HOW CLAY MASKS MAY BENEFIT THE HEALTH OF YOUR SKIN AND HAIR?

WHAT ARE CLAY MASKS?

Clay masks are made from mineral-rich mud, sourced from waters with naturally high mineral content. With different types of mud around the world, therefore there are also multiple types of clay masks that helps tackle various skin conditions.

Clay masks are used to open up clogged pores and suck out impurities from the skin, thereby absorbing oil and bacteria, leaving you with cleaner and tighter skin. Their soothing and calming effects instantly brighten up your skin, thus giving you a clearer and more youthful-looking skin.

Depending on your skin type and the right type of clay, you can experience these benefits: 

Unclogs and tightens pores

Increases circulation to the skin

Exfoliates the skin gently

Hydrates/moisturizes the skin

Absorbs excess oil and balance oil production

Promotes skin elasticity 

Nowadays, we are exposed to much environmental pollutants and it is of no surprise if you do suffer from any skin related issues. Clays work effectively to gradually eradicate those problems, thus making your skin healthier. No doubt, clay masks are an important part of any beauty skincare routine and it goes well to extract impurities and leave your skin radiant, smooth and clean with smaller pores.

WHAT ARE THE POPULAR TYPES OF FACE MASKS?

As there are many types of clay for skincare, the difference between each type boils down to their mineral composition  and the common and popular ones are listed below.

FRENCH GREEN CLAY

This clay is known for its exfoliating properties and ability to remove dirt, excess oil and impurities from skin pores. It gets its vibrant green color from decomposed plant matter and iron oxide like algae.  Aside from its anti-aging benefits, Green Clay is good to improve blood circulation and is excellent for exfoliating dead skin cells and helps tone the skin.

KAOLIN, WHITE CLAY

This clay is gentle on the skin and is recommended for sensitive or acne prone skin. It gently absorbs oil and remove toxins without over-drying your skin. It also nourishes and brightens up skin because it is thought to promote good circulation. If you are suffering from pimples or mild acne, Kaolin Clay is helpful in absorbing the excess oil that leads to breakouts. And this clay is exceptionally mild, it is also great for removing deep impurities without causing irritation. Regularly use of Kaolin Clay helps restores skin elasticity and even reduces fine lines and wrinkles. 

MOROCCAN RED CLAY

Red clay works wonders on sensitive and mature skin types and it is best suited for balancing, toning and purifying skin. Rich in magnesium and potassium, it helps exfoliate and rejuvenate hair and skin.  This clay helps balance sebum production and also draws out oils and dirt deep within pores while reducing redness and inflammation.

The bright hue of Red Clay is attributed to its high iron oxide content which works to absorb excess sebum, reduce skin irritation, brighten up the complexion and purify the pores. This clay is suitable for any skin type that you can use this to give you clear and fresh skin.

DEAD SEA CLAY

This clay has high concentrations of skin-nourishing minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, bromide, zinc, and iron.  It helps remove dirt and impurities, toxins and excess oils. With hydrating and firming properties, Dead Sea Clay reduces pores and soothes itchiness and inflammation together with symptoms of skin ailments such as dryness, eczema, and psoriasis. Furthermore, it enhances skin elasticity and smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT CLAY FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE?

When looking for a face mask, it is imperative to know the different types of clay for skin health and find the best one for your skin concern. Perhaps you need to study the exact amount of silicone, aluminium, potassium and calcium oxide that are affecting the texture and effects of the clay, so that you can choose the right clay that is suited to your skin type.

KAOLIN OR WHITE CLAY

This clay tends to be a favorite among skincare brands and it is the most gentle among all the clays. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and is most suitable for sensitive skin.

Kaolin Clay is recommended for normal, and oily skin types and is the best clay mask for mature skin as it also works as a mild exfoliant with benefits such as :

Opens up pores for deep cleansing

Boosts blood circulation

Skin soothing properties

Helps to reduce blackheads and breakouts

GREEN CLAY

This clay is great for restoring balance to skin as it soaks up excess oil that clog pores and often doubles as a powerful, deep cleanser that helps to balance skin pH levels.  Invigorating and powerfully cleansing, Green Clay works to energize the skin, absorb excess oils, and soothe irritation, leaving the complexion glowing and balanced.

This clay helps remove sebum and oil build up and may also reduce the size of facial pores, making it ideal for excessively oily and acne prone skin.

