Clay is one of the best skincare ingredients. It has been used since time immemorial and has been raved about throughout the ages. This universal ingredient is well documented in Ayurveda as well as Egyptian, Western and Korean skincare products. The healing properties of clay make it your best bet to tackle common skin issues. You can make your own clay mask to unlock the benefits of this magic earth. Here are some Homemade Clay Mask Recipes for you to try.
Anti-acne masks:
Clays best suited for this skin type: Bentonite clay, Fuller’s Earth, Rhassoul Clay, French Green Clay
1. Bentonite Clay and apple cider vinegar mask:
Bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar is a match made in heaven. It is a powerful mask that sucks out toxins and rejuvenates your skin. Apple cider vinegar has a pH between 4.25-5. By mixing this acid with bentonite clay, it will balance out the skin pH and will be gentle to use on all skin types. The clay absorbs excess oil and ACV deals with nasty bacteria. Use it once a week to unclog your pores and see how clear your skin becomes. Word of action: Use a teaspoon of ACV (don’t go overboard) and do not use a metal bowl for mixing.
2. Bentonite clay with tea tree oil:
This is the perfect face mask to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and get clear skin. The bentonite clay not only purifies skin, but also helps provide oxygen to cells and has an alkalizing effect. It is loaded with beneficial minerals such as magnesium, silica, and calcium. When mixed together antibacterial ingredients like tea-tree oil, you get the mask that will help you achieve the skin of your dreams. Mix 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay, rosewater and 4 drops of tea tree oil. Apply it for 10 mins and wash off with lukewarm water. Close your pores with a toner. You will see your breakouts calming in a couple of uses.
3. Clay with honey:
Use a tablespoon of clay of your choice. Add a teaspoon of honey and mix it well. Apply it evenly on your skin. The honey in the mask nourishes your skin and adds moisture. It is also anti-bacterial and is super soothing on irritated skin. With clay it is the perfect match, to destress your skin and make it supple and acne-free.
For oily and lackluster skin:
Clays best suited: Red Kaolin Clay, Bentonite clay, Fuller’s Earth, Rhassoul Clay, French Green Clay
4. Multani mitti with lemon juice mask:
Fuller’s Earth or our favorite multani mitti can act miracles on oily skin. Mix it with lemon juice and cucumber juice and you have a star performer. Fuller’s earth absorbs oil and makes your skin matte and non-greasy. The lemon and cucumber juices ensure that your skin gets brightness, fairness and looks super radiant and fresh.
5. Clay with yoghurt mask:
Yoghurt is rich in lactic acid. It gently sloughs off dead cells and promotes regeneration of new cells. It adds moisture to skin without making it greasy. This clay mask is perfect for radiance and suppleness. Mix 1 teaspoon of yoghurt with a heaped teaspoon of clay, mix well and apply. Wash off after 10 mins to reveal glowing skin.
6. Clay and oatmeal mask:
Take a teaspoon of powdered oatmeal and mix it with a clay of your choice. You can use bentonite clay or multani mitti, mix it with rosewater to get a paste like consistency. Oats is a potent ingredient in healing skin, it has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For oily skin prone to breakouts, a mixture of rosewater, clay and oats is a blessing. You can add 2-3 drops of tea-tree oil for potent anti-bacterial action.
For dry skin:
Clays best suited: White Kaolin Clay, Rhassoul Clay, French Green Clay
7. Aloe and clay mask:
A super easy DIY to whip up in a minute, this mask is super amazing for normal to dry skin. If you are deprived from the benefits of clay because it causes stretchiness, think again. This mask is enriched with green tea, clay, aloe vera, honey and jojoba oil. You can mix one teaspoon of kaolin or bentonite clay with half teaspoon each of aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, honey and a tablespoon of green tea. The ingredients are loaded with anti-oxidants, plus they make your skin soft smooth and rejuvenated.
8. Avocado and clay mask:
Avocado are skincare superstars. Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids and is excellent for moisturizing the skin. In addition to vitamin E, it contains potassium, lecithin, and many other nutrients that can nourish and moisturize the skin. You can mix one tablespoon avocado pulp with one tablespoon bentonite or kaolin clay. Add a teaspoon of honey and avocado oil. Apply evenly. Leave on till dry (not cracked) and wipe off.
9. Almond and clay:
Take a teaspoon each of almond powder and kaolin. Mix it with half a teaspoon of olive oil. This mask is super gentle and nourishing, even on the driest of skin. It gives all the skin rejuvenating benefits of clay without the stretchiness. The almond powder and olive oil are hydrating and add exceptional moisture and softness to skin.
Ageing skin:
10. Green clay and coffee:
Mix two teaspoons of clay and a teaspoon of coffee grounds in a plastic or ceramic bowl. Add a teaspoon of diluted apple cider vinegar and mix well. Spread the mask on your face using a clean brush, let it dry and remove with warm water. Coffee grounds are anti-inflammatory and excellent exfoliants. Apple cider vinegar tones your skin and maintains the pH balance.
11. Green clay and egg white:
Take a tablespoon of French green clay, mix it with a teaspoon of honey and an egg white. Add 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil. Apply evenly on face, let it dry and wash off with lukewarm water. Egg whites help in tightening skin and shrinking pores. Lavender oil helps to soothe and calm skin. Your skin will appear to be lot more tighter and firmer after using this.
12. Ultimate detox for all skin types:
A super powerful mask to suck out toxins can be made by mixing two tablespoons bentonite clay (or any other clay of your choice) with a teaspoon of activated charcoal. Mix it with rose water or witch hazel or simply water and add a few drops of tea tree oil. This is effective in giving you squeaky clean skin with unclogged pores and radiant, fresh face.
