without overwhelming it with excessive products or harsh ingredients.
Listen to your skin and adjust accordingly. If irritation develops, simplify your routine temporarily, allowing your skin barrier to recover before reintroducing active ingredients. Remember that consistency with gentler products typically yields better long-term results than aggressive treatments that cause inflammation and damage.
To schedule a consultation with Richmond female plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos, call (804) 355-3410 or contact her online.