Pulls impurities from the skin

Exfoliates dead skin cells

Tightens pores and balances oil production

Brightens skin and reduces dark eye circles

DEAD SEA CLAY

Incorporating Dead Sea Clay into your regular skincare regimen can help you achieve healthy and vibrant glowing skin. Dead Sea Clay, when used regularly, provides the following benefits:

Absorbs excess oils, dirt, and impurities from the skin

Gently exfoliates, soothing, purifying and cleansing

Tightens and tones skin

Reduces oily skin and clogged pores, deeply cleansing skin

Hydrates and moisturizes skin, helping dry skin

 

MOROCCAN RED CLAY

Red Clay contains higher amount of iron oxide and other minerals which gently cleanses the skin while promoting skin healing by removing dead skin cells, blackheads and excess oil.

Red Clay is used primarily to regenerate skin texture and promotes the renewal of skin cells,  allowing it to keep it younger and more toned

Moroccan Red Clay is recommended for dry and mature skin types with the following benefits

Deeply cleanses skin

Reduces dryness and flakiness

Improves skin texture and elasticity

Exfoliates dead skin cells

Known to draw out impurities, soothe irritation, and deeply yet gently cleanse skin of all types, Moroccan Red Clay can help transform your skin for the better with regular use. Over time, you can expect to see your skin change for a softer, smoother and more radiant than ever looking.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO APPLY AND REMOVE CLAY MASK?

Always make sure your skin is cleansed of make-up and other impurities before applying your clay mask.  You may use a brush to apply your clay mask, but as long as your hands are clean you can just scoop a small handful of clay and spread a thin layer over your face and neck while being careful to avoid your eyes, nostrils, and lips. You may want to apply additional clay to the T-zone area.

Most types of clay masks should be kept on for about 20 minutes or until completely dry. Then rinse your face with warm water or gently dab at it with a wet washcloth. Pat your skin dry to finish. 

Basically this is how you should apply your clay mask:

Scoop out with either a brush or spatula, a handful of clay from the container.

Spread the clay thinly and evenly across your face. Start at your upper neck and work upward.

Leave it on for about 20 minutes or until completely dry.

You will most likely feel the mask harden and tighten.

Wipe the mask off in circular motions with a wet washcloth soaked in lukewarm water

To finish off, don’t forget to follow up with your moisturizer or night cream.

Remember that your clay mask should not dry completely on your skin. Your skin will take in all the beneficial minerals and benefits of the clay while your mask is still damp. But once your mask begins to feel tight and dry on your skin, you are actually losing moisture from your skin. Therefore, as soon as you feel the mask is cooling, you should get prepared to wash it off.

WHAT ARE GENERAL BENEFITS OF CLAY MASK TO HAIR AND SKIN?

People love using clay masks, and for good reasons. You know that your skin comes in contact with a lot of aggressors throughout the day and these get accumulated on your skin. While daily cleansing does help with that to a certain degree, however clay masks when used twice a week can ensure that your skin is completely rid of these impurities before your complexion starts to look dull with unwanted breakouts.

DETOXIFIES, CLEANSES AND MOISTURIZES HAIR

Using clay mask can gently cleanse and exfoliate your scalp while deeply cleanses your hair and provides deep conditioning and moisturizing. Clay mask helps draw out excess dirt and oil from your scalp and also  protects your hair and scalp from dandruff and fungal infections.  Using clay mask regularly on your hair can boost hair growth and add intense shine to your hair. Clay mask is also helpful if you have dry, frizzy or damaged hair or hair that is lack of shine.

RELIEVES OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS

Clay masks is capable of  promoting blood circulation and bringing more blood flow to your skin to speed up healing and relieve symptoms of painful skin. Clay masks help pull debris from your skin, refine pores and safeguarding your skin from further breakouts. 

CLEARS AND BRIGHTENS YOUR SKIN

Another benefit of clay mask includes promoting collagen production thus giving your face a natural radiance. Using clay face mask twice a week can keep dullness of skin at bay. Clay is in fact packed with nutrients such as silica, which can give you a glow as it increases the transport of both nutrients and oxygen to the skin. By deeply cleansing and unclog the pores and absorbing dead skin cells, clay masks can help prevent blackheads and acne, leaving you with a brighter complexion.

