Q: How Clay Masks Work?
A: First and foremost, what actually is clay mask?
There are a few types of clay mask material in the market. The commonest ones are Kaolin clay and Bentonite clay.
Kaolin clay is gentle on the skin, so it’s recommended for sensitive skin or for starting with a mild clay option. Kaolin clay is usually white, but also comes in yellow, red, and brown. It gently absorbs oil and provides slight exfoliation of the skin. It may also brighten skin because it is thought to promote circulation. If you have experienced mild acne, kaolin clay could be helpful in gently absorbing the excess oil that leads to breakouts.
Bentonite is a swelling clay that expands when it’s mixed with water. This ultra-absorbent clay is best for those with very oily skin because it easily absorbs excess oil and bacteria on your face. It is also believed to tighten skin because of its absorbing powers. Bentonite clay masks come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, red, brown, and black.
Clay masks are made up of minerals that are considered beneficial for your skin. The clay is believed to bind to impurities in your skin, like dirt and bacteria. The impurities are pulled into the clay mask and washed away when you rinse it off. For this reason, clay masks can give your skin a deep cleanse while removing excess oil to help prevent acne.
Once you feel the mask starting to harden and tighten, it has done its job and you can go ahead and rinse it off.
Clay masks are safe for most people and may leave you with brighter and clearer skin but for some, it may irritate the skin. Try the mask on a small patch of skin to make sure it isn’t irritating before applying it to your whole face. If you do decide to start using a clay mask, limit your use to just once or twice per week to prevent drying out your skin.
While clay masks can remove oil and blackheads, they don’t treat the cause of acne. Rather than simply treating the symptoms on your own, talk with your doctor about addressing the underlying cause of your acne.
