May 29, 2025 • 6 mins
In this episode of "Plants, Flowers, Oils and Whimsy", host Carrie Scharf discusses how aging affects the appearance of our pores and offers natural skincare solutions for healthier-looking skin. These include gentle exfoliation with oatmeal and chamomile, clay masks, herbal facial steams, and facial oils like jojoba and essential oils. Lifestyle habits, such as hydration, diet, and stress management, are also explored. The episode wraps up with a DIY recipe for a pore-refining toner, and emphasizes the importance of practicing self-love and acceptance, reminding listeners to care for their skin gently and naturally without striving for impossible standards.
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Episode Transcript
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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. Today's episode
is all about pores, why they change over time, and
how to take care of them naturally. We'll cover everything
you need to know to help keep your skin looking
its best using gentle and natural methods. So let's get started.
(00:28):
As we age, our skin undergoes various changes, and one
such change involves our pores. Factors like elasticity loss, a
decrease in collagen production, hormonal changes, sun damage, and dehydration
all play significant roles in how our pores look over time. Essentially,
as we lose elasticity and collagen, our skin doesn't bounce
(00:48):
back the way it used to, causing pores to appear larger.
Hormones can spark an overproduction of oil, which stretches out
the pores, while sun damage can thicken skin cells, making
pores more viz. Dehydration two can make pores seem more
prominent because dry skin tends to shrink and cling to
the edges of your pores, making them look larger than
(01:08):
they are. But here's the good news. While we can't
permanently shrink our pores, we can take steps to make
them appear healthier. Using natural skin care products can help
maintain the elasticity and collagen in your skin. Eating a
balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and essential fatty
acids can also contribute to healthier skin overall. By focusing
(01:31):
on natural methods, you can help your pores look their
best without resorting to harsh treatments. Let's explore some gentle
and natural ways to take care of your pores using
herbal ingredients. First up, gentle exfoliation. Instead of harsh scrubs
that can damage your skin, aim for a weakly exfoliant
made from oatmeal and cammomeal. The oatmeal softly removes dead
(01:52):
skin cells, while cammomeal soothes any irritation, leaving your skin
refreshed and calm. Next, let's talk about clay masks. French
green clay and white coolin are terrific options for detoxifying
your pores. Mix the clay with rose water or alo
vera for a soothing and hydrating mask that leaves your
skin feeling clean and balanced. Another great method is herbal
(02:13):
facial steams. Ingredients like rosemary, lavender, and thyme can deeply
cleanse your pores while providing a calming aromatherapy experience. Simply
add these herbs to a bowl of hot water, lean
over with a towel covering your head, and let the
steam do its magic. Finally, don't forget about the power
of facial oils. Jojoba oil is excellent for mimicking your
(02:35):
skin's natural sebum, helping to balance oil levels. Essential oils
like tea, tree and geranium can also promote clarity and balance.
Just a few drops massaged into your skin can make
a big difference in how healthy your pores look and feel.
By incorporating these gentle, natural methods into your skincare routine,
you can help keep your pores looking their best without
(02:56):
harsh treatments. Moving on, let's discuss some life's tips. Staying
well hydrated is crucial if you want healthy pores. Make
sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal
teas like nettle, hibiscus, and dandelion can also contribute to
your hydration and provide additional skin benefits. Now, let's talk
about skin loving foods including omega. Three fatty acids in
(03:19):
your diet can do wonders for your skin. Foods like salmon,
flax seeds, and walnuts are excellent sources. Don't forget zinc
rich foods such as pumpkin seeds and chickpeas. Antioxidant rich
foods including berries, spinach, and dark chocolate help protect your
skin from damage and promote overall health. But it's not
just about what you should eat, it's also about what
(03:39):
to limit. Processed foods, refined sugar, and dairy can negatively
impact your skin. Try to keep these to a minimum
for the best results. Stress and hormones can wreak havoc
on your pores as well. Managing your cortisol levels is
essential for healthy skin. Regular breathwork, movement, and even prayer
can help you keep your stress in check. Herbs like
(04:00):
spearmint and holy basal are also known for their cortisol
lowering properties and can be a wonderful addition to your
wellness routine. So incorporate these lifestyle tips to complement your
natural skin care methods ensuring your pores remain healthy and vibrant.
