Let's talk clay masks!
Let's Talk Clay Masks!
In this blog post we will cover:
-What makes clay face masks effective?
-How do clay face masks benefit the skin?
-Are clay face masks suitable for all skin types?
-So which mask should I choose?
-How often should you use a clay face mask?
-How do you use the mask?
-Do you actually need them?
-...a few things worth mentioning
Have a read through the blog or click the questions indiviually! I hope you find this helpful.
Introduction
Known for their ability to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and even skin tone, clay face masks have been a staple in skincare routines for centuries worldwide.
Clay masks are formulated with various types of facial clay, such as kaolin and glacial clay (as found in our 3 masks). Other ingredients can be added from a clay base to provide additional benefits.
What makes clay face masks effective?
Clay is a natural absorbent that removes impurities, toxins, and excess oil from the skin. Clay masks act like magnets, pulling out dirt and oil from deep within the pores, which regular cleansers can't reach unless they contain chemical exfoliants.
How do clay face masks benefit the skin?
Clay masks provide many benefits, so let’s break it down into bite sizes:
1) Exfoliation removes dead skin cells to reveal newer skin cells and brighter, more even skin tone.
2) Reduce pore size. Now let’s clear this up first. You cannot change your pore size. It’s a DNA thing... BUT if you aren’t consistent with your skincare, your pores may become clogged and stretch. Using a mask weekly (and staying consistent) will remove the debris and allow your pores to return to their natural size.
3) Control oily skin. As mentioned, clay masks attract and hold dirt and oil from pores. If you have oily skin, a mask can help control oil production.
4) Control acne. It's the same idea as controlling oiliness. Keeping pores clear, controlling oil production, and exfoliating dead skin cells will result in fewer breakouts (maybe even clearing them up for good).
Are clay face masks suitable for all skin types?
Absolutely! There are many types of clay. Some are more aggressive than others. If you have more sensitive skin, it would be best to stick with kaolin clays. They are the most gentle.
So which mask should I choose?
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s look at our 3 clay masks!
Detox is a charcoal and glacial clay mask to dig deep and clear out those pores. This is a must-have for oily/acne-prone skin. The Detox mask would be considered the most aggressive for exfoliation however, if you gently remove it (more info below) you will avoid irritation.
Rejuvenate is a kaolin clay mixture. The purple kaolin is sourced from Brazil and contains minerals helpful to aging skin (not that there is anything wrong with wrinkles, love your skin!). This mask is less aggressive than the Detox but still more exfoliating than the last mask.
Brighten is also a kaolin clay mixture. These clays are the most gentle of all 3 masks and contribute to a brighter complexion. Users have also reposted that redness was reduced while using this mask.
All in all, you can’t go wrong with any one of them. They will all provide that detoxing effect while exfoliating your skin.
How often should you use a clay face mask?
Keep it to 1x a week, overexfoliation is a thing! Pick a day you know you will have time to do your mask. Personally, I like Sunday nights.
Overusing clay masks can strip your skin of natural oils and lead to dryness or irritation.
How do you use the mask?
You may have noticed that our masks come as a powder, so what do you do with them? It’s simpler than you think. Mix 1 tablespoon of mask powder with 1 teaspoon of water. That’s it!
Gently stir them together until you get a mud-like paste. Apply to your skin and go back to binging Netflix.
You are ready to remove your mask once you have dry spots on your cheeks, chin, and forehead. Never let it dry out completely (I seriously have no idea why anyone promotes that!). If it dries out it will be harder to remove and cause you to scrub and irritate your skin.
To remove, wet a cloth with lukewarm water and wet the mask. Once the mask is dark again, gently wipe the mask away. No scrubbing is needed. Repeat the process until it’s gone. From there you can rinse with water.
The entire process from mixing to removing should only take 15 minutes total!
Do you actually need them?
This will depend entirely on your skin goals. If you want to brighten up dull-looking skin, control oily skin (including combination skin), control acne, and maintain a healthy glow, then yes!
My skin wouldn’t be where it is without having a mask in my routine.
...a few things worth mentioning
Adding a mask to your routine is a great way to smooth, brighten, and detox your skin but if you are new to masks, you may notice a temporary increase in breakouts.
This is due to dirt, oil, and skin cells deep in your pores reaching the surface. Stick with it and stay consistent and you will see breakouts become fewer and fewer.
Redness is normal after a mask. Not burning, irritation redness but blood circulation redness. Again, this will be temporary and should disappear within 20-30 minutes
Finally, you should never feel discomfort using your skincare. The old adage “If it’s burning it’s working” is a myth. If you feel discomfort including itching or burning, remove with cool water.
We’ve covered a lot here but don’t be shy if you still have questions. Leave a comment below or reach out to me by email info@byersboutique.com
Renee xo