Clay-based face masks are a wonderful way to deeply cleanse and detoxify the skin. There are many types of cosmetic clays which make superb face masks.
Clays are rich in minerals. They are great for deeply cleansing the skin as they draw out toxins. They also help tone the skin and have an exfoliating action too. These face masks can also be used as a cleanser if you massage onto the skin in circular motions (avoiding the eye area) and then rinse off before they have set.
How to make your own detoxifying clay face mask
This will make enough for one treatment. You’ll find information about all the ingredients below.
1. Select your type of clay. Two teaspoons
2. Select any additional ingredients such as exfoliating agents or fruit powders. 1/4 – 1/2 a teaspoon should be about right.
3. If you have dry skin add a drop or two of a carrier oil such as
4. Add a drop of essential oil (optional – do take care with essential oils, read the safety advice and check contraindications).
5. Choose your liquid of choice: water, flower water, milk, aloe vera juice, herbal infusion, yoghurt. Mix in enough to make a thick paste (usually 1-2 teaspoons).
6. Apply to your face avoiding the eye area and relax for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off and feel radiant!
*Note: these masks should be mixed just before use and discarded afterwards. Once
Choosing the clay for your face mask
Green clay: cleansing, detoxifying, toning and draws out impurities. Green clay is suitable for normal, neglected, oily skin and acne.
Rhassoul clay: light brown clay with wonderful exfoliating, cleansing and detoxifying properties. It draws out excess oils and impurities from deep within the skin. Rhassoul is also highly nourishing for the skin thanks to its high mineral content and has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities.
White cosmetic clay (Kaolin clay): one of the most commonly available and versatile cosmetic clays it has a high mineral content, a gentle nature and absorbent properties. Ideal for sensitive, dry and mature skin types.
Fullers Earth: deeply cleansing it’s used in masks to help absorb oils and prevent acne. Mix in equal amounts
Pink clay: A mild clay, rich in minerals. Great for gently cleansing and detoxifying sensitive skin.
Other ingredients to add to your clay-based face mask
Exfoliating agents
Ground rice – an excellent exfoliator for the face when applied with gentle circular motions. Can be bought inexpensively from most supermarkets.
Ground almonds – similar to ground rice, good in fresh face treatments (doesn’t keep very well). An excellent exfoliator for the face when applied with gentle circular motions.
Jojoba beads – these are made from jojoba oil and are smooth grains useful for exfoliating. They can be added to creams, lotions, gels and face masks to add an exfoliating function.
Bamboo powder – made from bamboo, this is an exfoliating powder which you can add to creams, lotions, gels, and face masks for an exfoliating action.
Fruit powders – we like these ones sold by
Essential oils
Frankincense, lavender and geranium are all good choices. Read more about them here.
Liquids
Flower waters – also known as hydrolates are a by-product of the distillation of essential oils and contain similar properties to essential oils in a mild form. They are a lovely, gentle and fragrant addition to face masks, toners and spritzers.
Milk and yoghurt – contain lactic acid which acts as a gentle exfoliator, removing dead skin cells and leaving skin soft and smooth.
Aloe vera – anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, rejuvenating, soothing and calming for the skin, relieve sunburn – stimulates epidermal growth and repair.
We hope you enjoy making your own face masks!
