August 21, 2025 • 8 mins
In this episode of Plants, Flowers, Oils, and Whimsy, I’m diving into the importance of exfoliation as we shift from summer to fall. Seasonal transitions are the perfect time to give our skin a little extra love, and exfoliation helps us release what no longer serves us—both physically and symbolically. I’ll be sharing my favorite gentle exfoliants: honey for its antibacterial and hydrating properties, clays like Kaolin and French green for their purifying and soft buffing qualities, and ground herbs such as chamomile, oats, and rose petals for their calming, soothing, and toning benefits. These natural ingredients not only support your skin, but they also add a touch of ritual and intention to your routine. To me, exfoliation isn’t just skincare—it’s a self-care practice, a way to honor the changing season and welcome fresh energy into our lives. And if you’d love more guidance, recipes, and resources for creating your own natural skincare rituals, I’d love to invite you to explore The Course Library—a beautiful collection designed to support you in crafting skincare and self-care routines that feel nourishing and empowering.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast, Plants, Flowers,
Oils and Whimsy. I'm your host, Carrie Sharf, and I'm
excited to have you with us today. In this episode,
we're going to discuss gentle exfoliance for skincare, especially as
we transition from summer to fall. We'll talk about how
ingredients like honey, clay, and ground herbs can help refresh
and rejuvenate your skin during the seasonal change. We're also
(00:27):
focusing on the importance of a seasonal reset for both
your skin and your self care rituals. So let's get
into it and explore these wonderful natural exfoliance together. As
the seasons change from summer to fall, our skin undergoes
its own transition. During the summer, our skin is exposed
to sun, sweat, and plenty of time outdoors, which can
(00:47):
leave residue and build up on the surface. This is
why exfoliation becomes so important. As we move into autumn,
the cooler and drier air can leave our skin feeling
tighter and dehydrated. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells,
which not only allows the skin to breathe, but also
makes room for new healthy skin to come through. By
incorporating exfoliation into your self care routine, you're not just
(01:10):
cleaning your skin, but also giving yourself a moment to
refresh and renew. It can be a therapeutic process, enhancing
both your skin's appearance and your overall well being. So
whether you're using gentle ingredients like honey, clay, or ground herbs,
remember that exfoliation can be a key part of your
seasonal self care rituals Now, let's dive into our ingredient
spotlight honey. When you think about honey, you probably imagine
(01:33):
a sweet treat to add to your tea, But did
you know it's also a fantastic skin care ingredient. Raw
honey is truly a powerhouse. It's naturally antibacterial, which means
it can help keep breakouts at bay by combating bacteria
on the skin. Not only that, honey is also extremely hydrating,
capable of drawing moisture into the skin to keep it
soft and supple. Plus, it's gentle enough for sensitive skin,
(01:57):
making it an excellent alternative to harsher exfoliants or scrubs.
Traditional scrubs can sometimes be abrasive, especially for sensitive or
mature skin. Types. In contrast, honey offers a gentler option,
exfoliating without irritation. It's perfect if you're looking for a
natural and soothing way to refresh your skin. Using honey
(02:17):
in your skin care routine is simple. Here's a step
by step guide. First, apply a thin layer of raw
honey to damp skin. Next, massage it in gently, allowing
the enzymes to work their magic. Finally, rinse it off
with warm water. You'll be left with skin that feels soft, hydrated,
and glows with a natural radiance. The results are often immediate.
(02:38):
Expect a soft, hydrated glow that makes your skin feel
as though it's been pampered in the best possible way.
Honey is truly a wonderful addition to any skincare routine,
especially during the seasonal transition. Next up, in our ingredient Spotlight,
we're focusing on clay, specifically caoline and French green clay.
These clays are amazing for multitude of reasons. First, let's
(03:02):
talk about Kylin clay, known for its gentle nature. Chylin
is excellent for all skin types, even sensitive skin. It's
a soft clay that does wonders in drawing out impurities,
without being too harsh. On the other hand, we have
French green clay, which is slightly more absorbent and great
for those with oily or acne prone skin. It's well
loved for its powerful detoxifying properties. What makes clay such
(03:25):
a fantastic ingredient in exfoliation? For one, it has dual benefits.
