5 benefits of
clay face masks for the skin
Clay face mask
benefits for the skin
Clay is well known for its cleansing and purifying powers and is one of the most effective skin care ingredients. Read more to discover what benefits a clay face mask has, how to choose the clay for your skin and how to make a DIY clay mask at home.
In general, clays are best for normal to oily skin as their main property is to absorb excess oils and prevent mild forms of acne such as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. If you have dry skin, you may find using clay face masks uncomfortable - this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use clay - just choose a milder type.
Using a clay face mask for oily skin 1-2 times a week may help manage the excess sebum. However, if you have severe cystic acne, it’s best to speak to a doctor to find the best treatment option for you. Clay face masks won’t treat the root cause of the acne, which may be hormonal.
5 Main
Clay Mask Benefits
As they are nutrient-rich, clay face masks have multiple benefits to your skin:
Types of
clays
- Bentonite claythe most popular, as it is the most potent. It has the strongest ability to detoxify the skin, draw out any impurities from the skin’s surface and counter bacterial infections. If you have more sensitive skin, you might want to stick with a white Kaolin clay, as Bentonite could dry your skin out.
- Rhassoul clayan ancient, mineral-rich clay, that’s great for both skin and hair. It has powerful detoxifying properties and works as a perfect magnet for attracting toxins, sebum, blackheads and bacteria. Rhassoul is gentle and won’t dry your skin out as Bentonite might.
- Kaolin clay
gentle clay that’s suitable for sensitive skin. White Kaolin clay is great for mild exfoliation, yet it doesn’t possess the same detoxification properties as Bentonite. There are different varieties of Kaolin, such as yellow, pink or red - the deeper the hue, the higher ability to absorb toxins.
- Green clayanother commonly used type of clay. It doesn’t only drink up oils and impurities but also pulls blood towards the surface of your skin, giving a little tingling sensation as it boosts circulation. The green colour determines the quality of the clay - it shouldn’t look grey or white.
If you are interested in trying a clay face mask, you can easily make one yourself:
- Mix equal amounts of clay powder of your choice to clean, purified water. If the clay is too dry, add more liquid
- Mix in a bit of honey and add a few drops of essential oil like lavender, rosemary or lemongrass. Make sure to stir thoroughly
- Apply on a clean face and let it dry for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse off with lukewarm water
Moisturise your face - use a rich moisturiser as NIVEA Nourishing 24h Moisture Day Cream to restore the skin’s moisture balance
- For best results, apply 1-2 times a week.