This post is kindly brought to you by NOW Solutions, who compensated me for this sponsored post. All product descriptions, tips and opinions are my own!
Think back to your very first at-home facial.
It was probably a clay mask.
It was probably an unnaturally bright green.
It probably dried the hell out of your skin.
Clay masks are powerful, but they don’t have to do more damage than good to your skin. The key to clays is finding the right kind for your skin type and using the right mixer to address your skin’s needs.
In my personal skincare routine, I like to first use an acid-based mask (think lactic, papaya or other tingly-type masks) to slough off dead skin cells and deep clean.
Then comes the clay.
A good pore-degunking, skin-purifying clay mask will draw out whatever’s clogging your skin, leaving it looking even, refined and virtually poreless.
Depending on how congested my skin looks, I’ll mix my clay with water (or rosewater!) for the strongest unplugging action.
Or, I’ll mix in something a little gentler, like yogurt or honey, to baby my skin a bit while still reaping the benefits of detoxifying clay.
If it’s time for clay to make a comeback to your beauty cupboard, these are the three classics that can keep your skin clean.
Clay Masks For Oily Skin
Bentonite clay is my bae. Though my skin is more combination than oily these days, there’s a few weeks of the month (ahem) where I need a stronger clay to zap excess oil and calm skin.
You may also know bentonite by its bar name: fuller’s earth. It’s found in several fabulous multi-clay masks because of its ability to remove impurities and dry up problem spots.
Clay Masks For Normal, Combination & Oily Skin
NOW Solutions’ European Clay Powder is the one-size-fits-most clay, making it a wonderful beginners’ clay.
Sometimes referred to as French green clay, green montmorillonite clay is an ideal clay for experimentation. Mix it with water and add a bit of honey, yogurt or carrier oil (I like jojoba oil) to customize it to your skin’s needs.
For a spa-like experience, add one drop of lavender essential oil and chill out while your skin and mind take a break.
Clay Masks For Sensitive Skin
If you’re brand new to masking in general or know your skin can be a bit reactive, red montmorillonite clay is the way to go. You’ll find red clay referred to as Moroccan red clay or rhassoul clay.
Compared to green clay, red clay is less active but just as effective at purifying the skin.
So, if you’re one of the lucky ones who is blessed with sensitive yet acneic skin, red clay will get right down to business — without excessively drying your skin.