If you notice that your pores look smaller and less noticeable after using a clay mask, it's a clear indication that the mask is working to remove debris and tighten your skin. A tightening sensation during and after applying a clay mask is normal and often indicates that the mask is doing its job.
You'll begin to notice a smoother, more even-toned complexion and less noticeable pores with consistent use. You can't change the size of your pores, however the clay mask will absorb excess oil and debris that can make pores appear enlarged – yet another amazing clay mask skin benefit!
STEP #3: WAIT 10-15 MINUTES
Take this time to sit back and relax! Listen to your favorite playlist or podcast while you leave your clay mask on for 10-15 minutes. Other potential post-mask application activities could include watching TV, painting your nails, or even using a hair mask.
In addition to being rich in beneficial minerals, clay has the capacity to draw out and soak up acne-causing impurities. With its absorbent, exfoliating and astringent properties, clay not only tackles the root causes of acne but also treats ongoing symptoms that plague breakout-prone skin.
After about two minutes, I could feel the mask working. I felt my face tingling and tightening, and the mask was drying quickly. FYI, the drier the mask gets, the harder it is to move your face—so if you need to crack a smile, try doing it before the mask dries.
A closed comedo that develops deep within the skin is called a blind pimple. A blind pimple may be painful if it is particularly deep in the skin's layers. The comedo may emerge as a whitehead as it rises through the layers of the skin, or it might disappear.
Sometimes using a clay mask can cause purging - when the pores are so blocked that all of the debris comes to the surface, causing acne to appear worse. But this will only be temporary and within a few weeks, your skin should become clearer.
Use a clay mask 1-2 times a week. If your skin produces lots of oil, you can put the clay mask on your nose or T-zone to specifically target blackheads in that area. A clay mask will help pull out all the dirt from your skin. You can apply for 15 minutes and rinse, or you can use it as a spot treatment overnight.
Then, to use any of our best clay masks for dry skin, apply an even layer to clean, dry skin, leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. Use three times a week for best results.
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.
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.
The hardening stage: is when the clay mask completely hardens and the mask feels extra 'tight' on your skin, which is what you want to avoid. So listen up babes! The golden rule is: remove the mask before it starts to feel 'tight'.
Clay is a natural but living product, moisture is essential for its effectiveness. To prevent the clay mask from drying out and drying your skin, apply the mask in a thick layer and moisten it well during installation.
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.
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.
Kaolin clay can help visibly clear up clogged pores on your face. Kaolin clay binds to the oil and dirt trapped in your pores and draws 'em out to unblock pores.
But in the case of blind pimples, you actually can't pop them. Since they are beneath the skin and have no 'head', there isn't a clear pathway for you to remove the pus or bacteria from your skin [2]. If you try to squeeze a blind pimple, you're only going to cause more inflammation.
Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.
People cannot remove pimples overnight, but home care can lessen swelling and may improve the appearance of pimples. Keeping the area clean, using ice, and hot compresses can help. For persistent or recurring pimples, people may wish to try acne treatments.
Don't use drying ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, clay, or sulfur. Acne spot treatments could have helped before you popped your pimple, but they're no longer beneficial once your skin is broken.
It is important to note that applying water to the face before applying a clay mask is not a must, but it can be beneficial to increase the effectiveness of the mask and also reduce the pulling and tugging sensation on the skin.
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.