If you’re looking for that healthy, radiant, can’t-stop-touching-it glow, exfoliation is your secret weapon. This simple but powerful skincare step removes dead skin cells, boosts cell turnover, and enhances everything else in your routine—from serums to moisturizers.

There are several types of exfoliation, and not all are created equal. Depending on your skin type, goals, and how often you exfoliate, different methods can deliver different results. Today, I am breaking down the three most effective types of exfoliation, how they work, and how to incorporate each one using our top-performing products.

But let’s start with the basics… why should you exfoliate in the first place? And how can you do it in a way that brings out your best skin without going overboard?

Why Exfoliate? The Benefits of Smoother, Brighter Skin

Your skin naturally sheds dead cells every 28–40 days, but age, stress, and environmental factors can slow that process down. When old cells build up, they create a dull, rough surface that makes skin look tired, clogged, and uneven. Exfoliation clears the way—literally—for fresh, glowing skin to shine through.

Immediate benefits of exfoliation include:

• A smoother, softer skin texture
• A fresh glow that makes your skin look lit from within
• Better absorption of your serums, moisturizers, and treatments

Long-term benefits of exfoliation:

• Fewer breakouts and less congestion
• Improved skin tone and minimized hyperpigmentation
• Boosted collagen production and a more youthful appearance over time

With the right exfoliating routine, you’re not just polishing your skin—you’re supporting its natural renewal process and setting the stage for long-term radiance.

Physical Exfoliation: Buff Away Dullness

Physical exfoliation uses small granules or natural particles to manually slough off dead skin cells from the surface. Think of it like polishing your skin. It’s great for instant smoothness and that fresh-faced feeling, especially when skin is looking a little lackluster.

Our go-to? The Resurfacing Exfoliator is a gentle yet effective physical exfoliant designed to refine texture and encourage brighter skin. It uses eco-friendly exfoliating beads that glide across the skin to remove buildup without irritation. Plus, it includes soothing botanicals to calm and hydrate while you exfoliate.

Benefits:

• Instantly smooths and softens skin
• Boosts microcirculation for a fresh, rosy glow
• Preps skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers

Pro Tip: Use 1–2 times per week on damp skin, and avoid over-scrubbing—gentle pressure is all you need.

Chemical Exfoliation: Reveal Radiance With Acids

Chemical exfoliation involves using acids—like AHAs, BHAs, or fruit enzymes—to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells so they can be gently lifted away. This is especially effective for brightening dull skin, unclogging pores, and improving texture over time.

The Radiance Peel Pads are pre-soaked, single-use exfoliating pads that deliver a powerful yet skin-friendly dose of glycolic and lactic acid. These acids work to dissolve buildup, fade dark spots, and leave your skin visibly brighter by morning. They’re the perfect weekly treatment if your skin is looking congested, tired, or uneven.

Benefits:

• Smooths fine lines and rough texture
• Fades dark spots and discoloration
• Promotes long-term cell turnover and glow

Pro Tip: Use 1–2 times per week in the evening. Follow with a hydrating serum or moisturizer, and always use SPF the next morning.

Enzymatic & Clay-Based Exfoliation: Detox and Renew

For those with sensitive or combination skin, enzymatic exfoliation can be a gentle and effective option. It works by breaking down the keratin in dead skin cells using natural enzymes (like papaya or pineapple), while clay-based ingredients can detox and purify at the same time.

The Cell Exfoliating Mask combines fruit enzymes with detoxifying clays to lift away dead skin, pull out impurities, and leave the skin noticeably refined. It doubles as a treatment mask, giving you both exfoliating and clarifying benefits in one.

Benefits:

• Clears pores without stripping skin
• Gently resurfaces using natural enzymes
• Detoxifies with mineral-rich clay

Pro Tip: Apply a thin layer, leave on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Use once a week or as needed for skin clarity.

How to Build a Weekly Exfoliation Routine That Works

Now that you know the benefits of each exfoliating method, let’s talk about how to use them together without overdoing it.

Here’s a sample weekly routine that incorporates all three types of exfoliation:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday – Radiance Boost

Start your week glowing with the Radiance Peel Pads. These chemical exfoliants work overnight to resurface skin and fade discoloration, so you wake up with a bright, even tone.

Tuesday & Thursday – Gentle Buff

Midweek, use the Resurfacing Exfoliator for a quick polish. It’s perfect before makeup or a big day when you want your skin looking fresh and smooth.

Saturday or Sunday – Skin Reset

Wind down the week with a spa-like ritual using the Cell Exfoliating Mask. It draws out impurities while enzymatically renewing the surface of your skin—ideal for detoxing after a long week.

💡 Important Tip: Don’t layer exfoliants on the same day, and always follow up with hydration and SPF to protect your renewed skin barrier.

Exfoliation is more than just a skincare trend—it’s the foundation of a healthy, radiant complexion. By combining physical, chemical, and enzyme-based methods throughout the week, you give your skin the chance to look and feel its best, every single day.