Not only does it draw out impurities from deep within
your pores, but it also provides a soft, physical exfoliation
as you rinse it off. This dual action leaves your
skin feeling exceptionally clean and refreshed. So how do you
use clay in your skincare routine? It's super simple. Start
(03:49):
by mixing the clay with water or a hydrosol to
create a smooth paste. Apply this paste evenly on your face,
avoiding the delicate eye area. Allow it to sit for
just a few minutes, not too long as you don't
want it to dry out completely, and pull out your skin.
When you're ready to rinse it off, use gentle circular motions.
This technique not only helps to exfoliate the dead skin cells,
(04:09):
but also boost circulation, giving you that extra glow. The
experience of using clay for exfoliation can be incredibly refreshing
and clarifying. There's something grounding about it, connecting you back
to Earth's natural elements while purifying your skin. This ritual
not only benefits your skin, but can also be a
calming and meditative practice. Imagine a spol like experience at
(04:32):
home where you can take a moment for yourself to
relax and rejuvenate. Clay is indeed a special ingredient that
brings both skincare benefits and a sense of tranquility. Now,
let's talk about another amazing ingredient for gentle exfoliation. Ground
herbs Commonly used herbs like cammomile, oats and dried rose
petals not only add a lovely natural touch to your
(04:53):
skin care routine, but also provide a whole host of
skin benefits. Camomial, for instance, is known for its calming
properties which can help soothe irritated skin. Oats are incredibly gentle,
making them perfect for sensitive skin types, and they offer
a unique texture that polishes the skin softly. Dried rose petals,
apart from their enchanting aroma, have toning qualities that can
(05:14):
help balance your skin. So why might you choose ground
herbs over traditional sugar or salt scrubs. The answer lies
in their gentle nature. Ground herbs offer a mild exfoliation
that polishes your skin without causing abrasions or irritation. This
makes them particularly suitable for anyone with delicate or sensitive skin.
The plant properties in these herbs enhance the skin by
(05:36):
offering calming, soothing, and toning effects that go beyond mirrxfoliation.
To prepare and use a ground herb scrub, it's as
simple as blending ground oats with camomile and a bit
of warm water. This mixture forms a soft paste that
you can massage gently into your skin. The process is
not only effective, but also feels deeply nourishing. Massaging this
(05:58):
herbal paste into your skin and offers a unique sensory experience.
It's like a textured, nourishing exfoliation that brings to mind
the gentle nurturing of a garden blessing. Imagine the soft,
soothing touch of camomile, the gentle exfoliation from oats, and
the aromatic lift from rose petals, all working together to
refresh and rejuvenate your skin. Ground herbs are truly a
(06:22):
wonderful way to treat your skin. To something special while
keeping your self care natural and gentle. Let's explore the
beauty of turning exfoliation into a ritual. Start by creating
a calming ambiance. Light your favorite candles, and play some
soothing music to set the tone for relaxation. As you
begin the exfoliation process, think of it as more than
just skincare. It's a symbolic act. By gently scrubbing away
(06:46):
old skin cells, you're also letting go of any lingering
seasonal heaviness. This prepares you to embrace Autumn's clarity, its coolness,
and grounding energy. As you integrate this practice into your routine,
it becomes an opportune unity for mindfulness and self care.
Each movement becomes deliberate, a reminder to be present and
attentive to both your body and mind. This mindful approach
(07:09):
helps to create a holistic experience that refreshes not just
your skin, but your spirit as well. In summary, we've
talked about the amazing benefits that honey, clay, and ground
herbs can offer for your skin care, especially as we
transition between seasons. Embracing these natural ingredients can help you
refresh and rejuvenate your skin while also providing a wonderful
(07:29):
self care ritual. I encourage you to make exfoliation a
regular part of your self care routine. It's a simple,
yet powerful way to take care of your skin and yourself.
