Thanks to immense benefits like removing excess sebum and soothing skin, it’s no surprise that clay masks enjoy extreme popularity as a DIY skincare solution.
It may seem easy to whip up a homemade clay mask. However, with different skin types and so many clay options to choose from, this simple task can become quite confusing.
In this article, we will discuss how to make the most effective clay masks for varying skin types (people with dry skin- we got you!) and how to introduce some of the easiest available pantry ingredients as mixing mediums for the best skin you have ever had.
Contents
Why is a Homemade Clay Mask Good for your Skin?
If you are new to the world of DIY skin care, you may be wondering why clay face masks are good for you.
In the simplest of terms, all kinds of clays absorb excess oil – some more than others. Using a clay mask will leave your skin fresh, and with the absorption of extra sebum, you will not break out as much. Moreover, clay’s texture makes it a great exfoliator and helps remove dead skin.
A 2012 study from the British Association of Dermatologists concluded an increase in the number of collagen fibers upon topical usage of clay, thus helping fight against anti-aging.
Basic Recipe – How to Make a Mask Out of Clay?
People with dry skin usually steer clear of using clay because they are scared of over-drying their skin. However, with the right mix of clay type and the mixing medium, everyone can enjoy this magical ingredient’s beauty benefits.
Now, as promised, let’s get to the basic recipe for a customized face mask made especially for your skin.
The basic recipe for any clay mask is pretty simple: Choose any clay suitable for your skin type and mix with either water, honey, milk, yogurt, or hydrating oils.
The trick is to understand which ingredients to mix and match. To do that, you need to learn about different types 0f clays and mixing mediums.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Clay for your Skin Type
We will discuss the most common clays for varying skin types.
Bentonite Clay
This is probably the most common clay used in DIY clay face masks. Popular for pulling toxins out of the skin, Bentonite clay made from volcanic ash can help heal skin and eliminate bacteria.
However, it is best suited for normal and oily skin – or the oily T-zone on your face because of its high absorption quality. It also works wonders for acne-prone skin.
French green clay shares similar properties.
Pink Clay
If you have a sensitive or dry skin type or suffer from eczema, this gentle clay, with magnesium, zinc, silica, and selenium, should be your choice for the most soothing face masks.
Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s Earth is another deep cleansing clay that works well for people with oily skin or those prone to frequent breakouts. This clay type is also famous for its skin lightening properties and thus works well to treat pigmentation.
White Kaolin Clay
White Kaolin clay is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin. However, if you have dry skin, this clay can be excessively drying. On the other hand, its antibacterial properties work like magic against acne. It also helps in balancing oily skin.
Moroccan Red Clay
This type of clay is best suited for oily skin, but it is gentle enough to be used on dry skin, too, since it doesn’t strip your face of its natural oils – as it regulates sebum production. Therefore, this exfoliating clay can be used on most skin types – even if you are acne-prone.
Step 2: Choosing the Best Mixing Medium for your Clay Face Mask
Once you have decided on what clay to use, there are various mixing mediums you can choose to make the clay mask.
The obvious choice for a mixing medium is water since it is the easiest to find. Still, different face masks recipes use mixing mediums to further boost skin healing and rejuvenating properties of such masks.
An increasingly popular choice is flower water – the byproduct you get upon the distillation of essential oils. You can also use antioxidant-rich herbal teas like chamomile. Let the tea cool down and use it as your clay face mask’s base.
If you suffer from acne, raw honey works as an excellent mixing medium- thanks to its antibacterial properties.
The presence of lactic acid makes milk and yogurt a great mixing medium option. Lactic acid helps with hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and age spots. Another clay mask base option is Apple Cider Vinegar, as it helps balance out the pH of the clay face mask – especially ones using bentonite clay.
Step 3: How to Apply the Face Mask
Once you have chosen the clay and mixing medium, prepare the mask. Many people avoid using metal bowls and spoons for this as they believe it makes the clay less effective. Although there are contradicting opinions on this, there is no harm in using ceramic utensils.
Use a clean makeup brush or your fingers to apply the mask in an even layer on your face and leave for ten minutes or until dry – or if you feel uncomfortable. Your mask should never sting – do a patch test before application to avoid any allergic reaction.
Rinse thoroughly and use a damp washcloth to remove the mask. Pat dry and follow up with a toner.
The Most Effective DIY Clay Mask Recipes
With the above-mentioned information, you can make various clay face masks recipes. However, we would also share some of our favorite recipes for different skin types.
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For Acne-Prone Skin
- Green Clay (or Bentonite Clay for sensitive skin)
- Honey
- Water (for oily skin) or Jojoba oil (for dry skin), or milk (for combination skin)
Mix twice the liquid quantity for the clay powder. Add 1 tsp honey and mix in to make a paste. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove with a washcloth soaked in warm water.
For Oily Skin
- White Kaolin Clay – 1/2 tsp
- French Green Clay – 1 1/2 tsp
- Rose Water – 1 tbsp
- Aloe Vera Gel – 1 1/2 tbsp
- Acne Reducing or Rose Essential Oil – 2 drops (optional)
Mix both the clay powders in a glass bowl and add the wet ingredients. Apply an even layer and let it dry. Rinse with warm water.
For Dry Skin
- Green Clay – 1 tbsp
- Lavender essential oil – 3 drops
- Apricot kernel oil – 1 tsp
Mix the oils and add to the clay. If the mixture seems dry, add a few drops of water. Once you have a thick paste, apply it to your skin and let it dry before you take it off with a warm washcloth.
