After years of formulating skincare and working closely with skin, our founder shares a thoughtful approach to exfoliation, including why we created two very different exfoliants.
By Saya
Exfoliation is one of those skincare steps that can feel confusing, and I completely understand why. Over the years, these are the questions I hear most often: How often should I exfoliate? Will it irritate my skin? Do I need a scrub, an acid, or both?
From my experience formulating skincare and working closely with skin for many years, I’ve learned that exfoliation doesn’t need to be harsh or complicated to be effective. When it’s done properly, it can genuinely change how your skin looks, how it feels, and how well it responds to the rest of your routine.
That’s exactly why we have two exfoliants in the Saya range. They’re both high-performance, but they’re designed to work in different ways, because everyone’s skin is different, and skin needs change over time.
Why exfoliation matters
Our skin naturally sheds dead skin cells, but as we get older, that process slows down. When those cells linger on the surface, skin can start to look dull, feel rough, or become congested. Products don’t always absorb as well, and skin can lose that natural clarity that makes it look healthy and balanced.
Exfoliating helps remove that buildup so skin feels smoother, looks brighter, and functions better overall. For me, the most important part has always been choosing an exfoliant that supports the skin barrier rather than disrupting it, because healthy skin always responds better in the long run.
Our approach to exfoliation at Saya
Exfoliation has always been about balance for me. I’ve never believed in aggressive formulas or pushing the skin too hard. Instead, my focus has always been on delivering real results while still being kind to the skin.
Rather than creating one exfoliant and expecting it to suit everyone, we created two. Each one has a clear role in the range and suits different skin needs, routines, and preferences. I also like that they can be used individually or together, depending on how your skin feels at the time.
Brightening Peel
The Brightening Peel is our overnight exfoliating treatment, and it’s the one I tend to reach for when skin needs a little more correction. It works purely through chemical exfoliation, so there’s no scrubbing involved.
Once applied, the lightweight lotion spreads evenly across the skin and starts working straight away to dissolve surface dead skin cells. We chose lactic acid over glycolic acid because it’s naturally more hydrating and much less irritating, which makes a big difference for sensitive or reactive skin.
With regular use, the Brightening Peel helps improve clarity, refine texture, and support concerns like pigmentation and congestion over time. It’s the kind of product that builds results quietly and consistently.
Your overnight skin transformer
The Brightening Peel is a leave-on, overnight treatment that works purely through chemical exfoliation.
It’s formulated with:
- 7.5% lactic acid
- A fruit-derived AHA complex
- Azelaic acid
- Licorice root
- Skin-supporting hydrators
Once applied, it spreads easily across the skin and starts working immediately to break down surface dead skin cells. While it’s very active, it’s also surprisingly gentle. Using lactic acid instead of glycolic acid allows the formula to be effective without leaving skin feeling tight or compromised.
With regular use, the Brightening Peel helps to:
- Improve overall clarity and brightness
- Support pigmentation and age spots
- Smooth uneven texture
- Help with congestion and breakouts
- Be suitable for rosacea-prone skin
If you’re looking for something that works overnight and delivers longer-term skin improvement, this is the exfoliant I usually recommend.
AHA Micro Exfoliant
The AHA Micro Exfoliant offers a very different exfoliation experience. This is a cream-based, rinse-off exfoliant designed to give immediate smoothness and brightness, while still supporting the skin barrier.
It combines chemical exfoliation with gentle fruit enzymes and finely milled jojoba beads. The beads are perfectly spherical, so they polish the skin rather than scratch it, something I’m always very mindful of when formulating exfoliating products.
The texture is rich and cushiony, which makes it very easy and pleasant to use. Skin feels noticeably softer, smoother, and more radiant straight after rinsing. It’s high-performance, but in a gentler, more approachable way.
It’s a creamy, rinse-off exfoliant that combines:
- Chemical exfoliation with lactic acid and fruit AHAs
- Enzymatic exfoliation with papaya, pineapple, and mango enzymes
- Physical exfoliation with finely milled jojoba beads
Skin feels noticeably softer, smoother, and brighter straight away.
This exfoliant is ideal if you:
- Are new to exfoliating
- Prefer instant results
- Enjoy a cream-based texture
- Want something effective but gentle
How often should I exfoliate?
This is probably the question I’m asked most often, and the answer really depends on your skin and the exfoliant you’re using.
For most people, exfoliating one to three times a week works well. If your skin is sensitive or you’re new to exfoliation, starting once a week and building up slowly is usually best.
The AHA Micro Exfoliant can often be used more frequently, as it’s a rinse-off treatment and designed to be gentle. The Brightening Peel, being a leave-on overnight treatment, is best used one to two nights a week, giving the skin time to regenerate in between.
Your skin will always give you feedback. If it feels comfortable, balanced, and clear, you’re doing the right thing. If it starts to feel tight or sensitive, simply ease back.
Which one is right for you?
Choosing between the two really comes down to what your skin needs and how you prefer to exfoliate.
If you like the idea of a leave-on treatment that works overnight and delivers gradual, visible change, the Brightening Peel may be the right fit. If you prefer a rinse-off exfoliant that gives instant smoothness and glow, the AHA Micro Exfoliant often feels easier to incorporate.
Many of our customers use both, alternating depending on how their skin feels, one for deeper correction, the other for quick refinement. It’s a flexible approach that I personally find works best.
Exfoliation made simple
Exfoliation shouldn’t feel intimidating. With the right formula, it becomes an intentional, supportive step that helps your skin function at its best.
Both exfoliants exist in the range for a reason. Different textures, different methods, the same focus on balance, performance, and skin health. The best one is simply the one that works for you.
If you are still not sure please send a message and I will be more than happy to assist you with choosing the exfoliant for you.
Saya x