5 Masks for Summer Skin
Our skin is our largest organ. It is incredibly dynamic and constantly changing, shedding and adapting to our environment. In adults, our skin turns over roughly every two months. Our skin is our primary defense, communicating with our environment through its sensory function and providing protection through our numerous skin layers and our acid mantle. The acid mantle, or pH mantle, is a layer of sweat and sebum we naturally produce to maintain this protective barrier. As the name acid mantle implies, our skin is naturally acidic – with a natural range of 4.5-5.0 (quick pH scale refresher: it is a spectrum from 1 to 14, with 1 being the most acidic, 14 being the most basic (or alkaline) and 7 being neutral). This is important to keep in mind because shifts in skin pH impact skin health. Many skin care products are less acidic than skin’s natural pH and also strip away our natural acid mantle. Our skin responds by trying to maintain the acid mantle and its natural acidity, potentially creating a vicious cycle of stripping and overcompensating. This can lead to excess oiliness or dryness, breakouts, redness, irritation, rashes, etc.
It is not uncommon, especially in Virginia humidity, to experience shifts in your skin this time of year as we transition from spring into summer. Caring for your skin is equal parts supportive skin care regime and supportive diet, lifestyle and stress management practices (for an organ most of us take for granted, there is clearly a lot to discuss here!). Today we’re focusing on the skin care regime aspect, in particular on masks.
A weekly face mask is a wonderful opportunity to check in with and nourish/exfoliate/repair/soothe your skin (depending on your unique needs), as well as to carve out a bit of time with yourself. It’s less about the product or ingredient and more about you – take a minute to look at yourself and your skin in the mirror. Maybe touch your face with clean hands and feel the texture and viscosity. Ask your skin what it needs. Moisture? Exfoliation? To be soothed? To feel clarified? Once you’ve selected your mask, take some time to wash and clean your skin then to apply the mask slowly. This is as much about applying a product to support your skin as it is connecting with yourself for this slice of time. If you can, mask in peace (in the bath, outside, with a book, with a podcast, with your eyes closed). When it’s time, remove gently and softly and proceed with your skincare next steps. Don’t forget to smile at your beautiful radiant self.
Below are some of my favorite face masks – some you’ll find in your kitchen and some in the Ellwood’s Nourish department.
Yogurt ($). Full-fat yogurt is the yogurt of choice here. Naturally containing lactic acid and good bacteria, a yogurt mask will gently exfoliate while also cooling down and hydrating the skin. About ¼ cup will do the trick, letting it sit on the skin 5-10 minutes. This is a great choice if you’ve spent a little too much time in the sun.
Avocado ($$): Avocado has become synonymous with “healthy fats” and for good reason. An avocado face mask is all about nutrition – hydrating and nourishing the skin. The vast array of micronutrients, healthy fats and antioxidants help to soothe redness, heat and inflammation. Mash ¼-½ a ripe avocado and apply directly to the skin (optional: mix in a bit of raw honey) and let sit 20 minutes before rinsing.
Manuka honey ($$$): Manuka honey is a powerhouse for many reasons, and has lovely benefits for the skin. Due to the naturally occurring enzymes in the honey, it gently cleanses and exfoliates. It is also moisturizing, soothes inflammation and is anti-bacterial. Apply about two tablespoons, thinning with a scant amount of water if desired, and let sit anywhere from 10-45 minutes. This is a great one to do in the bath.
Cocokind Chlorophyll Mask ($): This mask features spirulina and chlorella, with just a touch of ylang ylang essential oil. These two algae are incredibly rich in chlorophyll, which gives plants their greenness. This mask supports natural cell turnover and enhances oxygenation of the skin. It purifies and detoxifies without stripping or over-drying the skin. Bonus: you can blend it with any of the above kitchen mask ingredients!).
Evan Healy French Rose Clay ($$): This mask features rhassoul clay, which gently draws and exfoliates to leave skin feeling clear and refreshed. Clays help to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores and absorb excess oil. This one in particular helps to refine skin texture, soothe redness and heal hyperpigmentation or scarring.