Our skin sheds cells like mad, but sadly, they don’t just dissipate into the ether. Instead, they cling to healthy skin, dulling our complexion, clogging our pores, and highlighting lines and wrinkles. The best defense? Exfoliation. But what is the best face exfoliator for mature skin?

Regular exfoliation helps prevent dull skin, clogged pores, and even skin discoloration, says Dr. Kally Papantoniou, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai in New York City. And for women who love anti-aging products, there’s another benefit: Regular exfoliation also allows skincare products to penetrate the skin better and provide superior results, she says.

Unsurprisingly, exfoliation matters even more so for women of a certain age. “As we age, it becomes more important to exfoliate in order to combat the effects of dry skin, slow skin turnover, and worsening fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Papantoniou says.

But what does “regular” exfoliating mean when addressing mature skin? And of the different exfoliation methods, which work best for women over 50? Read on to find out the what and why of sloughing your way to more beautiful skin.

Peruse beauty aisles, websites, or counters, and you’ll find that the variety of exfoliating products is dizzying. Yet, there are only two methods that you need to know: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical (also known as physical) involves using tools, like brushes, sponges, loofahs, or abrasive scrubs, that create enough friction to loosen and slough away dead skin cells, debris, and oils. Chemical exfoliation uses chemicals such as hydroxy acids, retinol, and enzymes to aid in cell turnover and cause the superficial epidermal layers to exfoliate sans friction.