You can find many simple recipes online for clay masks that include ingredients such as eggs, oatmeal, mayonnaise, and yogurt. Each element in your kitchen has its own skin benefit.
A clay Face Mask brings in another dimension. “the science of clay” helps cleanse pores by removing dirt from the skin. Each type of clay has its benefits.
Face Masks are a great addition to any skincare routine. I love our clay powder masks because, unlike ready-made masks, they can be customized to meet your skin’s needs.
Clay powders can be used to make a paste by mixing them with water. They are also great when combined with other ingredients, either for added benefits or for experimentation.
Many websites provide recipes to add to clay masks. Many people do not know the science behind a clay face mask.
It would be best if you first decided WHY you will be using a mask before you can choose the additives.
You can mix powdered clays with anything your skin enjoys if you’re using the mask to help with gentle skin exfoliation.
If you wish to benefit from “the clay science,” you will need to understand that water’s chemical nature activates a property of clay that allows it to bond with impurities.
Clay & Water: A Simple Science
In a previous post, I talked about the Science of Clay.
When the clay absorbs water, it can take up and release cations, which are positively charged ions.
Since clay is largely made up of minerals, the theory goes that these positively charged good minerals can then be exchanged with positively charged impurities.
Clays are available as dry powders, but their main properties become active when they come into contact with water.
The clay is activated when it absorbs water and can release and take up cations.
Add any oil-based or non-water additive to the mask after it has been hydrated by water.
Basic Clay Face Mask
Here is our basic recipe for mixing the clay for our face mask.
- Step 1. Place a small bowl (preferably non-metal) with a little clay and about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
- Step 3: Add 1/4 teaspoon of warm or room temperature water slowly and stir with a metal spoon.
- Step 4: Add small amounts of water and mix until you reach a creamy consistency. Start with a small amount of water, and then add more as needed. Mix well to create a smooth paste.
You can replace all the water in the recipe with an additive that contains a lot of water, such as teas, hydrosols, or milk. Special Directions will be provided for other ingredients.
Use hydrosols or teas to make a clay mask
hydrosols or teas are great additions to the notion that cosmetic clays require “water” in order to “do their thing.”
Hydrosol is different from tea, which is produced by steeping fresh leaves, fruits, and flowers into the water. Please read our blog on “What Are Hydrsols?” for more information. ”
Both can be used as a substitute for plain water.
Instructions: Use the tea or Hydrosol in place of water when preparing your clay mask. Then, use as directed.
Teas Each herbal tea or botanical tea has its benefits, so select one that suits your needs. Chamomile tisane soothes irritated or rashes skin. Green tisane contains antioxidants. Peppermint tisane cools and refreshes.
Hydrosols A water-based aromatic hydrosol is produced by steam distillation after the production of an essential oil. Steam distillation produces two complementary products: essential oil and Hydrosol. Hydrosols can be used to treat facial skin, particularly when essential oils are too powerful. Rose Hydrosol, for example, is excellent for all skin types.
Hazel de Witchazel: Hazel de Witchazel is a gentle and refreshing addition that has toning, clarifying, and astringent qualities. It helps maintain a healthy complexion by reducing excess oil. If the witch hazel product is marked as “alcohol-free,” it’s a hydrosol. The alcohol in most witch hazel products is used to double distill the plant and extract more botanical essence. Check the ingredients. You should not find more than 15% alcohol.
Facial Clay Recipes Using Other Water-Based Ingredients
You might be surprised at how many foods and drinks we consume or drink have a high water content. *
- Milk = 90%
- Most Fruit Juices = 85 – 95%
- Plain regular yogurt = 75%
- Cucumbers = 95 %
- Avocado = 72%
- Banana = 75%
- Apple Cider Vinegar = 95%
- Whole egg = 76%
- Egg Yolk = 50%
- Egg White = 87%
*These are averages and will obviously vary.
Use natural juices with an astringent action, such as orange, tomato, and lemon juice, to treat oily or acne-prone skin. You can use milk, yogurt, and eggs to moisturize normal and dry skin. Replace water with raw apple vinegar for a purifying, more intense mask.
All skin types can use YOGURT Yogurt. Yogurt is made from milk and contains lactic acid, proteins, and fats. Natural lactic acid breaks down dead skin cells to gently exfoliate. Yogurt’s fats soothe itchy, dry skin.
Clay masks can irritate those with sensitive skin as they dry. The yogurt will never dry completely, so it’s a great addition for people with sensitive skin.
You can also use plain, full-fat organic yogurt. Next time you buy a carton, save a bit!
The amount of water in yogurt varies greatly. For instance, the difference between Greek yogurt and non-Greek is mainly due to water content. Greek yogurt, like traditional yogurts, is made with cultured milk. The unique feature of Greek yogurt is the triple straining after fermentation.
Greek yogurt contains less water than traditional yogurt. Water content is crucial for activating the clay.
MILK Lactic acid is found in milk, and it acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin without irritation. It’s great for cleaning, soothing, and softening dry, sensitive, or irritated skin. Whole milk is rich in extra fats and protein that soothe and soften the skin. The best milk are organic whole milk and goat milk.
ALOE VERA Juice: Organic Aloe (or fresh gel from the plant) makes a wonderful addition to a face mask. It is mildly astringent, helps balance oil production, and soothes irritation. Use aloe gel and not juice. Commercial gels contain a number of ingredients that are not necessary for your skin.
JUICES OF CITRUS: Citrus Juices are rich in citric acid, which helps to stimulate circulation, refreshes the skin, and is good for oily skin. Lemon juice has been shown to lighten age spots and even out the skin tone in some studies. Vitamin C in orange juice can refresh skin cells and soften wrinkles and fine lines. Citrus oils can irritate sensitive, dry, or irritated skin.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar can do wonders for the skin. It is a nonabrasive exfoliant that contains malic acid. It helps to soothe dry, itchy skin. Mixing our masks and apple cider vinegar with your oily skin may be just what you need.