Clay face masks are designed to detoxify the skin by drawing out excess oil, impurities, and bacteria from your pores.
A clay face mask tends to remove oils and water from your skin, so using clay after your strong actives can mean dry, flaky skin. Certain clay products may be too drying for skin, leaving the skin barrier compromised as there are no lipids left to protect it.
Important Note: A purging phase may occur when using this product during the first few weeks as it pulls toxins out from under the skin. Try to avoid popping or picking at the spots and wait for them to heal naturally. Aztec clay speeds up the healing process as it draws out toxins, dirt, and debris.
``Wearing masks overnight that aren't created for that can over-process the skin. For example, wearing a clay mask for too long can dry out the skin since it sets and hardens before removal,'' said Kierstin.
Bentonite clay's ability to draw out pore-clogging dirt and debris and may also help congested skin appear cleansed and refreshed. As such, you'll find bentonite clay in skincare formulas specifically aimed at reducing the appearance of pores and blackheads.
Clay is a fantastic alternative to acid exfoliants and harsh cleansers as it does not disrupt the skin barrier and its delicate microbiome. Clay masks gently cleanse, decongest pores and exfoliate skin in a healthy and balanced manner.
They work by soaking up pore-clogging elements sitting on the surface of your skin. As the mask dries, you can feel your face tighten as it soaks up oils and draws impurities to the surface.
Skin purging is said to last 4-6 weeks, however, everyone's skin is different (2). This is only temporary and will eventually subside as your skin adjusts to the new treatment. In the meantime, it is important to cleanse gently and avoid picking at your skin, as this can cause further irritation.
Your Skin Feels Cleaner and Fresher
One of the immediate signs that a clay mask is working is the sensation of clean, refreshed skin. After rinsing off the mask, your skin should feel smoother, less oily, and thoroughly cleansed.
A deep cleansing clay mask is a great sebaceous filament treatment for drawing out the sebum and dirt in your pores. After cleansing your face, apply a mask and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes or as directed on the product label.
Mud and clay masks
Mud and clay can be used 2-3 times per week for 15 minutes but generally once a week does the trick. These masks draw out impurities and oil from your skin but overuse can lead to stripping your skin. Be careful not to leave these masks on for too long as they can irritate those with sensitive skin.
Clay masks have well-known benefits for skin! Namely, they mattify skin and instantly - but temporarily - shrink pores by absorbing any excess sebum that lingers on your skin. Used regularly, they're also a great way to ensure that pores stay clear and clog-free, reducing any risk of pore-stretching blockages.
They can be used at any time of the day. However, if you're using a mask that exfoliates or clarifies your skin, then it's best to use that at night. But if you're using one that hydrates the skin, then you should apply it in the morning to give your skin an added glow.
Appearance. Acne purging and breakouts can look similar at first glance, with increased red bumps and pimples. However, purging tends to cause uniform congestion, affecting the entire area where you applied the new treatment. Breakouts often appear more sporadic in your usual problem spots.
1 Known as "skin purging," worsening acne is a short-term reaction to ingredients that speed up cell turnover. Salicylic acid helps your body quickly get rid of dead skin cells. As a result, those dead skin cells, dirt, and oils appear on the surface of your skin, which clogs your pores and causes acne.
Most of the time, a breakout caused by skin purging won't last more than a month. If you're trying a new skincare regimen and your face starts to break out, hang in there for six to eight weeks. It's likely that the skin will clear by then; if it doesn't, you should discontinue using the new products.
Clay masks have been used for years to improve the appearance and texture of skin. Certain types of clay can absorb excess oil and remove dead skin cells and other impurities, leaving skin feeling smooth and clear. If you are considering a clay mask, look for one that aligns with your skin type and goals.
Bentonite clay gets rid of toxins and unclogs your pores, thus removing blackheads. It also reduces the appearance of acne scars and combats redness and inflammation. Combine the ingredients into a bowl. Stir until you have a paste without lumps in it.
If you're clay masking all the time you'll strip your skin bare. There's no need to use a clay mask more than two-three times a week. If you feel the need to do it more often you probably need to take a look at your skincare and whether you are using the right products to help provide balance for your skin type.
Don't apply the moisturizer immediately after washing off the face mask. Give the active ingredients some time to get fully absorbed by the skin. Take a dollop of moisturizer, warm it between your fingers to help it penetrate deeper, and then massage into the skin using upward motions.
If your skin is oily, you can use a clay mask that draws out oils and exfoliates the pores. Kaolin-based and Bentonite-based clay masks, along with other types of clay, have been increasingly popular over the past 10 years as people have become more aware of the benefits of using a clay mask.
The clays used for masks are typically alkaline, meaning that they have a pH greater than 7. 2 At this alkalinity, the mask will counter the acidity of the skin and strip some of the oils that can clog pores. The drying effect will also tighten the skin, albeit temporarily.