How To Detox And Remineralize Your Skin With A DIY Clay Mask
If you've ever had a professional facial then you will know the feeling of truly clean and clear pores. One of the best bonuses of a facial is looking in the mirror and seeing that the dull, dark shadows around your nose caused by blackheads are gone. And your skin is more even, brighter, and glowing!
But, what if I told you that you don't have to folk out for a fancy spa facial to get those results?
I'm not saying to cancel your monthly facial... I'm just giving you an easy way to maintain clear, glowing skin in between appointments.
And if luxury facials are not in your monthly budget then this post is definitely for you. Because today I'm talking about the amazing benefits of a DIY clay face mask. A quick scroll through Pinterest proves how popular this at-home beauty treatment is with endless Pins on recipes and benefits.
Whether you choose Bentonite, Zeolite, Pyrophyllite, Kaolin, Rhassoul, or European, they all have healing, detoxifying, and remineralizing benefits for your skin. My favorite is Rhassoul Clay.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.
Table of Contents
What Is Rhassoul Clay
The Skin Benefits of Clay
WHAT IS RHASSOUL CLAY?
My favorite clay for DIY masks is Rhassoul clay, also known as ghassoul clay or Moroccan red clay.
This mineral-rich clay is mined from small underground chambers deep beneath the Atlas Mountains in Eastern Morocco.
The wonderful thing about using these clays for your skin is that they are so natural.
Rhassoul clay is washed and left out to dry under the desert sun. It is untreated, the only process it goes through is refinement and micronization (which massively increases its power of absorption) to produce a very fine, smooth, almost silken powder.
THE SKIN BENEFITS OF CLAY
Clay is such a fascinating skincare ingredient to me. Not only is it one of my cheapest, most natural DIY ingredients —it literally comes from the earth, but it's backed up by science.
Which my regular readers and subscribers know is a big plus for me when it comes to getting skin results.
I will try not to butcher the science behind how clay can detox your skin in ten minutes!
1. Toxin Removal
First of all, clay expands a lot when wet. This allows it to absorb toxins in the skin and carry them away when rinsed off your face!
The science behind this is that these clays have negatively charged molecules (anions), which when mixed with water produce a powerful negative electromagnetic charge.
Most toxins, pesticides, chemicals, and heavy metals have positively charged molecules (cations).
Now, this next bit I actually remember from biology class - Naturally, a substance looks for an ion opposite to its own to bind to, making it complete. This means clay seeks out and binds to the toxins in your body.
Once bound the clay is able to absorb these toxins and carry them from the body when your rinse off your face mask.
This is what makes clay such an effective detoxifying agent. Certain clays are even recommended to help with detoxification after chemo and radiation therapy.
2. The Mineral Exchange
Essentially a clay face mask performs an exchange of toxins for minerals. Win, win!
For the duration of time a clay mask is on your face —ideally, 10-15 minutes, toxins are drawn up through the skin out of the lymph fluid and carried away inside the clay particle.
Meanwhile, your skin absorbs all of the beneficial minerals from the clay in a process called ionic exchange.
This makes clay a very popular ingredient in both spa and DIY face treatments.
3. Exfoliation
In order for your skin to glow it needs regular exfoliation to remove invisible dead skin cells that sit on the surface of your skin.
Dead cells not only cause block pores, and breakouts, they also prevent toxins from being released through sweat and sebum excretion.
This all adds up to dull skin and spots.
But, an added benefit of a clay face mask is the exfoliation you get when washing it off.
On a molecular level, clay particles are somewhat rough. When removing your mask take a little extra time to massage it into your face, or scalp to remove dead skin cells and flakey skin.
Unlike a regular face scrub, Rhassoul clay gently scrubs away dead skin while re-mineralizing and conditioning the skin and scalp!
CLAY BENEFITS FOR OILY & ACNE-PRONE SKIN
1. Absorbancy
As I mentioned before, clay has a unique ability to expand and absorb. Bentonite clay in particular is incredibly absorbent, this can be helpful in controlling oil production and absorbing excess sebum, preventing acne breakouts.
2. Antimicrobial
Clay has been used to heal skin infections and even internal ailments for thousands of years thanks to its antimicrobial properties.
But, even though it has a powerful ability to kill acne-causing bacteria, at the same time clay does not destroy the individual skin flora.
This is crucial to those who suffer from acne, or any dermatitis-related skin conditions because it doesn't mess with the pH balance of your skin.
THE HAIR HEALTH BENEFITS
But the beauty benefits of clay don't end here my friend. Bentonite and Rassoul clay can also contribute to the health of your scalp and hair.
A clay hair mask is an alkalizing treatment for the scalp that can detox hair follicles helping to reduce hair loss. It can help to heal scalp problems and is surprisingly moisturizing and conditioning for the hair.
DIY Face Mask Recipe
Hopefully, by now you love clay as much as I do! it really is a multifaceted ingredient for the skin.
I want to leave you with my weekly clay face mask recipe that keeps my skin crystal clear and glowing.
Feel free to substitute any of the ingredients (bar the clay!) for whatever you have at hand. If you don't have Rose Water, just use bottled water. Not tap.
This recipe will work with Rassoul —my favorite, Bentonite, or Kaolin clays.
Directions
Get all of your ingredients ready but don't mix (small mixing bowl + plastic or wooden spoon)
Double cleanse your face (more info on the double cleanse here)
Steam for 5-10 minutes depending on your skin type (more info on steaming here)
Pat your face dry, then mix and apply your mask
Leave on for 10-15 minutes (until it sets)
Wet your face with a little bit of water to soften the clay
Massage the mask using small circular motions to exfoliate the skin before rinsing
*To avoid activating the clay before you get a chance to apply it don't use a metal spoon or bowl to mix your mask. Glass, plastic, and wooden only!
DIY Hair + Scalp Mask Recipe
This clay hair mask can help soothe and heal itchy, dry scalps and leaves hair shiny and soft. Again substitute ingredients for whatever you have. You can substitute Rose Water and Apple Cider Vinegar, for just plain bottled (not tap) water to make a cheaper and easier.
Directions
Wash your hair (don't use any conditioner)
Mix your hair mask
Apply in sections if you have long hair (tie the other section up and out of your way)
Once every strand is covered put on a disposable shower cap (I like to enhance my hair treatment with this heated cap too!)
Leave on for 20 minutes
Wet your head slightly under the shower then massage the clay into your scalp for a minute or two to exfoliate dead skin and blocked hair follicles
*Depending on your hair type you shouldn't need conditioner after a clay mask. This treatment leaves my hair soft and silky every time!
PRINTABLE SKINCARE PLANNERS
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