Best Clay Masks For Your Skin Type
Masks have been popular since the dawn of time, even Cleopatra herself was known for slathering on a good mask. They have an abundance of benefits, from helping with breakouts, tightening pores, anti-wrinkles, you name it, and it will probably take care of it. Clay masks can be found at, drugstores, supermarkets and of course the beauty counter. Any skin problem they have you covered and are known for absorbing impurities, refining your skin texture, firming and plumping up your skin. You can find them in various colors, in a dry powder formula or all ready to go all you need is a cleansed face.
While researching for this post, I did come across an interesting article— a new way to apply face masks. Based on the directions on the bottle along with word of mouth we’re always told once you apply the face mask to let it completely dry and then wash it off, but according to Sharon McGlinchey this method is incorrect. Sharon McGlinchey, a facialist and the creator of” MV Organic Skincare” told Allure magazine , “There’s the damp phase where your skin drinks in the beneficial minerals from the outside. Then you have the start of the dry phase, which exercises your capillaries and stimulates blood flow as the mask cools and contracts. But then there’s the dry phase, which draws out moisture from the surface of your skin, causing dehydration and irritation.” Allure reports, the trick is when you see the mask begin to change in color go ahead and wash it off before your skin becomes too dry. A method I too, will try. And I have combination and acne prone skin, so I’ve tried my fair share tricks, tips and clay masks. Here are 5 top masks in the skin-care market:
1. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
The mask itself is bentonite clay from the Death Valley in California, the minerals in the masks have a negative electron charge and the toxins in your skin have a positive charge when the two mix the masks help to lift the impurities out of your skin. It does make your skin pulsate; your pores feel tighter, your skin can feel a little dry, tight and red afterward. But, after reading Allure’s post taking off the mask before it completely dries might help. Make sure you moisturize as well! As far as breakouts, yes it does help bring them to surface the following day, but some still might not be ready to extract. I usually just follow up with another mask later on in the week to help the process.
2. Mega Greens Galaxy Pack
Glossier for the win! Their detoxifying mask helps clear up your complexion with white kaolin clay, leafy greens and is infused with superfruit antioxidants. It leaves you with clean and refreshed skin. It contains exfoliants to help give your skin a clean finish while conditioning and balancing out your skin. I did notice my skin had a beautiful matte glowing finish to it after trying out the mask.
3. Original Skin™ Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Made with Mediterranean rose clay, Canadian willow herb, and exfoliating jojoba beads this mask aims to help your skins texture by reducing pore size and making your skin glow. I have not used this mask consistent enough to notice a change in pore size, but it does leave my skin “baby butt smooth” and has an amazing soft scent that doesn’t cause any rash. The jojoba beads help to give a soft exfoliation, so this mask is gentle enough for daily use.
4. GlamGlow SuperMud Clearing Treatment
This mask I have only used a sample size of it because let’s be real here it is a tad bit on the expensive side. A full size can run you a pretty penny ($100 to be exact), but this product is worth the hype. It helps with dirt and oil being brought to the surface to help with extractions. I noticed a difference in pore size, and it helped with blackhead removal.
5. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask
This mask is not a clay mask like the ones mentioned above. It is a mud mask, but it is too good not to share. I love the combination of this mask with African Black Soap, which is good for acne, gentle exfoliation, evening out skin tone, and reducing fine line and wrinkles. So you can see why this combination is powerful. The mask helps to bring impurities to the surface and helps with refining skin tone. I found that is brought any breakout to surface a lot quicker than the Aztec mask. The very next day there was a breakout ready to be taken care of.
