People have been using clay masks for centuries to purify their skin.
Even Queen Cleopatra was said to have used clay masks with ingredients such as oil and honey to deeply cleanse her skin and maintain her appearance.
From detoxifying pores and absorbing excess oils to fighting acne, there are clay mask benefits for every skin type or concern.
With so many different products and clay types to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
And how does a clay mask actually improve the health of your skin?
In this article, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about clay masks so that you can enter the holiday season with beautifully glowing skin.
What Are The Benefits of Clay Masks?
Clay masks are usually made with types of clay found in soil and sediment throughout the world. These clays are rich in trace minerals such as magnesium, iron, and calcium. But what does this actually mean for the health of your skin? Here are some of the benefits of using clay masks:
- Helps To Brighten The Appearance of Your Skin
Throughout the course of the day, your skin encounters many pollutants and contaminants that can accumulate on your skin, eventually leading to clogged pores or dull-looking skin.
This is the primary reason that exfoliation is recommended to be carried out regularly to keep your skin clean and get rid of any impurities that might otherwise leave your skin looking rough and textured.
- Fights Acne and Excess Oil Production
Clay masks help to absorb oil from your skin and prevent mild forms of acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads. These types of acne form when your pores are clogged with excessive dirt and oil.
Tip: To treat blackheads or acne it’s recommended that you apply a mixture of clay powder and warm water. The heat helps increase perspiration and the amount of oil and dirt your skin releases.
- Anti-Microbial Properties
Hydrated clay can also play a significant role in regulating microscopic life on your skin. When applied to your skin and left to dry, the clay binds to the bacteria and washes away the dead bacterial cells when you rinse your face.
- Oxygenating Your Skin Cells
When you unclog your pores (ie. cleanse your face) you allow for more oxygen to be in contact with the healthy, living skin cells. This increased amount of oxygen can be beneficial to the skin tissue and aid in the rejuvenation of the cells, having an overall positive impact on circulation which results in healthier skin.
The Different Types of Clay Masks
In order to choose the right mask for your skin, it is important to know what each type of clay does for the skin. So, let’s take a look at the most commonly used types of clay.
- French Green Clay
French Green Clay is found naturally in the Montmorillonite region of France. It is composed of iron oxides and kelp seaweed, along with additional decomposed plant matter, contributing to its green color.
The clay is mined from naturally occurring deposits, and is then sun-dried and crushed down to its finest form.
Compared to other clays, Green Clay is not stripping like Bentonite Clay and it is more absorbent than Kaolin Clay, making it an excellent choice for all skin types. Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination or acne-prone, Green Clay can benefit your skin and improve your complexion.
You can find French Green Clay in our Detox Green Clay Facial Mask which combined with Rosemary and Grapefruit creates the ultimate firming, toning and detoxing mask.
- Kaolin Clay
Kaolin, also known as white clay or china clay, is a soft clay that’s been used worldwide for centuries to create skin care products.
Clay face masks that contain kaolin are thought to have several benefits, such as preventing acne, managing dry skin, and absorbing excess oil or sebum. Kaolin is also thought to be the mildest and most gentle clay used in skin care and because of its anti-inflammatory benefits, kaolin clay may be beneficial in treating rashes and irritation.
You can find Kaolin Clay in our Rose Pink Clay Facial Mask which combined with Lavender and Rose creates a gentle yet refreshing mask for those with dry or sensitive skin.
- Fuller’s Earth Clay
Fuller’s earth is a clay-like substance that’s mostly composed of aluminum magnesium silicate. This name comes from its use to remove dirt and oil from wool. A wool refinery worker called a “fuller” would apply it to the wool.
It’s also called mud from Multan, which comes from the history of mineral-rich clay in that city in Pakistan.
Fuller’s earth is known for its ability to absorb oil and other impurities, which can make it an effective skin cleanser for people with oily skin or clogged pores. It’s also said to improve skin tone and complexion and soften the skin.
How to Use a Clay Mask
When using our clay masks we suggest mixing 1-2 teaspoons of clay with a few drops of water and mixing to form a paste.
Apply to damp skin by gently massaging into the face and avoiding the eye area.
Leave it on for 10 –15 minutes and simply rinse off with warm water using a wet facecloth.
