When it comes to skincare treatments, it doesn't get more natural than clay masks. Clay is a natural substance, often recognizable if your garden has clay soil, with a slightly grainy texture that aids in exfoliation. The nutrients in clay tone, firm, and nourish the skin. Most importantly, clay is renowned for its ability to draw out dirt, oils, and toxins, resulting in deeply cleansed and softened skin.

Incorporating a clay mask into your routine once or twice a week can be very beneficial. It’s a relaxing, enjoyable ritual that results in cleaner, softer, and more radiant skin.

Here’s how to get started:

How to Apply a Clay Mask

1. Choose the Right Clay: Select a clay that suits your skin type. Kaolin is gentle and good for sensitive skin, while bentonite is excellent for oily or acne-prone skin.
2. Prep Your Skin: Cleanse your face thoroughly to remove any makeup, dirt, or oil.
3. Mix the Mask: If using a powdered clay, mix it with water or other beneficial ingredients like honey or yogurt until it forms a smooth paste.
4. Apply Evenly: Using clean fingers or a brush, apply the mask evenly over your face, avoiding the eye and lip areas.
5. Relax and Let It Dry: Allow the mask to dry, which usually takes 10-15 minutes. Take this time to relax and unwind.
6. Rinse Off: Gently rinse off the mask with lukewarm water, using a soft cloth if needed. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
7. Moisturize: Follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Enjoy the benefits of this natural skincare treatment and watch your skin become healthier and more vibrant with each use!

Green Clay                : Oily Skin 

Bentonite Clay       : Normal Skin                                                                                  

Red Clay                        : Dry Skin and Mature                                                                            

White Clay                : Sensitive and Mature Skin                                                                           

* Note: Instead of water, you might use an herbal infusion or floral water (calendula to soften and smooth, lavender to cleanse and moisturize, marshmallow root to soften, peppermint to cool and refresh, for example). You can also make clay masks with other liquid ingredients -- such as milk or yogurt, honey, juices, and egg whites. And you can incorporate other nourishing ingredients, such as oats.

INGREDIENTS

1 tsp of  clay ( green or bentonite)

Some mineral or spring water

Few drops off almond oil or whichever natural oil you have such as Argan oil , jojoba oil , olive oil or almond oil.

INSTRUCTION

mix to a smooth consistency

apply to face for 10 / 20 minutes (+/- depending on your skin type)

wash off with cool water.

Regulating  Mask Clay-and-lemon

mask recipe for oily skins

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoonfuls of green clay

Half a lemon juice

Add some water depending on the consistency you need

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix 2 table spoonfuls of green clay with half a lemon juice – Add some water depending on the consistency and whisk the preparation until the paste becomes homogeneous and creamy.

apply to face for 10/20 minutes (+/- depending on your skin type)

wash off with cool water.

Green Clay is an anti-inflammatory agent with soothing and antiseptic actions for skin types prone to acne and whiteheads.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon of green clay

3-4 drops of natural apple vinegar

a little cold boiled water

INSTRUCTIONS

mix to a smooth consistency

apply to face for 10/20 minutes (+/- depending on your skin type)

wash off with cool water

use daily before bed for 1 to 2 months until your skin clears

Bentonite Acne Fighting Mask

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp bentonite clay

3 drops tea tree oil

¼ tsp apple cider vinegar

Rosewater or distilled water (as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix the rosewater with bentonite clay until it forms a smooth, wet paste.

Once that is done, add the other ingredients.

Apply the mask on your face, excluding your eyes and mouth.

Leave on until it hardens.

Wash off with warm water.

Mask with Cucumber 

Effective for cleansing skin and removing inflammation, as cucumber juice is a great moisturiser and wonderful for minimising  inflammation:

INGREDIENTS

½ cucumber (medium size) – 2 inches in length

2 tablespoons of clay for your skin type

INSTRUCTIONS:

grade cucumber and mix with green clay.  Apply mixture with wide-bristled brush or with your fingers on your face, let dry, wash off with cool water and apply nourishing cream.

Action: cleanses, removes inflammation

Skin type: any

Frequency: 1-2 times a week

Application time: 20 minutes, 10 minutes or 5 minutes depending on skin type (oily, normal, dry)

Mask with Honey and Rose Water

This mask provides moisturising effect while nourishing and tightening skin.  Honey is rich in micro-elements, which also makes this mask effective for ageing skin:

INGREDIENTS

3 teaspoons of clay for your skin type

3 tablespoons of Rose Water

1 teaspoon of honey

INSTRUCTIONS

thoroughly mix clay, rose water and honey, getting it to the thick paste consistency. Apply in thick layer on clean face, leave to dry and wash off with cool water.

Action: nourishes, tightens skin

Skin type: any

Frequency: 2-3 times a week for ageing skin; 1 time a week for all other skin types

Time to prepare: 5 minutes to mix after 30 minutes of soaking clay with water

Application time: 20 minutes, 10 minutes or 5 minutes depending on skin type (oily, normal, dry)

Red clay with raw honey

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon of red clay

1 teaspoon raw honey

1 teaspoon of spring water (or more if needed)

1/2 tsp of powdered calendula and chamomile flowers (optional)

2 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix the  clay with the powdered herbs (if using) in a small bowl.

Add honey and mix to form a thick paste.

Add enough warm water to form a thin paste. Add lavender essential oil (if using).

Immediately apply to face and neck in a circular motion, avoiding the eyes.

Leave on 10-15 minutes or until it has hardened.

Wash off with a  wash cloth soaked in warm water (really warm water helps to steam off the mask without having to rub the skin).

Pat skin dry and enjoy your smooth skin!

Purifying Green Clay Mask for Oily Skin

This purifying mask is wonderful for oily skin

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbsp green clay

1 tsp apricot kernel oil

3 drops of palmarosa essential oil 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix the palmarosa and apricot oils together.

Add a few drops of warm water.

Mix together and add more water if need be to get a good, spreadable paste.

Apply mask.

Let dry for 10 minutes.

Rinse off with a warm washcloth.

10 Recipes to Make With Kaolin Clay By humblebeeandme