Next up on our list is a do it yourself
poor refining toner. This herbal poor toning mist is incredibly
(04:22):
easy to make and packs a punch with its natural,
skin loving ingredients. Let's go through the simple recipe. You'll
need which hazel, rose hydrosol, or green tea, and a
couple of essential oils, specifically geranium and lavender. These ingredients
work together to help tighten and soothe your skin without
the use of any harsh chemicals. Start by filling a
(04:43):
spray bottle halfway with which hazel. Which hazel is fantastic
for its astringent properties, which can reduce inflammation and tighten
up your pores. Next, fill the rest of the bottle
with either rose hydrosol or green tea, depending on your preference.
Rose hydrosol is incredibly soothing an hydrating perfect for sensitive skin,
while green tea is loaded with antioxidants that can help
(05:05):
fight free radicals. Finally, add a few drops of geranium
and lavender essential oils. Geranium oil is known for its
balancing properties and lavender oil provides a calming effect. Your
skin will absolutely love it. Once you've combined all the ingredients,
give the bottle a good shake to mix everything together,
and there you have it. A beautifully handcrafted herbal poor
(05:27):
toning mist to use simply sprits it on your face
after you've cleansed your skin, or as a refreshing midday
pick me up. Just a couple of sprays can help
keep your pores looking their best while providing your skin
with a natural, aromatic treat Gentle reminders. In the quest
for healthy and vibrant skin, it's crucial to practice self
love and acceptance. Your skin, with its unique characteristics, deserves
(05:50):
gentle care. Let's embrace the beauty of our natural skin
without chasing impossible standards or harsh treatments. A balanced skincare
routine means nurturing your skin with kindness. Remember, the pores
on your skin are a natural part of being human.
They allow your skin to breathe and function, so treat
them with the respect they deserve. Sometimes we get caught
(06:11):
up in trying to achieve that flawless look, but true
beauty lies in embracing our natural selves. Let's focus on
what makes our skin feel good rather than trying to
change it. Keep it gentle, keep it natural, and most importantly,
keep it loving. If you enjoyed this podcast and want
more herbal infused skin care and self care, find me
(06:31):
on substack and check out my paid subscription for more content,
including a worksheet on today's episode.
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of our podcast, Plants, Flowers,
Oils and Whimsy. I'm your host, Carrie Sharf. Today's episode
is all about pores, why they change over time, and
how to take care of them naturally. We'll cover everything
you need to know to help keep your skin looking
its best using gentle and natural methods. So let's get started.
(00:28):
As we age, our skin undergoes various changes, and one
such change involves our pores. Factors like elasticity loss, a
decrease in collagen production, hormonal changes, sun damage, and dehydration
all play significant roles in how our pores look over time. Essentially,
as we lose elasticity and collagen, our skin doesn't bounce
(00:48):
back the way it used to, causing pores to appear larger.
Hormones can spark an overproduction of oil, which stretches out
the pores, while sun damage can thicken skin cells, making
pores more viz. Dehydration two can make pores seem more
prominent because dry skin tends to shrink and cling to
the edges of your pores, making them look larger than
(01:08):
they are. But here's the good news. While we can't
permanently shrink our pores, we can take steps to make
them appear healthier. Using natural skin care products can help
maintain the elasticity and collagen in your skin. Eating a
balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and essential fatty
acids can also contribute to healthier skin overall. By focusing
(01:31):
on natural methods, you can help your pores look their
best without resorting to harsh treatments. Let's explore some gentle
and natural ways to take care of your pores using
herbal ingredients. First up, gentle exfoliation. Instead of harsh scrubs
that can damage your skin, aim for a weakly exfoliant
made from oatmeal and cammomeal. The oatmeal softly removes dead
(01:52):
skin cells, while cammomeal soothes any irritation, leaving your skin
refreshed and calm. Next, let's talk about clay masks. French
green clay and white coolin are terrific options for detoxifying
your pores. Mix the clay with rose water or alo
vera for a soothing and hydrating mask that leaves your
skin feeling clean and balanced. Another great method is herbal
(02:13):
facial steams. Ingredients like rosemary, lavender, and thyme can deeply
cleanse your pores while providing a calming aromatherapy experience. Simply
add these herbs to a bowl of hot water, lean
over with a towel covering your head, and let the
steam do its magic. Finally, don't forget about the power
of facial oils. Jojoba oil is excellent for mimicking your
(02:35):
skin's natural sebum, helping to balance oil levels. Essential oils
like tea, tree and geranium can also promote clarity and balance.
