Earth's Natural Skincare Solution
Clay masks have been all the rage ever since they exploded onto the skincare scene several years ago. Marketed as a DIY facial and body care fix for all skin types, the science of clay masks was largely minimal at first. Years later, though, it’s now clear:
CLAY MASKS ARE THE REAL DEAL!
In this blog we discuss what clay masks are, how they work, and why you need to be using one today.
THE HISTORY OF CLAY
Source: Cleveland Art Museum (Portrait of Nefertiti)
Despite the fact that clay masks are now a staple in many skincare regiments, the idea of applying a mask to the face is nothing new. In fact, using a face mask to exfoliate the skin dates back 5,000 years to Ancient India! (1)
And it didn’t stop there. The Ancient Egyptians used copper, lead, and malachite in their clay masks, and Cleopatra would apply a clay mask featuring clay, donkey’s milk, egg whites, and water from the Dead Sea to get her style right. (2) (3)
(THANKFULLY) tastes have changed, and today all-natural clay masks are everywhere, praised by celebrities, dermatologists, and DIYers alike.
So what’s the scoop on clay? Let’s dig in, and find out!
WHAT ARE CLAY MASKS
Source: MedicineNet.com
Clay masks are made from a variety of different clays, and use natural vitamins and minerals straight from the earth to exfoliate impurities from your skin. (4)
Clay masks work in three phases:
1. Your skin absorbs the natural minerals of the clay.
2. Your skin cools as your blood flows and capillaries begin to go to work.
3. Your skin tightens and dries, leaving you with fresh skin that's smooth and nourished.
This three-step process leaves you with radiant skin that's ready for the rest of your skincare routine, regardless of your history with acne or oily skin. (5)
HOW CLAY WORKS
Your body works to maintain a level pH balance of your skin. This is why some people have oily skin, while others have dry skin.
But no matter what kind of skin you have, your skin has a positive pH that’s on the acidic side. This is intentional, as a low, acidic pH allows you to fight free radicals and other harmful bacteria your skin encounters throughout the day. (6)
Unfortunately, this can also be a bad thing, as our bodies tend to compensate for our acidic pH by producing too much sebum, a waxy substance that gives you oily skin, acne, and skin irritation. (7)
Clay, however, has a negative pH balance. This difference allows the clay to pull impurities and oil out of your positively charged skin, and leave you with natural skin that’s balanced and nourished. (6)
THE BENEFITS OF CLAY
Clay's ability to exfoliate your skin contains a whole host of benefits:
First, clay masks tighten your pores, which prevents dirt and pollutants from getting under your skin and causing acne and skin irritation.
Clay masks also promote the production of collagen, which means goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles that worsen over time. (8)
The collagen then fights the effects of UV radiation, sun damage, and pollutants, which cause most of the damage your skin suffers. (9)
QUICK TIP: Most dermatologists recommend you clay mask up to three times per week, depending on your skin’s sensitivity and individual needs.
In addition to its exfoliating and detoxifying magic, clay masks also function as a deep cleanser. This is because clay masks gently draw dirt and oil away from your face. This gives your face a natural glow, especially when paired with a good moisturizer.
Clay masks are also effective when used on the body and scalp. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that clay can help those with dandruff, dry and impaired hair, frizziness, and heat damage -- certain studies have even shown that clay can help people grow their hair faster! (10)
WHO CAN USE CLAY MASKS?
Clay masks are great for all skin types!
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a NYC-based dermatologist, agrees, saying “Clay has both calming and oil-absorbing properties, making it useful both for those with sensitive skin, as well as oily or acne-prone skin.” (11)
QUICK TIP: Unsure if you’re dry or oily? You’re not alone. Many people have combination skin, and clay masks work for them too!
For those with oily skin, clay masks pull the excess oil out of your skin, then shrink your pores, which will keep pollutants at bay and help fend off excess sebum production.
For those with dry skin, clay creates a film on the outer layer of your skin, which will help you retain moisture and stay hydrated, giving you a mattified glow that is PERFECTLY YOU! (12)
TYPES OF CLAY MASKS
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is the strongest clay out there, and is also the most commonly used. It detoxifies and repels impurities and toxins from your skin, and leaves you with smooth skin that’s clean and fresh!
Check out Garner’s Garden 100% All-Natural Bentonite Clay, which detoxifies your skin and provides essential minerals back into your body. Sourced from Wisconsin, our Bentonite Clay is 100% Bentonite, and will leave your skin feeling smooth and supple.
Kaolin Clay
Much like Bentonite Clay, Kaolin Clay is a proven detoxifier and remineralizer that’s been used for centuries. Kaolin Clay is great for all skin types, especially those with sensitive or normal skin.
Check out Garner’s Garden 100% All-Natural Kaolin Clay, which will purify, nourish, and soothe your skin, and leave you with feeling fresh and looking your best!
Also check out Garner’s Garden 100% All-Natural DIY Detox Face Mask, which combines the detoxifying power of kaolin, the remineralizing strength of bentonite, and the exfoliating might of activated charcoal to give your skin the deep cleanse you want!
BUT WAIT!
Clay masks work best as part of a larger skincare routine!
For best results, pair your clay mask with Garner’s Garden 100% All-Natural Antibacterial Facial Cleanser, which uses Neem oil to promote optimal skin health, our 100% All-Natural Hydrosol, a spray that maintains the skin's pH balance and supports cell regeneration, our 100% All-Natural Pure Facial Toner, which minimizes dryness and removes excess dirt and oil, and our 100% All-Natural 4D Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum, which penetrates multiple layers deep to maximize hydration and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth!
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Sources:
- https://maskologist.com/blogs/news/the-evolution-of-the-face-mask
- https://www.crfashionbook.com/beauty/a33265839/history-beauty-face-masks-skincare/
- https://cosmeticsinfo.org/Ancient-history-cosmetics
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/clay-mask-5089225
- https://www.allure.com/story/right-way-to-use-clay-face-mask
- https://www.healthline.com/health/whats-so-important-about-skin-ph
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4828386/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318508286_Characterization_and_Short-Term_clinical_study_of_clay_facial_mask
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/anti-pollution-skin-care_l_5e385cd0c5b6bf30f18d1fa4
- https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/healthy-hair-tips
- https://www.skincare.com/article/clay-mask-benefits
- https://www.healthline.com/health/clay-mask-benefits#bentonite-clay-benefits