If you are familiar with a clay face mask, you know that it works to cleanse your skin. There’s a feeling of rejuvenation when you rinse the mask off your face. You can visibly see that your skin is brighter, cleaner, and refreshed. If you have never experimented with a clay mask, this recipe is going to do wonders for your face.
Before you dive face first into this mask, you’re going to want a dust mask for safety. Grab one of your trusty COVID-19 masks and strap it on because the last thing you want to do is inhale the powders. Inhalation of the powders can be quite harmful to your lungs and respiratory system, so do you best to protect your nose and mouth while preparing the mask.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a very porous substance that is processed at high temperatures. It’s a popular ingredient in beauty products because of the adsorption properties. Activated charcoal works to pull toxins and bacteria from your pores, leaving it extra clean and fresh. For people who suffer from acne, activated charcoal cleansers or masks can be beneficial because they deep clean pores and actually make them smaller. Additionally, several studies found that activated charcoal limits excess oil production.
Rhassoul Clay
Belonging to the smectite family of clays (same as bentonite), rhassoul clay has an ability to expand when exposed to a liquid. Rhassoul clay has several names, including red clay, Moroccan clay, and ghassoul clay. It comes from volcanic ash at the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. There isn’t much scientific data, but there are many anecdotal reports of the skin-enhancing benefits of rhassoul clay. It works to naturally exfoliate the skin, removing excess oil and dead skin cells. It also contributes to clearer skin that feels smoother and softer. It’s similar to activated charcoal in that it helps to lift impurities from the skin.
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay, or white clay, is a soft clay that’s been used to make porcelain products in China for centuries. It also happens to be a popular addition to toothpastes, hair products, and skin care products. Kaolin clay has the ability to absorb oil and may contribute to smoother skin. Many people like to use kaolin clay as an exfoliant because it is gentler on the skin than other clays. Preliminary research suggests that it may offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, which may help in treating rashes or irritation.
To make the mask fragrant and refreshing, you can include bergamot essential oil and ginger essential oil. If you can, purchase ginger essential oil that is free of CO2 because that will yield a proper, gingery smell. You can choose a different essential oil blend, but this combination may help brighten skin.
Homemade Clay Mask
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons white kaolin clay
- 1 tablespoon rhassoul clay
- 1 teaspoon activated charcoal
- 1/2 teaspoon dried calendula petals
- 1/2 teaspoon Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)
- 1/4 teaspoon Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
- 15 drops sea buckthorn seed oil
- 13 drops bergamot essential oil
- 10 drops ginger essential oil
Instructions:
- Put on your dust mask and add the clays, charcoal, calendula petals, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI), and Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate to a coffee or spice grinder.
- Blend the mixture with the lid on for about three minutes.
- Once you finish blending, keep the lid on and allow the dust to settle. Remove the top and scrape all of the powder into the grinder.
- Drop the different oils into the grinder, place the top on, and blend for another 30 seconds. Make sure to wait three minutes once you finish blending.
- Spoon the mixture into a glass jar and store it in a cool, dry place.
- To use, spoon about half a teaspoon of the powder into your palm and combine it with a little warm water.
- Work it gently between your hands before massaging it into your face. Leave it on for five minutes and then rinse with warm water.
- Pat your face dry and apply the moisturizer of your choosing.
