Clay masks are just one way to revitalize the skin and clear the pores. They are not suitable for all, and you will need to take care of the ingredients that you use.
If you have stubborn acne, you may find that a clay mask is perfect. Clay is known for drawing out the impurities from your skin. Rather than just cleansing the pores of the direct dirt and grime, the clay can help to draw out toxins deeper within. This can help to clear up deeper acne issues, such as cystic acne; the stuff that usually sits within the layers of the skin and is the most stubborn type to get rid of.
The downside to a clay mask is that it can be very drying. You are not just going to pull out the impurities, but also the water from the face. You can get rid of oils, which can leave your skin irritated if you use the masks in the wrong way.
We want the best for your skin. That is why we have put together this step-by-step guide to creating a DIY clay mask from home for your stubborn acne.
Make Sure Your Skin Is Suitable
Before you even start making your clay mask, it is essential that you make sure your skin is suitable. There is a common misconception that clay masks are suitable for all.
However, remember when I said they were drying to the skin? Well, that means dry skin will find clay masks far more irritating than other types of skin. Many beauticians will only recommend clay masks to those with oily or combination skin.
The clay will draw out the excess oils and moisture. It will help to leave your skin with a normal amount of oil. Your skin then naturally creates more oil, rectifying the drying element of the clay.
If you use the clay on dry skin, you can get yourself in a cycle of constantly having no oil in your skin. The body struggles to produce more oil, which will mean your skin is left raw, inflamed, and chapped. You open yourself to more infection and more acne!
Your skin type does not affect the amount you use your mask. Thisis not something you need to do on a daily basis. Even with excessively oily skin, a daily use will leave your skin feeling tender and burned. You only need to use the mask once or twice a week at the most. If you feel your skin overly irritated after use, reduce your consumption to once a week or once every two weeks. You will not benefit in any way from overuse and irritated skin!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your DIY Mask
Now that you know it is the perfect option for you, it is time to look at the ways to make your DIY mask. We will do this part in steps and then move onto the steps for the way to apply and use your mask for stubborn acne.
Step 1: Choose the right type of clay
There are different types of clays that you can use on your skin. We are not talking about the clay you would use on a building site or for your pottery! You want special types of clays that help to remove debris and oil from your face. There are a few for acne prone skin, but these are the best options.
Bentonite clay is the most popular option. It is extremely easy to find and affordable. It is a white/gray clay and helps to add minerals to your face while removing the excess oil. This is not just good to help remove acne, but will also help to improve the overall health of your skin. If you have combination skin with stubborn acne, this is one that you want to consider.
French Green Clay is an excellent option for those with oily skin that is prone to acne. It is one of the most absorbent clays of all, which means that it gets right into your pores to remove all the oil, debris, bacteria, and more. This is the best option when you want a deep cleanse.
Australian black clay is beneficial for those with excessively oily skin. It is another that is hyper-absorbent and will get deep into the pores. It is not as good as green clay but can sometimes be easier to find in your local beauty store. You will also findmany beauty products for acne-prone skin already add it to their formulas.
Step 2: Add your favorite nourishing oil
Your clay will need to be made up with a nourishing oil. Choose one that you like the most and that will help to remove all the impurities from your skin.
Almond and jojoba oils are the most common ones considered. They are not-comedogenic, which means they do not build up and stick within the pores. Olive oil is another excellent option.
Avoid using coconut oil as your nourishing oil for mixing with the clay when you have oily skin. While coconut oil is full of nutrients, it does block the pores and can make your acne worse.
Step 3: Add your favorite essential oils
Next, you will want to add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Most essential oils will be good options for acne-prone, oily skin. If you have combination skin, you may want to look at those that aren’t as drying. This will depend on how dry the drier parts of your skin are.
Tea tree essential oil tends to be one of the best options for oily, acne-prone skin. This essential oil as antiseptic and antibacterial benefits. It gets into the pores and will remove the reasons for the acne forming—getting rid of the acne-causing bacteria. The essential oil also smells good and leaves you feeling refreshed.
Lavender essential oil is also relatively good for oily skin. It has a slight drying nature to it, despite being an oil. Italso smells good and is excellent for relaxing muscles and reducing inflammation within the pores.
Step 4: Mix lukewarm water in slowly
Finally, you need the lukewarm water. You only want to add a little at a time, until you create a mask-like consistency with the mixture. Tepid water is better for opening the pores and helping the clay get to work. Cold water will cause your skin and blood vessels to shrink, meaning the mask must work harder.
Opt for filtered water or use mineral water. This will help to avoid the chemicals in tap water!
