The Power of Clay
Natural Clay Masks
Swap your Face Mask for Natural Clay to remove excess oil, toxins and to treat acneic skin
If, like us, you are concerned about the increasing number of nasties that make their way into commercial face masks; whether it is the illegal addition of steroids, harsh preservatives or artificial fragrance and colouring’s, you might want to swap to a natural skin care alternative. Luckily, we don't have far to look. Clay masks have been used for hundreds of years to soothe skin ailments, soften the skin, and even to detox our digestive systems. Most of us have heard of clay masks or baths, but what is it about clay that makes it such a popular, natural detoxifier?
How Clay Masks Cleanse our Skin
Clays carry with them a negative charge, while most toxins and heavy metals carry a positive one. As we may or may not remember from our science classes, negative charges are attracted to positive charges and vice versa. So, when your clay mask comes into contact with these impurities in the skin it binds to them, preventing them from being reabsorbed.
But your clay mask doesn’t just remove the dirt and grime that builds up throughout the day, it goes a few steps further. Clay masks create and insulating barrier across the skin, which makes our skin heat up and expand. This process opens the up pores and relaxes capillaries, increasing blood flow. Once this happens, the clay can penetrate deep into the epidermis and perform its detoxing magic.
The healing properties of natural clay masks
Clay Masks are full of natural minerals that feed the skin, giving it that natural glow and shine. One of these minerals is known as silica. Not to be confused with synthetic silicone, Silica is an essential mineral needed to keep hair, teeth, nails and of course skin, healthy. It provides the building blocks for the production of collagen, which is what keeps our skin young and wrinkle free. When used regularly, the detoxing properties of clay help to reduce the overall appearance of pores and, it is said, to help reduce rosacea, acne and even rashes or eczema.
How to choose the right natural clay mask for your skin type
Selecting the right natural clay mask for your skin type is crucial to ensure optimal results and a positive skincare experience. Consider your skin's unique needs, whether it's oily, dry, sensitive, or combination, and choose a clay mask that aligns with those requirements.
For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for clay masks with potent absorbent properties, such as bentonite clay, to help regulate oil production and minimize breakouts. Those with dry or sensitive skin can benefit from gentler clays like kaolin or Pink Clay, which offer purifying benefits without causing excessive dryness or irritation. Those of us with combination skin can explore multi-masking, a technique that involves applying different types of clay masks to specific areas of the face to address varying concerns. By understanding your skin type and its unique characteristics, you can make informed decisions when selecting a natural clay mask that best suits your needs.
Primarily, Clay masks strip your skin of the dirty oils and toxins that can build up throughout the day. But depending on your skin type, you might need to alter your natural skin care routine to suit your skins needs.
For oily skin types that naturally over produce sebum, you may be able to apply a clay mask on its own and walk away with your skin feeling fresh and nourished.
But for those of us with Dry skin types, you might find that you need to apply a natural balm or moisturiser afterwards, to prevent your skin from drying out.
Many people suggest amping up their skin care routine by mixing their clay masks with something other than water, to provide extra moisture for the skin or to boost the nutritional properties of their mask. We’ve looked at a few of them listed below
Apple Cider Vinegar
Suitable for - Oily Skin Types
We’ve long heard the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for hair, but it can also work wonders for the skin. Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for use as a toner. It has a Ph balance of around 2-3, where as our skins normal Ph is roughly 5.5. This means that when applied topically it has a drying effect on the skin, helping to strip it of excess oils. Because of this, it isn’t advisable to apply it undiluted to the skin. It is best to mix it at 1-4 parts water, at the very least. You might want to start off with 1-10 parts water at first, so your skin can get used to it.
Natural Yoghurt
Suitable for - Dry Skin Types
Yoghurt is full of calcium, protein, vitamin D and importantly, pro-biotics. Pro-biotics help balance the bacterial health of our skin by maintaining the microbiome; the layer of bacteria on the skins surface that helps regulate cell function and health. Studies have shown that the combination of probiotics and lactic acid present in yoghurt can help to maintain the skins moisture whilst promoting softer, younger looking skin.
Manuka – King of the Honey’s
Suitable for - Dry Skin Types
Natural, raw honey is deeply moisturising, and its anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties make it great in the fight against acne, blemishes and the signs of ageing. Studies have shown a link between applying natural honey to the face and the lightening of dark spots and scars. With mild exfoliating properties, honey helps skin to feel soft, bright and luxurious.
Jojoba Oil
Suitable for – Combination Skin Types
Jojoba oil is said to be the closest oil to our skin's natural sebum. A light, astringent oil, it is readily absorbed into the skin without block the pores, making it perfect for fighting acne or breakouts. Highly moisturising and with anti-bacterial properties, Jojoba is a great all-round oil that keeps skin looking healthy and soft.
*Always perform a patch test before using new products on your skin
