Samantha Sargent Exfoliation Dos and Don'ts Interview

Samantha Sargent Exfoliation Do's and Don'ts Interview

Question: How often should we exfoliate our bodies?

Samantha Sargent: As often as you feel necessary. Body brushing each morning is my favourite way to exfoliate; and then a once a week scrub for a deeper cleanse and exfoliate.


Question: How many times a week should we use an exfoliating product, on our face?

Samantha Sargent: It depends on your skin; once a week is a general recommendation, but it's always best to go with what feels right for you.


Question: What signs are associated with over exfoliating?

Samantha Sargent: Skin sensitivity, redness and irritation are all signs of over exfoliating.


Question: What are the three most common exfoliating mistakes?

Samantha Sargent: The three most common exfoliating mistakes are:
Exfoliating too often
Exfoliating too intensely/roughly and,
Exfoliating with harsh ingredients that expose immature skin cells.

Question: Why are micro-beads so bad for our skin?

Samantha Sargent: Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic most frequently made from polyethylene, but can be made from other petrochemical plastics such as polypropylene and polystyrene which are not ideal ingredients to be using on the delicate skin of your face, as well as the devastating effect that they - microbeads - have on the environment once all those face washes, toothpastes and other personal care products containing microbeads are washed down the bathroom sink and in to our water ways.

An additional concern, with products that contain microbeads, such as face washes and scrubs, is that they encourage daily use. People think that the more they exfoliate the better. This is not only false, but also detrimental to the health and beauty of your skin, as the skin simply can't cope with that amount of aggravation.


Question: Can you share what we should be doing when exfoliating?

Samantha Sargent: The first step is to choose a natural and organic product with effective and gentle plant extracts, such as jojoba beads or bromelain enzyme from papaya, as they effectively exfoliate whilst promoting a healthy, hydrated and radiant complexion.

When applying the exfoliant, do so with gentle circular motions via your fingertips. Please don't use exfoliating brushes with synthetic brush hairs, as they can aggravate your skin and lead to redness and irritation.

Finally, remember to remove the exfoliant with warm water and follow with a hydrating mist made from organic plant hydrosols and a good face oil or moisturiser.


Question: How can we make a DIY natural exfoliate, at home?

Samantha Sargent: Bicarbonate soda and vodka is a fabulous exfoliant that I love to use all over my body.


Question: Why is it so important to use a nourishing moisturiser after exfoliating?
Samantha Sargent: Hydrating and nourishing the skin with a good quality natural and organic moisturiser after exfoliating helps to provide the skin cells with what they require to look and feel healthy, soft and smooth.


Question: What is your favourite exfoliator?

Samantha Sargent: AEOS Pink Gentle Exfoliant as it contains liquid crystal essence of rose quartz.


Interview by Brooke Hunter