How to Do a Clay Mask

Over the past few years I have tried a lot of skin care products. Many I’ve given up because they were too expensive, too time-consuming, or didn’t fit my natural living philosophy. One product that I’ve stuck with is cosmetic clay. From what I’ve read, clay is about as natural as it gets and I really enjoy incorporating it into my skin care routine.

I initially got into clay masks because they’re supposed to be good for acne. In theory, at least, clay pulls toxins and impurities out of your skin, leaving a clearer, more vibrant complexion. I’ve never seen any obvious evidence that clay masks are doing this for my skin, but I keep doing them because I like the way they make my skin feel. Applying the mask makes my skin feel very refreshed and rejuvenated. I also like that masks only require a minor hands-on time commitment, as it doesn’t take more than a couple minutes to apply the mask and then wash it off once it’s dry.

Even if you don’t have acne-prone skin, consider giving clay masks a try. The special properties of clay probably offer potential benefits for all skin types. Oh, and putting on a clay mask is also a great way to surprise/terrify an unsuspecting family member. ๐Ÿ™‚

Buying Your Clay

I chose to try green clay because it’s supposed to be especially good for acne. There are several other types of cosmetic clay, though, which may be better suited to your particular skin type, such as Kaolin clay, bentonite clay, or Fuller’s Earth clay.

How to Do a Clay Mask

I always like to preface a clay mask by first washing my face as usual. I’m not sure if this is strictly necessary but I like doing it.

After washing and drying your face, pour some powdered clay into your hand. I aim for about a half to a whole tablespoon.

Next, add a little bit of water and start mixing it into the clay in your hand.

Add more water gradually, continuing to mix, until you have a wet paste.

Apply the clay to your face using your fingers. Cover as much of your face as you can without the risk of getting any into your mouth or eyes.

Allow the mask to dry on your face. This usually takes somewhere between ten and twenty minutes. Your skin will start to feel tight as the mask dries. It will be difficult to move your mouth or any other part of your face, so don’t plan on eating anything or talking on the phone while you do your mask. ๐Ÿ™‚

After the mask is dry, rinse it off with warm water. It will take a little bit of attention to thoroughly remove all of the stuck bits.

My face usually looks red and blotchy after I rinse off the mask. As far as I can tell, this doesn’t seem to be harmful; it fades within an hour or two and doesnโ€™t leave any lasting effects. I just thought I should warn you in case you experience the same.

After I rinse off the mask, I always moisturize as my skin usually feels on the dry side.

That’s it! Super simple and really pampering for your skin. Let me know if you give it a try!

Have you ever tried a clay mask? What did you think?

 

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6 Responses to How to Do a Clay Mask

  1. How fun to make your own clay mask. I'd love to try it but I am a bit afraid to as I have very sensitive skin. Thanks for sharing :)
    • Meghan says:
      Thanks for stopping by, Katie! I do know that there are a variety of different clays and I'd guess some of them might be better suited to sensitive skin, if you do ever decide to give it a try.
  2. Fun! I love this. It looks SO easy. Will definitely be trying. Excited to see your GAPS diet info. Will be returning to check out that in more detail later. I am wanting to get my family on the GAPS diet, but keep putting it off!
    • Meghan says:
      Thanks, Stacy! It is very easy. :) Good luck getting started on GAPS. I definitely understand putting it off! I knew about GAPS for a LONG time before deciding to take the plunge for myself.
  3. [...] Whole Natural Life shows you how to do a clay mask. [...]
  4. Tee Gray says:
    You mentioned your face being a bit red after you've rinsed off your mask. That's evidence of it interacting with whatever bacteria is likely the contributor to your acne. Try this-----after rinsing off your clay mask, appy warm cloth to your face, to open your pores, then apply a thin veneer of cold-pressed castor oil to your face. Because of its anti-bacterial properties, it should calm your red spots.

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