What’s your favorite part of your skincare routine? For me, it’s masking time! Sheet masks soaked in serum, DIY masks, tingly carbonated bubble masks, gooey gel peeling masks — you name it, I’ve tried them all. But, there’s nothing quite like using a powder clay mask to create an enjoyable at-home spa experience. Once you discover the benefits of powder clay masks, there’s no doubt that you’ll want to add them to your weekend self-care routine, too!
Benefits of Powder Clay Masks
Powder clay and clay masks are an essential part of a detoxifying self-care routine. In fact, they’ve been used this way for centuries! The benefits of powder clay masks lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients
What’s Inside a Powder Clay Mask?
Powder clay masks use one of several types of mineral-rich clay to exfoliate, cleanse, and nourish the skin. The types of clay used in powder clay mask are typically characterized by their:
- Region: “French,” “Moroccan,” or “Australia”
- Color: “Pink clay,” “red clay,” “green clay,” or “white clay”
- Subcategory: “kaolin,” “bentonite,” “rhassoul,” or “illite”
Along with the contents that give each clay their distinct hue, clay contains plenty of trace minerals and elements like iron, calcium, silica, and magnesium. Clay is highly absorbent and it draws out dirt, oil, and other impurities from the pores, resulting in deeply cleanse and soften skin. This is why clay is a key ingredient in facial masks and body packs at spas and resorts.
How Powder Clay Masks Work
As a clay mask dries, it tightens the skin, resulting in smoother and firmer skin. Likewise, clay draws out impurities from the pores and absorbs excess sebum (the stuff that causes oily skin), minimizing the appearance of pores in the process.
You can also use a clay mask as a natural exfoliator. The fine granules gently loosen and remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin without being overly abrasive. Frequent exfoliation refines the skin texture by stimulating skin cell turnover, the process in which new skin cells replace old ones.
With pre-made water-activated clay masks, you’ll need to add a preservative to prevent the formation of potentially harmful bacteria, mold and yeast. (This also applies to any cosmetic product with water as a main ingredient for that matter!)
An unopened pre-activated clay mask has a shelf life of two to three years, unless specifically stated otherwise. However, this shelf life drops dramatically upon contact with open air. In fact, because clay masks are prone to drying out, a clay mask can go bad in as little as 6 months or even shorter if you do not take proper steps to prevent cross-contamination.
On the other hand, powder clay masks have a longer shelf life, which means you get your money’s worth of product. You simply need to ensure that you store the dry product in an airtight container to keep out water and/or humidity. When you’re ready to get your masking on, simply measure out a few tablespoons of your powder clay mask, add water, mix, and apply. That’s it!
A powder clay mask formula consist of dry ingredients, leaving no room for preservatives or fillers. Each ingredient exists for the benefit of your skin. What’s more, these benefits can get an extra boost when mixed with extra ingredients found in your home!
Customize Your Powder Clay Mask
Perhaps the greatest benefit of powder clay masks is that they’re 100% customizable to your liking. From the texture, activator, and booster ingredients, it’s all in your control.
After all, your skin changes with the seasons and hormonal cycles, so shouldn’t your skincare products do the same? Think about it. With a powder clay mask, you have the freedom to create a face mask that always suits your skin’s needs!
Here are a few suggestions:
For brighter skin, add yogurt. The lactic acid present is a gentle form of chemical exfoliators known as AHA, or alpha hydroxy acid.
Want to soothe irritated skin? Add honey! It’s a natural humectant with anti-microbial properties.
Instead of water, try aloe vera or an alcohol-free toner for extra hydration.
Take it one step further by adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender for relaxation, peppermint for a refreshing sensation, or tea tree oil for its purifying properties.
As for me, I like to add a few drops of a facial oil or beauty serum when mixing my Green Radiance Clay Mask to give my skin an extra glow.
How To Use A Powder Clay Mask
Unlike conventional sheet masks, clay masks aren’t meant to be used daily. Rather they are “special care” product, for use once a week, up to two or three times a week, depending on your skin condition and/or needs.
Clay masking is a sensory experience, or “ritualized healing” as we say here at [EDO BEAUTY LAB]! Set aside some quality self-care/at-home spa time every week in order to reap the full benefits of your mask.
You won’t need special tools — a mixing bowl and brush/applicator will do. However, avoid mixing your mask in a metal bowl or with a metal spoon as some types of clay can react negatively to metal.
Directions
Start with a freshly cleansed face to allow the mask to penetrate your pores.
Place one or two tablespoons of your clay powder in a bowl, then gradually add a few drops of water or your desired activator. Mix it into a paste and continue to add a few drops of water until the texture is at your desired consistency.
Apply the paste with your applicator or fingertips to your entire face or desired area. For example, if it’s oily skin that’s troubling you, focus on the T-zone (forehead and nose). Use your fingers to make light, circular motions to gently exfoliate and work in the clay paste.
Once done, it’s time to play the waiting game! Give the clay mask 10-15 to work its magic, but don’t let it dry completely as this could irritate your skin. Visualize the clay sucking out all the gunk in your pores as the mask slowly dries and tightens your skin.
Rinse off the dried clay mask paste with warm water. I prefer to remove my clay mask in the shower (it makes cleanup so much easier!). Then, I follow up with a damp tenugui to remove anything that’s leftover.
After using a clay mask, it’s important to hydrate the skin, so apply a moisturizing toner to lock in hydration.
The Benefits of Powder Clay Masks
Clay masks are a centuries-old beauty treatment for centuries and it’s easy to see why. Clay is a naturally occurring compound rich in minerals that aids in unclogging pores, exfoliation and skin rejuvenation.
In its powder form, clay masks are far more messier and time consuming than individually packaged sheet masks and ready-made clay masks. But, think of the trade offs: Powder clay masks are 100% customizable, have a long shelf life, and do not create excess waste!
Are you ready to give powder clay masks a try? Start with our signature 3 ingredient Green Radiance Clay Mask.
