Summer Mask Recipes for Dull or Congested Skin

In this episode of the Plants, Flowers, Oils and Whimsy podcast, Carrie Scharf guides listeners through achieving a summer glow using do-it-yourself face masks. She explains how summer factors such as sweat, sunscreens and environmental damage can affect skin, causing congestion and dullness. On the other hand, she highlights the benefits of herbal or clay-based masks, like absorbing excess oil and soothing irritation. Carrie shares three DIY recipes catering to different skin concerns: the cooling and calming Cucumber and Aloe Soothing Mask, the antibacterial and exfoliating Honey and Chamomile Brightening Mask, and the purifying Clay and Rose Mask. She emphasizes the necessity of a patch test before trying new masks, and offers a few tips on how to get the most out of these DIY masks. She also invites listeners to share their experiences and subscribe to her newsletter for more skincare advice, and ends by reminding everyone to not just stay hydrated, but also stay whimsical.

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Episode Transcript

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 today
we have a refreshing topic lined up for you. We're
diving into how you can achieve that summer glow with
some fabulous DII face masks. If you've been wondering how
to get clear, radiant skin without spending a fortune, you're

(00:24):
in the right place, so stay tuned as we explore
some amazing homemade recipes to keep you looking your best
all season long. Now, let's talk about why your skin
may feel congested and dull during the summer months. First off,
the combination of sweat and excess oil production can clog
your pores, leading to breakouts and a lackluster complexion. When

(00:45):
you're constantly applying heavy sunscreens and makeup to protect your
skin from the sun, these products can also trap dirt
and bacteria, adding to the problem. Environmental factors like dust
and UV damage only make things worse by irritating the
skin and speeding up aging. To top it off, dehydration
from the heat and sun can leave your skin looking

(01:07):
tired and worn out. But don't worry. Herbal or clay
based masks can be a fantastic way to reset your
skin and breathe new life into it without using harsh methods.
These natural options can help absorb excess oil, clear out impurities,
and soothe any irritation, so keep that in mind as
we move forward. Now let's get into the fun part

(01:29):
making your own face masks today. I have three brilliant
DIY recipes that cater to different skin concerns. Let's start
with the Cucumber and alo soothing mask. For this mask,
you'll need half a cucumber and two tablespoons of alo viagel.
Blend the cucumber into a puree and then mix it
with the aloe. Apply it to your face and let
it sit for about fifteen minutes before rinsing off with

(01:51):
cool water. This mask is perfect for cooling, calming, and
purifying your skin, especially if it's been irritated by the
sun or heat. Next up is the honey and camomeal
brightening mask. For this one, you'll need one tablespoon of
honey and some cooled kamameal tea about two tablespoons. Mix
the two ingredients until you get a smooth consistency. Apply

(02:13):
it to your face and leave it on for twenty
minutes before rinsing off with warm water. This mask is
excellent for its antibacterial properties, soothing your skin and providing
a gentle exfoliation to reveal a brighter complexion. Lastly, we
have the clay and rose mask. You'll need two tablespoons
of clay like bent night or caolin clay and a
teaspoon of rose water. Mix them together until you have

(02:36):
a smooth paste. Apply it to your face and leave
it on for ten to fifteen minutes, then rinse off
with lukewarm water. This mask is great for drawing out impurities,
balancing your skin, and giving you that luxurious, spawlike feel
at home. Remember always do a patch test before trying
a new mask to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction.

(02:57):
All right, let's move on to some valuable tips for
using these summer mass wisely. First, always make sure to
apply your mask to thoroughly cleansed skin. This helps to
ensure that you're getting the maximum benefit from the ingredients
without any dirt or oil getting in the way. Keep
it simple and limit your mask us to about one
to two times per week. Overdoing it can actually irritate
your skin, which is the last thing you want. If

(03:19):
you're using a clay mask, don't let it dry out
completely on your face. You can lightly miss it with
water to keep it from getting too harsh. After you've
rinsed off your mask, it's a good idea to follow
up with a facial oil or a hydrosol to lock
in the moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Lastly,
take some time to turn this into a relaxing ritual.

(03:41):
Light a candle, play some calming music, and truly enjoy
this self care moment. Your skin and your soul will
thank you. That wraps up our segment on diy face
masks for a summer glow. Remember, the most important thing
is to listen to your skin's needs. Everybody's skin is
different and what works wonders for one person might not
be the best for another. The beauty of homemade masks

(04:04):
is their simplicity and the ability to customize them to
suit your skin. Plus they can be just as effective
as the expensive store bought options. I really encourage you
to give these recipes a shot and see which ones
become your favorites. And we'd love to hear from you,
share your experiences, and let us know which mask you
love the most. For more tips, recipes, and all things
plants and skincare, check out my zine and subscribe to

(04:25):
the newsletter. Links will be in the show notes, so
make sure to take a look. Stay hydrated, stay radiant,
and most importantly, stay whimsical. This is Carrie Sharf signing
off from the Plants, Flowers, Oils and Whimsy podcast. Until
next time.