For even more DIY skincare recipes and rituals, consider becoming
a member of the Course Library. Our membership offers a
treasure trove of information and step by step guides to
(07:50):
help you elevate your self care routine to a new level.
We'd love for you to join and transform your self
care practices with us. Thank you for listening to this
episode of Plants, Flowers, Oil and Whimsy. I'm your host,
Carrie Sharf, and until next time, remember to reset your
skin and soul. Check the show notes for any links
or articles mentioned in today's episode. Goodbye for now.
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast, Plants, Flowers,
Oils and Whimsy. I'm your host, Carrie Sharf, and I'm
excited to have you with us today. In this episode,
we're going to discuss gentle exfoliance for skincare, especially as
we transition from summer to fall. We'll talk about how
ingredients like honey, clay, and ground herbs can help refresh
and rejuvenate your skin during the seasonal change. We're also
(00:27):
focusing on the importance of a seasonal reset for both
your skin and your self care rituals. So let's get
into it and explore these wonderful natural exfoliance together. As
the seasons change from summer to fall, our skin undergoes
its own transition. During the summer, our skin is exposed
to sun, sweat, and plenty of time outdoors, which can
(00:47):
leave residue and build up on the surface. This is
why exfoliation becomes so important. As we move into autumn,
the cooler and drier air can leave our skin feeling
tighter and dehydrated. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells,
which not only allows the skin to breathe, but also
makes room for new healthy skin to come through. By
incorporating exfoliation into your self care routine, you're not just
(01:10):
cleaning your skin, but also giving yourself a moment to
refresh and renew. It can be a therapeutic process, enhancing
both your skin's appearance and your overall well being. So
whether you're using gentle ingredients like honey, clay, or ground herbs,
remember that exfoliation can be a key part of your
seasonal self care rituals Now, let's dive into our ingredient
spotlight honey. When you think about honey, you probably imagine
(01:33):
a sweet treat to add to your tea, But did
you know it's also a fantastic skin care ingredient. Raw
honey is truly a powerhouse. It's naturally antibacterial, which means
it can help keep breakouts at bay by combating bacteria
on the skin. Not only that, honey is also extremely hydrating,
capable of drawing moisture into the skin to keep it
soft and supple. Plus, it's gentle enough for sensitive skin,
(01:57):
making it an excellent alternative to harsher exfoliants or scrubs.
Traditional scrubs can sometimes be abrasive, especially for sensitive or
mature skin. Types. In contrast, honey offers a gentler option,
exfoliating without irritation. It's perfect if you're looking for a
natural and soothing way to refresh your skin. Using honey
(02:17):
in your skin care routine is simple. Here's a step
by step guide. First, apply a thin layer of raw
honey to damp skin. Next, massage it in gently, allowing
the enzymes to work their magic. Finally, rinse it off
with warm water. You'll be left with skin that feels soft, hydrated,
and glows with a natural radiance. The results are often immediate.
(02:38):
Expect a soft, hydrated glow that makes your skin feel
as though it's been pampered in the best possible way.
Honey is truly a wonderful addition to any skincare routine,
especially during the seasonal transition. Next up, in our ingredient Spotlight,
we're focusing on clay, specifically caoline and French green clay.
These clays are amazing for multitude of reasons. First, let's
(03:02):
talk about Kylin clay, known for its gentle nature. Chylin
is excellent for all skin types, even sensitive skin. It's
a soft clay that does wonders in drawing out impurities,
without being too harsh. On the other hand, we have
French green clay, which is slightly more absorbent and great
for those with oily or acne prone skin. It's well
loved for its powerful detoxifying properties. What makes clay such
(03:25):
a fantastic ingredient in exfoliation? For one, it has dual benefits.
Not only does it draw out impurities from deep within
your pores, but it also provides a soft, physical exfoliation
as you rinse it off. This dual action leaves your
skin feeling exceptionally clean and refreshed. So how do you
use clay in your skincare routine? It's super simple. Start
(03:49):
by mixing the clay with water or a hydrosol to
create a smooth paste. Apply this paste evenly on your face,
avoiding the delicate eye area. Allow it to sit for
just a few minutes, not too long as you don't
want it to dry out completely, and pull out your skin.
