How To Make Your Own Nourishing Facial Clay Masks

So you'd like to make your own facial clay mask. Well, you've come to the right place. You obviously already know the benefits of natural facial clay masks, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this, but there are a few things you need to know (if you don't already) in order to get the most from making your own facial clay mask.

First Things First - Establish your skin type

Firstly, your facial clay mask should complement your facial skin type(s). Yes, you most likely have at least two skin types, which is also known as combination skin. So, the first thing to establish is wether you have oily, normal, dry, mature, sensitive or a combination of these skin types. Have a look at 'What's your skin type' if you're not sure...

The next thing is to choose the facial clay that is most suitable for your skin type. Use the following as a guide to choosing your facial clay from which you will make your clay mask:

• Green clay - This cosmetic facial clay is primarily used for Normal to Oily skin.
• Yellow clay - This cosmetic facial clay is used for Normal to Dry skin
• Red clay - This cosmetic facial clay is used for Sensitive, very dry and mature skin types

There are other coloured clays, but let’s stick to the basics here and focus on these for the time being.

Choosing the right clay

Now that you know which clay to use for your natural facial clay mask, you need the clay. Now, clays aren’t clays. Let me explain. Cheap clays are usually coloured white clay and these do not have the same properties as the naturally coloured clays. Argiletz clays, for example are natural clays mined in France that have all the properties of the natural clays. These natural clays are usually more expensive, but they actually do what they are intended to do.

Other sources of naturally coloured clay come from Australia and these are also very good quality clays that are suitable for making your own natural facial clay masks. Again these naturally come in different colours and like the Argiletz clays from France, they are ideal for making masks.

How To Make Your Own Facial Clay Mask

The most basic way to make a facial clay mask is to mix some distilled water into the clay powder to form a uniformly mixed paste. Once the paste is consistent and free of lumps, apply it in small quantities to your facial skin. Let it dry for 15 minutes or so, than rinse it off with warm water. Follow this up by using a natural toning lotion to close the opened pores and prevent further loss of moisture and microbial invasion of the opened pores. Than use a natural facial skin moisturiser that complements your skin type.

You can also add two or three drops (no more) of your favourite essential oils. For example, if you use the Red clay to make your own facial clay mask for your sensitive or mature skin, you may choose to add Clary Sage, Rose, Jasmine or Geranium. Use only 2 or 3 of these oils and don’t use more than 2-3 drops of each.

If you have very sensitive and irritated skin you might choose to make your clay mask using Red clay, a handful of chopped up cucumber, a teaspoon of honey together with some lavender and calendula or chamomile oil as the ingredients. Again start with your clay powder then add water (distilled) followed by the other ingredients. You best do this in a blender and make sure your mask is a smooth paste without too many chunks. If it gets too ‘watery’ add a little more clay, conversley if the mix is too thick, add a little water.

Don't worry too much if the paste is a little watery, as the mixture settles, it will likely firm up a little - you can always add a little water when applying the mask.

Make your facial clay mask in small batches to avoid them going off or becoming contaminated. Fresh is best and that goes not just for the food we eat, but also the food we feed our skin.

Additional Ingredients for making your own clay mask

Below is a list of ingredients suitable for the major skin types:

Of course this list could be considerably longer and more extensive, however, it provides a good starting point. You can always experiment with adding other ingredients.

Using your own facial clay mask

To treat a particular skin condition for which you know that a clay mask will help, such as acne for example, use a mask on a daily basis for 5-7 days, than reduce the frequency to 2-3 times per week until the condition has cleared up.

As facial clay masks are designed to draw impurities etc., from your skin and as it opens pores, it is important to follow up your facial treatment with a toner and moisturiser. This will ensure the no unnecessary moisture is lost, prevent any microbial infection and restores the pH of your skin. Finally moisturise your facial skin using a moisturiser that is complimentary to your facial skin type.

While facial clay masks form a vital part of your facial skin care, you should follow a complete daily skin care regime utilising cleansing, toning and moisturising together with a regular 2x weekly deep cleansing regime where you make use of your own facial clay mask.

Now head off to the kitchen and have fun making your own facial clay mask.