What is a clay mask?
Clay forms over long periods of time from the gradual chemical weathering of rocks, usually silicate-bearing, by low concentrations of carbonic acid and other diluted solvents. Simply put – it’s mud.
Why should you use a clay mask?
As a natural product, it has a magnetic power to absorb crap hidden deep in your skin and helps bring it to the surface. It work’s amazingly well for sensitive and oily skin. If you’re trying our a clay mask for the first time, its best to get a patch test done by applying it on your inner arm, to determine if you’re not sensitive to the product.
1. Bentonite Clay
reset.me Bentonite clay is a multi-use product. It’s used in DIY toothpastes, natural hair masks, no poo shampoos and as a face-wash because of its toxin eliminating properties. Clay is one of the many natural cleansers I use as explained in this post.
When water is added to Bentonite clay, the water gives it a negative electric charge, which in turn, absorbs and removes toxins from the skin. Please keep in mind that this clay should never be mixed in a metal bowl as metal will reduce the effectiveness of the product. Therefore, bentonite clay should always be mixed in a plastic or glass bowl. For use, take a tsp of the clay powder and mix it with enough water to make a smooth paste. Apply it evenly on your face and let it dry. When you feel your skin tightening, wash gently. Clay is bit drying so its best to follow-up with a moisturizer. Purchase it here for AED 45.
2. Activated charcoal and Bentonite clay
huffingtonpost.com
In hospitals, activated charcoal powder is given to a person to extract a poisonous or toxic item a patient may have accidentally swallowed. Similarly in the beauty world, its been increasingly used in store-bought packs because of its power to bring toxins to the surface. Activated charcoal together with Bentonite clay works amazingly well for acne-prone skin. It is available in pill and powder form. Mix both clay powders equally with equal amounts of water for use. Purchase it here for AED 27.
3. Moroccan red clay powder
alunagena.com Moroccan red clay detoxifies the skin and gets rid of impurities that trapped in your pores. Therefore it works beautifully for oily and sensitive skin. For use, mix 1 tsp with 1 tsp of water or rose-water to make a smooth paste. Apply and wash off when dry. Follow up with a moisturizer. Purchase it here for AED 17.
4. Multani Mitti or Fullers Earth
enkivillage.com Multani Mitti works brilliantly for oily skin because of its amazing gunk-eliminating capabilities. It extracts oil from the skin and thereby clarifies your pores. Mix 1 tsp with equal amounts of water for use. Purchase it here for AED 29.
Bottom line?
I completely endorse the use of mud packs/masks for problematic skin. I use these packs as part of my weekly facial or just slap on a pack in the middle of the day while running mundane chores. You can apply a clay mask 2-3 times as week to experience its complete benefit. Sometimes I use clay as a daily cleanser. Just apply a little on your face, keep it on for 1 minute or it, wash and pat dry.
All the products listed above are natural and I can safely vouch for them as I’ve used them all on my problematic, sensitive skin. Purchase them on www.iherb.com Use the discount code LCW996 at check out and have it delivered to the UAE for free (or a minimal cost depending on the total weight of your order). Once you make a purchase, you get a discount code which you can pass on to your friends.
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