Just a few drops massaged into your skin can make
a big difference in how healthy your pores look and feel.
By incorporating these gentle, natural methods into your skincare routine,
you can help keep your pores looking their best without
(02:56):
harsh treatments. Moving on, let's discuss some life's tips. Staying
well hydrated is crucial if you want healthy pores. Make
sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal
teas like nettle, hibiscus, and dandelion can also contribute to
your hydration and provide additional skin benefits. Now, let's talk
about skin loving foods including omega. Three fatty acids in
(03:19):
your diet can do wonders for your skin. Foods like salmon,
flax seeds, and walnuts are excellent sources. Don't forget zinc
rich foods such as pumpkin seeds and chickpeas. Antioxidant rich
foods including berries, spinach, and dark chocolate help protect your
skin from damage and promote overall health. But it's not
just about what you should eat, it's also about what
(03:39):
to limit. Processed foods, refined sugar, and dairy can negatively
impact your skin. Try to keep these to a minimum
for the best results. Stress and hormones can wreak havoc
on your pores as well. Managing your cortisol levels is
essential for healthy skin. Regular breathwork, movement, and even prayer
can help you keep your stress in check. Herbs like
(04:00):
spearmint and holy basal are also known for their cortisol
lowering properties and can be a wonderful addition to your
wellness routine. So incorporate these lifestyle tips to complement your
natural skin care methods ensuring your pores remain healthy and vibrant.
Next up on our list is a do it yourself
poor refining toner. This herbal poor toning mist is incredibly
(04:22):
easy to make and packs a punch with its natural,
skin loving ingredients. Let's go through the simple recipe. You'll
need which hazel, rose hydrosol, or green tea, and a
couple of essential oils, specifically geranium and lavender. These ingredients
work together to help tighten and soothe your skin without
the use of any harsh chemicals. Start by filling a
(04:43):
spray bottle halfway with which hazel. Which hazel is fantastic
for its astringent properties, which can reduce inflammation and tighten
up your pores. Next, fill the rest of the bottle
with either rose hydrosol or green tea, depending on your preference.
Rose hydrosol is incredibly soothing an hydrating perfect for sensitive skin,
while green tea is loaded with antioxidants that can help
(05:05):
fight free radicals. Finally, add a few drops of geranium
and lavender essential oils. Geranium oil is known for its
balancing properties and lavender oil provides a calming effect. Your
skin will absolutely love it. Once you've combined all the ingredients,
give the bottle a good shake to mix everything together,
and there you have it. A beautifully handcrafted herbal poor
(05:27):
toning mist to use simply sprits it on your face
after you've cleansed your skin, or as a refreshing midday
pick me up. Just a couple of sprays can help
keep your pores looking their best while providing your skin
with a natural, aromatic treat Gentle reminders. In the quest
for healthy and vibrant skin, it's crucial to practice self
love and acceptance. Your skin, with its unique characteristics, deserves
(05:50):
gentle care. Let's embrace the beauty of our natural skin
without chasing impossible standards or harsh treatments. A balanced skincare
routine means nurturing your skin with kindness. Remember, the pores
on your skin are a natural part of being human.
They allow your skin to breathe and function, so treat
them with the respect they deserve. Sometimes we get caught
(06:11):
up in trying to achieve that flawless look, but true
beauty lies in embracing our natural selves. Let's focus on
what makes our skin feel good rather than trying to
change it. Keep it gentle, keep it natural, and most importantly,
keep it loving. If you enjoyed this podcast and want
more herbal infused skin care and self care, find me
(06:31):
on substack and check out my paid subscription for more content,
including a worksheet on today's episode.
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