Clay face mask has been used as a skincare practice for many, many centuries and more. Really since the beginning of time. It is known as the oldest material surrounding us on earth.
What is clay? It is a soil particle which are made of grain measuring less than 4 micrometers or less than 0.005mm. It is soft and loose when water is added and hard, brittle or in a powder form when dry.
The two most common form of clay on the market are kaolin and bentonite. Colour of the clay will vary based on which mineral is bound to the structure hence the white, pink, grey, green, yellow clay powder found on the market.
Clay is renown to draw impurities as well as soothing pain and supporting resolution of skin issues.
For now we shall focus on the drawing of impurities when using it as a facial mask.
I suggest to use a powdered clay. That way you can prepare it when you are ready to use it and add the elements you select for your skin at the moment of use.
Here is how to prepare it:
Rule #1: Never put metal in contact with the clay otherwise the clay will not work.
In a bowl made out of glass or pottery (remember, no metal) add 1 to 2 table spoons of the powdered clay.
Add some purified water and mix. Add more water if needed until you obtain the consistency of spreadable creamed cheese. You can replace the water with an infusion of your choice such a camomile, calendula, rose, yarrow, etc.
Apply the clay to the skin.
Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes.
Rinse with water.
Pat dry.
If a larger than necessary quantity of clay was prepared, let it sit in the bowl on the counter. No need to wrap it or put it in the fridge. When the clay is needed again simply add some water until the correct consistency is obtained.
A clay mask can be used once per week or once per month depending on your need.
I recommend following the clay mask by applying a few drops of a pure botanical oil (for example our calendula oil certified Demeter Biodynamic) to gently nurture your cleaned skin.
Which type of skin benefits from clay face mask?
Your skin type will dictates how often you use face mask as well as how you keep the mask on.
Oily skin benefits greatly from facial mask on a regular basis (once per week, per fortnight or monthly). The clay mask can be kept on for over 5 minutes. Yet, observe how your skin feels once it the clay has been rinse off.
Normal skin gain also from using the mask as part of the skincare routine. It can be applied once per week, per fortnight or monthly. The mask can be kept on for up to 5 minutes, yet assess how your skin feels after the allocated time.
For dry skin, I suggest to go gently on the use of clay mask as it tends to dry the skin. It would be a good idea to add a few drops of a quality oil in the clay before applying the mask. Rinse off after less than 5 minutes and be sure to follow the mask with a quality botanical oil to nurture the skin.
When it comes to acne, clay mask does wonder. I suggest using clay face mask weekly for a minimum of 5 minutes. Apply a few millimetres of the clay on the face to assist in the drawing effect on the skin. After the clay is rinse, pat dry and apply a quality botanical oil to gently nurture and support the repair of the skin.
Above all, enjoy this centuries old ritual of self care and nurturing.