Clay masks are trending now but there’s nothing new about using clay on your skin. Clay has been used on the face and body for thousands of years. In ancient Ayurvedic tradition in India and even in ancient Egypt, clay was known for its healing and cleansing properties. Clay is mineral-rich and has naturally unique properties that make it effective for cleaning your pores and calming your skin. In this blog, we'll look at how to use a clay mask to achieve a glowing and healthy complexion.
Types of Clay Used in Masks
First, let's take a look at the different types of clay that are often used in skincare. The most popular are kaolin, bentonite and rhassoul. It’s important to choose the right clay for your skin as each type of clay is unique and has its own benefits.
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay is the gentlest of the three clays and is suitable for all skin types, even for tweens and teens. It absorbs impurities and oils without stripping and drying the skin of its natural oils. It is mineral-rich and has calming and soothing properties that make it great for young skin.
At Spots and Dots, we have opted for kaolin clay in our mask powder as it’s gentle and effective, and it has been sourced right here in Australia! But we’ve also added a few other lovely natural ingredients such as coconut milk, calendula, aloe vera, chamomile and lavender to boost the clay’s properties to feed and hydrate young skin.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is more powerful at detoxifying and is great for extremely oily skin that is prone to acne. It draws impurities and toxins from the skin, so it’s great for deep cleaning the pores of your skin. Bentonite clay can cause drying of the skin so only use it if your skin is excessively oily.
Rhassoul Clay
Rhassoul clay comes from Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. It is rich in minerals and ideal for skin that has a dry tendency. It has the ability to hydrate and nourish the skin so it’s ideal for more mature skin types.
Preparing Your Clay Mask
To make your clay mask:
- Place a small amount of clay powder into your hand or into a bowl. Try one teaspoonful of powder to start and use more if needed.
- Mix with one teaspoonful of water or spray some Spots and Dots Face Mist to form a silky paste.
- Optional: add 1 or 2 drops of essential oil and stir it in well (tea tree oil for acne-prone skin or lavender oil for sensitive skin). Remember, we have already added some yummy extras such as coconut milk, calendula, lavender and aloe vera.
Applying Your Clay Mask
When your mask is silky smooth, it's time to apply it to your skin.
- Start by cleansing your face with gel face wash to wash off any dirt, sunscreen or makeup.
- Paste the mask onto your face and neck with your fingers or facial brush. Take care to avoid the eye and lip area.
- Leave the mask on for about 10 to 20 minutes, or until it starts to feel dry.
- You’ll feel your skin tightening as the mask dries. This is a sign that the clay is cleaning and purifying your skin.
- The best time to wash off your mask is when it starts drying but still feels a little sticky.
Removing Your Clay Mask
Once the mask starts to feel dry:
- Rinse it off with warm water.
- Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
- Follow up with a lightweight moisturiser and face mist to hydrate and nourish your skin.
How Often to Use a Clay Mask
Don’t overdo a good thing. Clay masks are very effective, and for most tween and teen skin types they only need to be used once or twice a week to achieve clean, smooth, pure skin.
Treat Your Skin with Pink Clay Mask Powder
Clay masks feel luxurious, are fun to use and are an effective way to purify your skin and give it a deep clean. To use a clay mask, always follow the directions closely and you’ll be amazed at how clean and fresh your skin looks afterwards.
For more information on how to use a clay mask, check out the Spots and Dots Pink Clay Mask Powder.