MANAGES OILY SKIN

Most clays are best suited for oilier skin types in addition to absorbing the excess oil on your skin and unclogging your pores. A clay mask helps reduce the excess oil  and at the same time can also balance and maintain healthy sebum levels.  With its super absorbing capabilities, clay masks are indeed incredible for oily and acne-prone skin.

HYDRATES YOUR SKIN

Clay masks provide a hydrating boost if your skin is dehydrated. It is undoubtedly the ideal product to deal with different kinds of skin issues. Whether you have dull or congested skin or your skin needs a boost of freshness, clay masks are the best tool to rebalance your skin and keep it fresh and hydrated.

HOW TO USE CLAY MASK FOR HAIR?

In addition to taking care of your skin, clay is also beneficial for your hair. Thanks to its naturally present properties, using clay on your hair helps regain strength, suppleness and shine in your hair. If you have greasy hair or scalp, clay mask will absorb the excess sebum.

Clay mask can also pull out dirt and oil from the scalp and has proven to help with the following conditions :

Dandruff

Dry and damaged hair especially heat damage

Frizziness

Oily scalp and hair

Using clay masks as hair treatments for oily scalp and hair is an effective way to absorb the excess oil and bacteria from the scalp. How to use clay mask for hair treatment ?

Simply spread an even amount of the mask all over your scalp and to the ends of your hair.

Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

As the mask soaks up dirt and oil from the hair and scalp, it is not necessary to shampoo after using it. 

But if you still feel uncomfortable, you may use your normal shampoo to clean up the excess greasy residues.

Limit your use of clay mask to about once per week for your hair.

Remember that clay masks should be avoided if you have a sensitive or dry scalp since the mask could make those issues worse.

IS CLAY MASK GOOD FOR ACNE OR OILY SKIN?

When it comes to treating acne, clay mask works best. With its absorbent, exfoliating and astringent properties, clay has the capacity to draw out and soak up acne-causing impurities and also treats symptoms that cause breakout-prone skin. Clay masks have the potential to absorb oil from your skin and prevent pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.

As oily skin is more prone to breakouts than dry skin, using a clay mask that unclogs the pores and removes trapped oil and dirt is best. Clay masks work well to draw out the excess oil, but they should only be on your face for no more than 20 minutes, between two to three times a week.

Green Clay is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin as it is also great for restoring balance to skin. This powerful clay soaks up excess oil that may clog pores and lead to acne and imperfections, and doubles as a powerful, deep cleanser that helps to balance skin pH levels.

Clay masks help improve acne-prone skin by :-

RESTORING BALANCE

Clay has the unique ability to absorb excess oil from the skin’s surface without compromising moisture and hydration. In other words, using clay mask will help balance your natural oils in your skin.

DRAWS OUT IMPURITIES AND SHRINKS PORES

Clay masks help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Clays help to detoxify the skin and draw out impurities and oil from deep underneath the skin to the skin’s surface. Imagine clay mask as an astringent action that relieves congestion from pores and allows them to shrink back to their normal size.

ABSORBS EXCESS OIL

In addition to soaking up sebum and bacteria that have been drawn out of pores, clay removes the excess oil and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This gentle action not only rids skin of impurities that causes acne, but it also reduces the greasy shine and in turn contributes to a cleaner and clearer complexion.

DIY – BEST INGREDIENT FACE MASK FOR CLEAR, GLOWING & HEALTHY SKIN

The skin care market is flooded with face masks that can help you treat various skin problems like acne, clogged pores, dry skin, oily skin, etc. But natural face masks have the upper hand as they are made with natural ingredients that help in gently exfoliating the dead skin cells to reveal healthy skin. These ingredients also add moisture and nutrients to your skin. So, what are you waiting for? Make your own face mask today !

WHAT DO YOU NEED ?

French Green Clay Powder: https://greenherbology.com/product/gr…

Red Clay Powder: https://greenherbology.com/product/re…

Rose Hydrosol: https://greenherbology.com/product/ro…

Vitamin E Oil: https://greenherbology.com/product/vi…

Tea Tree Essential Oil: https://greenherbology.com/product/te…

HOW TO MAKE ?

Add 2 tablespoons of Green Clay powder

Add 2 tablespoons of Red Clay powder

Add 3 drops of Vitamin E oil

Add 3 drops of Tea Tree essential oil

Pour Rose Hydrosol just enough to make a thick paste

Stir until all well mixed together

Ready to use!

