Clay masks can work wonders on your skin and you can easily make one at home. There’s a homemade clay mask for every skin type. Read on to find out how to make one for yours.
Why clay?
Clay contains active ingredients designed to draw out toxins, tighten pores and brighten dull, tired skin. There are different kinds of cosmetic clay for use in face masks, each with unique activating properties to:
- Calm aggravated or acne-prone skin
- Stimulate and tone
- Hydrate
- Exfoliate
Cosmetic clays are fairly inexpensive, and can be purchased at health stores and online. However, there are numerous homemade clay masks recipes that are quick and easy to make. Clay masks are generally combined with one or two ingredients that you probably have at home. Not every clay reacts to liquid the same way, so go slowly when adding liquid. The consistency should be similar to a fine paste that you can easily spread with your fingers.
How to use a clay mask
Always apply a mask on clean skin. Spread a thin layer on the face, avoiding the eye area, and leave on for 15 minutes. As the clay dries, you will feel your skin tighten. This is when the mask does its magic. Try to keep facial expressions to a minimum - otherwise the mask will crack. Rinse gently with cold water and pat dry. Your skin should look and feel amazing!
Below are a few homemade clay masks and their recipes for you to use.
Bentonite facial mask
Bentonite clay is versatile and known for its highly absorbent properties. This clay acts like a sponge to draw out toxins from the skin. It is rich in minerals including magnesium, potassium and calcium. Since bentonite’s origin is volcanic ash, it is known for electrical and molecular components that produce an “electrical charge” when mixed with water. Don’t use a metal bowl when using bentonite clay – stick to glass, plastic or wooden bowls and mixing spoons.
Recipe: Keep a clear complexion by using a weekly mask made from bentonite clay and rose water. For aggravated skin, use raw, organic apple cider vinegar to reduce inflammation.
Fullers Earth facial mask
Fullers Earth clay is made of naturally occurring clay mined from quarries. It is rich in minerals such as silica, iron, magnesium and calcium. Like bentonite, it draws oil and toxins from the skin, unclogging pores and banishing white heads. Fullers Earth also has healing properties that are beneficial to sufferers of acne and acne scars.
Recipe: Combine Fullers Earth with aloe vera gel for a soothing, healing mask. To combat acne scarring, mix one egg white with the clay and leave on for 20 minutes.
Green clay facial mask
French green clay’s colour comes from a combination of minerals and decomposed plant matter like kelp and seaweed. It will remove bacteria and impurities from the skin while invigorating the epidermis, toning skin as a result. It’s great for combination skin.
Recipe: Mix green clay with water. If you have experienced dryness, use milk instead.
Use clay masks as a spot treatment in between your weekly application to manage blemishes and breakouts.