When you're ready to rinse it off, use gentle circular motions.
This technique not only helps to exfoliate the dead skin cells,
(04:09):
but also boost circulation, giving you that extra glow. The
experience of using clay for exfoliation can be incredibly refreshing
and clarifying. There's something grounding about it, connecting you back
to Earth's natural elements while purifying your skin. This ritual
not only benefits your skin, but can also be a
calming and meditative practice. Imagine a spol like experience at
(04:32):
home where you can take a moment for yourself to
relax and rejuvenate. Clay is indeed a special ingredient that
brings both skincare benefits and a sense of tranquility. Now,
let's talk about another amazing ingredient for gentle exfoliation. Ground
herbs Commonly used herbs like cammomile, oats and dried rose
petals not only add a lovely natural touch to your
(04:53):
skin care routine, but also provide a whole host of
skin benefits. Camomial, for instance, is known for its calming
properties which can help soothe irritated skin. Oats are incredibly gentle,
making them perfect for sensitive skin types, and they offer
a unique texture that polishes the skin softly. Dried rose petals,
apart from their enchanting aroma, have toning qualities that can
(05:14):
help balance your skin. So why might you choose ground
herbs over traditional sugar or salt scrubs. The answer lies
in their gentle nature. Ground herbs offer a mild exfoliation
that polishes your skin without causing abrasions or irritation. This
makes them particularly suitable for anyone with delicate or sensitive skin.
The plant properties in these herbs enhance the skin by
(05:36):
offering calming, soothing, and toning effects that go beyond mirrxfoliation.
To prepare and use a ground herb scrub, it's as
simple as blending ground oats with camomile and a bit
of warm water. This mixture forms a soft paste that
you can massage gently into your skin. The process is
not only effective, but also feels deeply nourishing. Massaging this
(05:58):
herbal paste into your skin and offers a unique sensory experience.
It's like a textured, nourishing exfoliation that brings to mind
the gentle nurturing of a garden blessing. Imagine the soft,
soothing touch of camomile, the gentle exfoliation from oats, and
the aromatic lift from rose petals, all working together to
refresh and rejuvenate your skin. Ground herbs are truly a
(06:22):
wonderful way to treat your skin. To something special while
keeping your self care natural and gentle. Let's explore the
beauty of turning exfoliation into a ritual. Start by creating
a calming ambiance. Light your favorite candles, and play some
soothing music to set the tone for relaxation. As you
begin the exfoliation process, think of it as more than
just skincare. It's a symbolic act. By gently scrubbing away
(06:46):
old skin cells, you're also letting go of any lingering
seasonal heaviness. This prepares you to embrace Autumn's clarity, its coolness,
and grounding energy. As you integrate this practice into your routine,
it becomes an opportune unity for mindfulness and self care.
Each movement becomes deliberate, a reminder to be present and
attentive to both your body and mind. This mindful approach
(07:09):
helps to create a holistic experience that refreshes not just
your skin, but your spirit as well. In summary, we've
talked about the amazing benefits that honey, clay, and ground
herbs can offer for your skin care, especially as we
transition between seasons. Embracing these natural ingredients can help you
refresh and rejuvenate your skin while also providing a wonderful
(07:29):
self care ritual. I encourage you to make exfoliation a
regular part of your self care routine. It's a simple,
yet powerful way to take care of your skin and yourself.
For even more DIY skincare recipes and rituals, consider becoming
a member of the Course Library. Our membership offers a
treasure trove of information and step by step guides to
(07:50):
help you elevate your self care routine to a new level.
We'd love for you to join and transform your self
care practices with us. Thank you for listening to this
episode of Plants, Flowers, Oil and Whimsy. I'm your host,
Carrie Sharf, and until next time, remember to reset your
skin and soul. Check the show notes for any links
or articles mentioned in today's episode. Goodbye for now.
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