Exfoliation reveals a fresher, brighter complexion, supports skin regeneration, and helps your products absorb better. But with so many types of products on the market, and an emergence of worrying social media trends (taping, anyone?) it’s difficult to know what’s best for your skin.
At SACRA, we want you to make informed and intentional choices for your daily skincare rituals, so let’s break down the facts, so you can exfoliate confidently and naturally.
What Is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Naturally, your skin sheds these cells every 28 to 40 days, but this process can slow down due to age, environment, or lifestyle. When dead skin cells build up, it can lead to dullness, clogged pores, breakouts, and uneven skin tone and texture.
Regular exfoliation helps to:
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Improve skin texture and tone
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Unclog pores
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Stimulate cell turnover
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Allow better absorption of serums and moisturisers
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Create a natural glow, by improving your skin’s health
There are two main types of exfoliation: physical and chemical.
Physical Exfoliation
This involves manually scrubbing the skin with a granular product or tool (e.g. sugar scrubs, face brushes, konjac sponges). Whilst this may seem like the most natural way to exfoliate your face, the skin is delicate and can easily be damaged, causing micro-tears if the product is used too often, or the method is too harsh. It’s also not suitable for acne-prone skin.
Chemical Exfoliation
This involves ingredients that dissolve dead skin cells without friction. Common types include:
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AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): e.g. glycolic acid – great for dry or dull skin
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BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids): e.g. salicylic acid – ideal for oily, acne-prone skin [link to salicylic acid blog]
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that regular use of AHAs and BHAs can significantly improve skin tone, texture, and clarity without disrupting the skin barrier when used correctly.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
This depends on your skin type and the product you’re using. As a general guide:
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Sensitive skin: 1x per week, using gentle exfoliants
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Dry skin: 1–2x per week with hydrating AHAs like glycolic acid
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Oily or acne-prone skin: 2–3x per week
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Normal/combination skin: 1–3x per week, alternating methods
Always follow with a hydrating serum or facial oil and sunscreen during the day, as exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV damage.
Choosing the Right Exfoliation for Your Skin
Start slow and pay attention to how your skin reacts. A good exfoliant should leave your skin feeling refreshed, not raw.
If you're looking for natural exfoliating ingredients, keep an eye out for Glycolic Acid, in concentrations between 5 to 10% as a hydrating and smoothing option.
Plus, look for complementary ingredients which help to calm, hydrate, and protect the skin during and after exfoliation, which is crucial for keeping the skin barrier healthy.
Cactus Oil (e.g., prickly pear seed oil)
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Rich in linoleic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
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Hydrates and calms inflammation, making it ideal post-exfoliation to reduce sensitivity and boost healing.
Argan Oil
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Nourishing plant oil with fatty acids and vitamin E.
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Restores lipids, supports skin elasticity, and prevents moisture loss. An important step after exfoliation, which can leave skin temporarily vulnerable.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
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Antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage.
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Often paired with exfoliants to minimise irritation, aid barrier repair, and prevent oxidative stress from increased cell turnover.
Glycerin
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Draws water into the skin.
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Replenishes moisture lost during exfoliation and maintains hydration, which is critical for barrier function.
SACRA Suggests
At SACRA, we believe exfoliation should be kind to your skin and the planet. Our SACRA 6% Glycolic Bio Exfoliating Serum is a gentle, naturally derived AHA treatment designed to brighten, smooth, and strengthen, without disrupting your skin barrier.
Formulated with:
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6% Glycolic Acid sourced from natural sugar cane
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Botanical extracts to calm and hydrate
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Aloe vera and chamomile to support sensitive skin
Why it’s so special:
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Natural & gentle: Safe for even sensitive skin when used 2–3 times per week
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Multi-tasking: Helps unclog pores, reduce dullness, and improve skin texture
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Barrier-friendly: Supports skin renewal without stripping or irritation
Use it as part of your evening ritual to restore glow and promote a healthier, more resilient complexion over time.