The wonders of clay masks are endless. Not only do they shrink pores, but they also offer a variety of benefits to your complexion and skin type. Similar in texture to the mud you may find at the bottom of a riverbed, this ancient beauty secret is just as powerful when applied topically for an instant deep-pore cleansing that gets rid of dirt and impurities. Stone powder forms the base for these formulas, which typically have small granules or pieces mixed into them – this ensures that it is not too heavy on the application, instead leaving your face feeling refreshed and balanced after use!

CAN WE USE CLAY MASK EVERY DAY?

Clay masks are safe for most people but you may try the mask on a small patch of skin to make sure it is not irritating before applying it to your whole face.  If you have just started using a clay mask, limit your use to just once or twice per week to prevent drying out your skin.

But if you have naturally oily skin, regularly applying a clay mask at least twice a week may help manage the excess oil.

Clay masks are known for drawing out excess oil or sebum from your skin to keep it clean, clear and healthy, but avoid overusing them. Overusing clay masks also has the potential to dry out your skin. If you already have dry skin, you may want to limit your use of clay masks to a maximum of once per week.

Remember not to use a clay mask more than three times a week. Actually, you should not be feeling there is a need to do it more often if you are using the right skincare products to help provide balance for your skin type.

SHOULD WE MOISTURIZE OUR SKIN AFTER CLAY MASK?

Moisturizing is so important in every skincare routine. After using a clay mask, it is crucial to moisturize. You will notice that your skin does tend to feel a little tight after a clay mask. But if you use a moisturizer immediately after that, the skin feels much more comfortable.

All clay masks have the potential of absorbing oil from your skin, and sometimes, it can also lead to stripping of the essential oils from your skin, so re-hydrating with moisturizer can fix that problem. 

So remember, after you are done with your favorite mask, be sure to apply a rich moisturizer or lotion and massage it into the skin using upward motions.

WHICH CLAY IS BEST FOR GLOWING SKIN AND ANTI-AGING?

Red clay is a powerhouse iron oxides that brighten skin and renew cells. The essential nutrients in the clay gives a toning effect on the skin texture. This clay detoxifies skin, brightens skin tone, tightens pores, calms irritated skin and absorbs excess sebum.  Red Clay stimulates cell regeneration, leaving you with a glowing complexion.

For skin that is losing elasticity and needs deep exfoliation, Green Clay is perfect to firm and revitalize. Green Clay helps rejuvenate aging skin by promoting new healthy skin cells to grow, reducing visible fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin tone.

Adding Vitamin E and Rosehip oil to this anti-aging mask as it naturally contains essential vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that aid in fighting dark spots, reducing wrinkles and supporting hydration to the skin.

ARE CLAY MASKS ANY BETTER THAN SHEET MASK?

Clay masks are  loaded with skincare benefits which are great for skin that are prone to acne, clogged pores or oily, as it helps in absorbing excess oils, removing impurities and minimizing the sizes of your pores. They can help clear pores and create a tightening effect.  

On the other hand, the main benefit of sheet masks is to provide water-based hydration with natural cooling effect when used and offers antioxidants properties and providing vitamins to the skin. Sheet masks are great to use to provide instant hydration to make the skin look bright and bouncy.

Sheet masks focus primarily on brightening and hydrating your skin but clay masks helps decongest skin by absorbing deep oils and tightening pores.

Depending on the concerns you have with your skin will make you decide whether a clay mask or sheet mask is suitable for you. You just need to remember that  clay masks are great for oily, congested and blemish prone skin, and sheet masks are ideal for dry and dehydrated skin types.

WHAT ARE THE PRECAUTIONS OF USING A CLAY MASK?

You are unlikely to experience serious side effects with the use of clay mask on your skin. However, if you leave a clay mask on for too long or use clay masks too frequently, your skin may become dry or irritated. Therefore, it is a good idea to limit your use of this treatment to no more than twice per week.

Some clay masks may contain substances that might irritate your skin and the most likely side effects include:

➡️ Rashes

➡️ Dryness

➡️ Itchiness

➡️ Redness

➡️ Irritations

Each type of clay differs in its mineral composition and strength. As clay could irritate sensitive skin, it is advisable to always try a new mask on a small patch of skin to make sure you there is no adverse reaction before putting it all over your face. Those with sensitive skin may not be able to tolerate certain types of clay masks that may cause redness or irritation. If you have sensitive skin, start with a gentle type of clay, like Kaolin While Clay. 

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