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 coloring, 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 an 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, it is said that the detoxing properties of clay can help to reduce the overall appearance of pores and fine lines, help reduce rosacea, acne and even rashes or eczema (When treating eczema however it is always best to select a gentle clay like white clay or rhassoul as some other clays may be too strong and aggravate dry or damaged skin)


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.

Oily Or Acneic Skin - The Green Clay Mask is your go to here, with a blend of Green Clay + Kelp powder to help regulate sebum production. This anti-bacteria, anti-inflammatory + nutrient dense mask is a veritable powerhouse when it comes to tackling breakouts

Dry or Sensitive Skin Types - Our White Clay mask was formulated with sensitive skin types in mind. It contains no essential oils - as these can cause irritation in some people; instead we decided to include a blend of natural flowers, calendula lavender + chamomile, finely ground with the clay so as to release their aroma and healing botanical properties. 

‘Normal’ Skin types - as far as any skin can be ‘normal’ here we’re talking about skin that isn’t overly oily, and isn’t overly sensitive. Our Rose Clay Face mask contains a blend of Pink + Kaolin clay with the addition of Honey Powder. This makes for a powerful detox combination with the added moisturisation provided by the honey powder. With Rose Geranium, Ylang Ylang and Cardamom essential oils, the Rose Clay mask is the perfect Spa experience 

Additional Extras - 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, whereas our skin's 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 in 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, probiotics. Probiotics help balance the bacterial health of our skin by maintaining the microbiome; the layer of bacteria on the skin's 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 skin's moisture whilst promoting softer, younger looking skin.

Manuka – King of the Honey

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 blocking 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