Step 5 (Optional): Add some poppy seeds in
Clay will mix smoothly into the oils and water. If you want to create an exfoliating clay mask, you will want to add something in that will help. Poppy seeds are excellent options. They are small enough to work like micro-dermabrasion, working away the top layers of the skin to leave you with new skin cells shining through.
You can also use some baking soda. This can be beneficial, especially for oilier skin. It has cleansing properties to help work with the clay.
Salt is another option. Opt for Epsom salts where possible. These are minerals, rather than salts. They do not dry out the skin further and are suitable for all types of skin. You can also use sea salt, which is less drying but more purifying than table salt.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Your Clay Mask
Now that you have a clay mask made, it is time to apply it to your face. You cannot just put it on and let it get to work. You will need to do some prep work to make sure your skin is ready to soak in the clay and release the internal toxins and impurities.
This is your step-by-step guide to follow every time you use your clay mask.
Step 1: Cleanse your skin fully
If you are wearing makeup, you will need to remove it first. The last thing you want is your clay to draw out the impurities of the makeup and leave the rest of the impurities in your skin alone.
Use a good makeup remover, completely getting rid of all traces of your makeup. Remain gentle around your eyes. While you will not apply clay on your eyelids, it is best to get rid of all the makeup.
You should remove your makeup nightly. This will help prevent the makeup from getting into and blocking your pores. If you have stubborn acne and don’t remove your makeup, you are just making the problem worse.
After removing your makeup, use lukewarm water and cleaners to eliminate the makeup remover traces. You will also get rid of the impurities and any left-behind makeup from your face. Think about the type of cleanser you use to make sure it is suitable for your skin.
Lukewarm water is best to use. While cold can help to close your pores, the warmer water will help to open them. This makes it easier for the clay to get into your pores and remove all impurities from deeper layers. Steam will also help to remove more impurities with a swipe, helping to get rid of all traces of your makeup.
Step 2: Apply your clay mask
Place your clay mask on your face with your fingertips. Use the ring fingers for around the eyes to help avoid stretching or tearing the skin around this area. Don’t get too close to the eyes, as the skin will be sensitive and is easily damaged in the removal process.
Apply the mask to your hairline and all around your chin and neck.
If you have used an exfoliant within your mask, make sure you apply it in circular motions. This will help to scrub away the dead skin cells while you put the maskon.
Step 3: Allow your mask to dry
Leave your mask on until it dries on your skin. You may feel a little tightness once it is dry, but you should not feel a lot. Your mask will get into the pores and draw out all the toxins. The tighter sensation will be the drying of the mask. Once the mask is removed, your skin will feel lighter again.
If you are not comfortable leaving your mask to completely dry, leave it on as long as you can stand. Give the thinner layers a chance to dry before you remove. Removing your mask too soon will prevent all the impurities being drawn out.
Don’t worry about the skin losing moisture. Contrary to past belief, the drying of the clay does not dry out all the skin. It will take out some of the excess oils, but not the necessary oils for healthy skin. You can also add some moisture back in through the use of toners and moisturizers afterward.
Step 4: Remove the mask with warm water
To remove the mask, use a little warm water on the face and rub in circular motions with your fingertips. You are exfoliating your skin again. Even if you do not have a mask with exfoliating properties, you will want to remove in a circular motion to help draw out the straggling impurities.
Rub in circles until the whole mask is rehydrated. You can then rinse and remove completely, before patting your skin with a soft, clean towel.
Avoid washing your face afterward. Your face is clean with the pre-cleaning and the mask.
Step 5: Use your toner and moisturizer
Now it is time to add a little moisture back into your skin. This is especially important with combination skin, but can also be beneficial for oily skin. Look out for toners and moisturizing creams that are suitable for your skin type to avoid more acne problems.
Look out for toners that will dry naturally. You can then apply a little moisturizing cream, just to help lock in that moisture.
A Few Notes on Clay Masks
Make sure all your makeup is removed before using clay masks. This will make it easier for the mask to get into your skin and draw out all the impurities.
The mask will not dry out your oily skin. While you may use moisturizing creams, you will not necessarily need them. This is something to play by ear when you feel your skin after the use of the clay mask.
Try to avoid putting too much on your face afterward. Opt for a non-comedogenic cream that will not block the pores but will help to lock in the moisture. Avoid makeup for at least 12 hours, leaving it for 24 hours if possible. This will help to keep the impurities out of the pores.
If you do find your skin is too sensitive or irritated after the use, you can look for a more delicate type of clay. Otherwise, you may need to look for other types of masks. Irritating your skin is not going to help improve the look, feel, or acne problem.
