Why Clay Masks Are Beneficial for Glowing Skin & How to Use Them
Masks are the perfect way to indulge in a little "me time," but choosing one can be tough with so many options available. Here are the top benefits of clay masks to persuade you to try one!
Clay has played an important role in skin care for centuries, from Cleopatra cleansing her face with Dead Sea mud to us rejuvenating our skin with clay masks. The Earth is composed of minerals—and clay is practically a part of the Earth—so it shouldn't come as a surprise that clay masks have so many skin benefits.
Whether you're trying to detoxify your pores or absorb excess oils, clay masks are a God-given gift that everyone can benefit from. The following benefits of using clay masks properly will convince you to try them if you have not yet.
What Clay Mask Can Do for Your Skin
Benefit #1: Removes Impurities
As dirt, oil, and pollution accumulate on your skin throughout the day, your skin may feel rough and dry. Also, when dead skin cells aren't properly removed, they can accumulate on the surface of the skin and cause breakouts. This is why it is important to exfoliate your skin regularly and remove any buildup that may be present. A clay mask can help do just that!
Benefit #2: Unclogs Pores Instantly
Not only are clogged pores unsightly, but they can also cause breakouts. By removing excess oil, debris, and dead skin from your pores, clay masks keep them squeaky clean and minimize their appearance. As the clay mask hardens, dark spots will appear on your face, which means the clay is drawing out impurities from your pores.
Benefit #3: Brightens Skin
You should use a clay face mask if your complexion is looking dull.
Poor skin maintenance and exfoliation often result in dull skin. The best way to keep your complexion looking fresh and bright is to use a clay mask a few times a week for just ten minutes.
Benefit #4: Absorbs Excess Oil
When you are stressed, facing health challenges, or simply experiencing hot weather, your sebaceous glands can become overactive. In addition to making skin shiny and oily, it can clog pores and cause blemishes. Using clay to treat oily and acne-prone skin is like using a sponge to absorb excess oil. Additionally, it uses no drying chemicals found in conventional products for treating oily and acne-prone skin.
Benefit #5: Cleanses Gently
Nature's best cleanser is clay. Synthetic foaming agents are not actually necessary to clean your skin. As a matter of fact, foaming cleansers can actually dry out the skin and irritate it. The benefits of clay far outweigh those of traditional cleansers: they remove impurities, bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin, without disrupting the natural balance of your skin.
Benefit #6: Soothes Acne-Prone Skin
You've heard it a million times, but let's say it again: Dirt, oil, and dead skin cells on the surface of your skin lead to breakouts. Breaking out is inevitable, but do not assume it is simply a part of life. Clay masks can help keep your acne under control by removing dead skin cells and purifying your skin of excess oil and dirt.
Benefit #7: Restores Combination Skin’s Balance
The combination skin type is when your skin tends to be dry in some areas and oily in others. With clay masks, combination skin stays balanced without being overly dry or irritated.
Benefit #8: Improves Skin Texture
Using clay reveals soft, smoother skin because it absorbs excess impurities, oil, and dead skin cells. Moreover, it scrubs gently, so it is an excellent exfoliating treatment for people with sensitive skin.
Benefit #9: Neutralizes Damaging Free Radicals
A hydrated clay contains a negative ionic charge, making it an effective binding agent for positively charged ions, also referred to as free radicals. The presence of free radicals accelerates the onset of visible signs of aging.
Benefit #10: Is Completely Natural
A major problem with today's skin care products is their high level of toxicity. A majority of skin care products on the market today contain ingredients that are very harsh. Among these toxic ingredients are BPAs, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and other unnatural, toxic substances that can cause everything from skin irritation to chronic skin diseases.
A clay mask is a completely natural way of detoxifying, cleansing, purifying, exfoliating, and beautifying your skin.
How to Apply a Clay Mask?
Clay masks provide unparalleled results, but you must use them correctly to achieve these results! Here is how to use clay mask properly:
- Start by cleansing your face. Cleansing the face will get rid of dirt and impurities so that you can start with a clean canvas.
- The next step is to evenly apply the clay mask to your face. Spread the mask evenly on your face with your hands or an old foundation brush. It should be applied thinly.
- Take 10-15 minutes to relax. Get your face ready for the mask's magic.
- It's time to take off the mask after 15-20 minutes when it feels firm on your face.
- You can remove the clay mask from your face by wiping it off with a warm washcloth. Don't leave any residue on your face after wiping it off.
- Apply a water-based moisturizer to your face after patting it dry with a clean towel. That's it! Afterward, your face should feel refreshed.
How Often Should You Apply a Clay Mask?
Now that you know how to apply a clay mask, let’s learn when to apply clay mask on face:
Clay masks are great for zit-busting, but too much could cause the skin to become dry. If you have dry or sensitive skin, clay masks are recommended only once a week. Using a clay mask twice a week might be a good choice for oilier skin types.
The Bottom Line
Using clay to care for your skin is as natural as it gets. Hopefully, you've gained a better understanding of clay masks' benefits and how clay masks work.
Have any more questions about clay masks? Ask away in the comment section and we’d be happy to answer!
