Exfoliation in Indian Skincare: What It Really Does and How to Do It Right

When you hear exfoliation, the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath. Also known as skin resurfacing, it's not just a spa trend—it's a necessary part of managing skin issues common in India’s humid, polluted climate. Many people think scrubbing harder means better results, but that’s where things go wrong. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin’s natural barrier, trigger dark spots, and make acne worse—especially if you’re using harsh scrubs with walnut shells or synthetic beads.

There are two main ways to exfoliate: physical exfoliants, manual methods like scrubs, brushes, or cloths that remove dead skin through friction, and chemical exfoliants, ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and enzymes that dissolve dead skin cells without scrubbing. In Indian skincare routines, physical exfoliants are still popular—think besan (gram flour) masks or sugar scrubs—but they’re not always safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Chemical exfoliants like lactic acid (found in milk) or salicylic acid (from willow bark) are gentler and more effective, especially for oily or congested skin. Ayurvedic practices have long used natural exfoliants like turmeric and neem, but modern science shows that consistency and pH balance matter more than the ingredient’s origin.

What you need to know is this: exfoliation isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you have dry, flaky skin, you might need gentle chemical exfoliation twice a week. If you’re dealing with post-acne marks or uneven tone, you’ll benefit from regular, low-dose AHA use. But if your skin is red, irritated, or breaking out, skipping exfoliation for a while might be the best move. The posts below cover exactly this—how different skin types respond to exfoliation, what Ayurvedic alternatives actually work, why some online skincare products do more harm than good, and how to tell if your exfoliation routine is helping or hurting you. You’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there, not marketing fluff. Whether you’re using a homemade scrub or a prescription-grade serum, the goal is the same: healthy skin that doesn’t feel like it’s being punished every day.