The Role of Exfoliation in Achieving Radiant Skin

The Role of Exfoliation in Achieving Radiant Skin

Types, how often, and what to use — the Soulfully Infused way

TL;DR
Exfoliation removes dull surface buildup so light reflects better and skincare penetrates more evenly. Go gentle and consistent: choose the right type for your skin, limit frequency, and always follow with hydration and SPF.


What exfoliation actually does

Your skin naturally sheds dead cells, but stress, weather, and oil can slow that process. Thoughtful exfoliation:

  • Smooths texture and softens the look of fine lines

  • Helps fade the appearance of dark spots over time

  • Unclogs the look of pores and boosts glow

  • Preps skin so serums and moisturizers absorb more evenly

“Glow is often just calm skin with a clean canvas.”


Types of exfoliation (and when to use them)

Chemical (no scrubbing)

  • AHA (glycolic, lactic): great for dryness, dullness, and uneven tone.

  • BHA (salicylic): oil-soluble; helps with congestion and blemish-prone areas.

  • PHA/Enzymes (gluconolactone, papaya): the gentlest; ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

Physical (manual)

  • Uses texture to lift buildup. Keep it very gentle for face; reserve “scrubby” options for the body.


Pick your approach by skin type

Normal / Balanced

  • Start with a gentle chemical exfoliant 1–2×/week.

  • Soulfully Infused support: cleanse with Sif’s Gentle Face & Body Cleanser (6oz), then hydrate with Sif’s Hydrating Toner (6oz) and Sif’s Moisture Balance Gel (1.7oz).

Dry / Dehydrated

  • Prefer lactic acid or enzymes 1×/week; skip gritty scrubs.

  • Support: layer Sif’s Hyaluronic Acid Complex Serum (1oz), seal with Sif’s Recovery Cream; add a fingertip of Sif’s Raw Shea Butter at night when you need extra cushion.

Sensitive / Reactive

  • Choose PHA/enzymes (or skip chemical exfoliation and focus on barrier repair).

  • Support: Sif’s Snail Mucin Facial Serum (1oz) + Sif’s Recovery Cream after any exfoliation night.

Oily / Blemish-Prone

  • BHA 2–3×/week can help with oil and congestion; go slow at first.

  • Soulfully Infused support: alternate Sif’s Charcoal Soap for a deeper cleanse (reduce if skin feels tight) and finish with Sif’s Vitamin Boost Serum (1oz) + Moisture Balance Gel (1.7oz).

Combination

  • Treat the T-zone with BHA while keeping cheeks on a gentler schedule.

  • Weekly reset: Sif’s Dead Sea Mud as a targeted mask on congested areas.


Body vs. face

  • Face: keep it soft and minimal. If you like a tactile feel, use a microfiber cloth—light pressure only.

  • Body: this is where texture shines. Sif’s Peppermint Coffee Scrub and Sif’s Exfoliating Luffa Bar help smooth arms, legs, and elbows before moisturizing.


How often is right?

  • Start once weekly.

  • If skin stays calm for two weeks, try moving to twice weekly.

  • More isn’t better—if you feel tightness or stinging, scale back.


Order of operations (evening)

  1. Cleanse: Sif’s Gentle Face & Body Cleanser (6oz)

  2. Exfoliate: your chosen method (skip on irritated days)

  3. Hydrate: Sif’s Hydrating Toner (6oz)

  4. Treat: Hyaluronic Acid Complex Serum or Snail Mucin Serum

  5. Moisturize & seal: Recovery Cream or Moisture Balance Gel

  6. AM only the next day: sunscreen

“Exfoliate for clarity—hydrate for glow. They’re a pair.”


Safety first

  • Avoid layering strong acids with retinoids on the same night.

  • Patch-test new products.

  • Always wear SPF during the day—freshly polished skin is sun-sensitive.


Suggested Soulfully Infused pairings

  • Glow & Calm Set (face): Gentle Cleanser → Hydrating Toner → Hyaluronic Acid Complex or Snail Mucin → Recovery Cream

  • Polish & Plush (body): Peppermint Coffee Scrub (in-shower) → Raw Shea Butter or Recovery Cream on damp skin

Back to blog