Clay masks are all the rage in skin care right now. They’re not just for oily skin anymore.
The time has come for people with dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin to rejoice because clay masks can be beneficial for their skin too.
Clay masks are also a great option if you want to maintain your “no makeup” look because they work at returning a natural beauty to your skin.
Most importantly, clay masks are known for drawing out impurities from the pores, clearing up acne-prone skin, reducing oiliness on your face, and moisturizing dry patches.
Most popular brands of clay mask Malaysia offers include Freeman and Innisfree.
What is a Clay Mask?
Clay is a type of material that combines minerals with water and tends to feel grainy to the touch. It’s commonly shaped when wet to create numerous items like pottery.
Clay masks have been around for a long time. In fact, the first clay mask was made by Ancient Egyptians as a way to cleanse and rejuvenate their skin.
A clay mask is a face mask made from finely ground minerals. The clay is activated by water to form a type of mud which is used as a facial treatment. It is designed to absorb dirt, excess sebum, and impurities from the skin, which can then usually be rinsed off after 10-30 minutes.
How Does a Clay Mask Work?
The thick paste of a clay mask contains natural, absorbent particles like kaolin clay, fuller’s earth or bentonite that can suck up excess oil and dirt from your skin. The other ingredients in the mask will do things like reduce inflammation or act as an exfoliant. Hence, depending on which product you choose, clay masks can also have a soothing effect. If used correctly, it will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth after the rinse-off.
Types of Clay Masks
There are many different types of clay masks, a whole colorful spectrum of them in fact. Brands have realized the potential of clay masks and have done extensive research to come up with great clay mask products. Every type of clay mask has different uses. The main types you’ll encounter on the market are as follows.
- Kaolin Clay
White Kaolin clay has excellent exfoliating properties, making it one of the most popular types of face masks. It can remove impurities from your pores and tighten them, giving your face that ‘fresh’ look. Kaolin clay also helps to reduce inflammation, acne, and various other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
- Green Clay
The green color from green clay may be due to the natural green pigment of plants, chlorophyll. If you have oily skin, green clay should be your go-to because it’s great at drawing out sebum (oil) from the face without over-drying the skin.
- Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay, also known as “volcanic clay,” is great for those with acne-prone skin because it can help regulate sebum production without over-drying the skin. It is soft to the touch with a very fine texture. Bentonite clay can also be used as a spot treatment for acne and other conditions like a skin rash. Its properties make it suitable for hair treatment as well.
- Rose Clay
Rose clay is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help with skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or acne. Rose clay is gentle on skin and helps to reduce signs of aging and improve complexion.
- Rhassoul Clay
Rhassoul clay is particularly great for sensitive skin, because it’s gentle enough to use every day without irritating it. It offers great benefits like pore-cleaning and reducing oil build-up that cause acne.
- Fuller’s Earth Clay
Lastly, fuller’s earth is also commonly used in cosmetic products because of its ability to extract bacteria from the surface of the face. It draws out toxins and can be used to treat acne or other skin conditions.
How to Use Clay Mask Products
A clay mask is an excellent way to slough off dead skin cells and remove any impurities from the pores. Here is a handy step-by-step guide on how to use a clay mask.
Step 1:
If you’d like to, you can gently exfoliate first. Exfoliating helps to remove any bits of dry skin and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
Step 2:
Work on cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser that won’t dry out your skin. Once you’re done with that and your skin is feeling fresh, dab gently with a clean and dry towel.
Step 3:
Put the clay mask in the palm of your hand before rubbing it between both hands until it starts to feel incredibly smooth. Alternatively, you can mix it in another container or small bowl and use a brush to pick up the wet clay. Using a tool ensures that minimal external bacteria touches the product.
Step 4:
Apply gently to your face, avoiding contact with eyes or lips, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Follow the recommended duration written on the label of your clay mask product. Some masks may need to sit longer than others.
Step 5:
After the allowed time, remove the mask by massaging in circular motions using lukewarm water or a wet face towel. Don’t pick or pull at it. Rinse until clean off.
Step 6:
Once all the product is removed, pat dry gently with your face towel.
Step 7:
Apply moisturizer to hydrate your skin, as some of these clay masks may leave a drying sensation behind. If you have oily skin, consider a moisturizer made for oily skin.
How a Clay Mask Benefits Your Skin
Now that you know how to apply clay masks, let’s delve into some of the reasons why you should try it! Here are some key ways that a clay mask benefits your skin.
Improved Complexion
The clay mask’s unique natural mineral content can vastly improve your complexion As mentioned, it works on absorbing excess oil. This results in clearer, fresher-looking skin that glows instead of looks shiny.
Reduced Acne and Breakouts
Due to the anti-inflammatory properties found in the product, clay masks can help reduce skin redness and blemishes. This powerful skincare product binds to bacteria and impurities, drawing them out of the skin. It may even help with ingrown hair. Its deep cleansing ability may help eliminate blackheads and whiteheads, resulting in fewer breakouts and more supple skin.
Anti-aging Benefits
Clay masks are a great option for those looking to fight the signs of aging. This beauty product tightens the pores on your skin and helps to regulate oil production. It keeps your face moisturized and hydrated throughout the day. When used regularly, your skin may become firmer which discourages the formation of wrinkles.
Things to Take Note of
As you can see, clay masks are very easy to use and can be adapted into your skincare routine without much difficulty. However, here are some things to keep in mind when using clay masks.
The best way to avoid any possible irritation is to start with a small amount of clay and add more as needed. Avoid using too much clay in one area. You’ll want to aim for an even layer.
In addition, avoid over-wetting the mask, as this will make it difficult to remove when it dries. Speaking of drying, always be sure to follow the instructions stated on the label and remove it as soon as your timer is up. If you leave it on for too long, you’ll notice that the clay mask becomes hard and cracks might appear. Your skin might also feel itchy and tight.
For those with sensitive skin, be sure to use gentle motions and never pull at the mask once it’s adhered to your skin. Avoid using the product further if you experienced irritated skin or rashes on your first use.
Choose the right face masks for your skin type. Do take note that clay masks may treat acne and eczema symptoms but are not a cure for them. Always consult your dermatologist if you have doubts.
Finding the Best Clay Mask Malaysia Offers
The best clay masks are enriched with minerals and are not excessively harsh on your skin. Here are some of the best clay masks you can find on the Malaysian market.
1. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
The Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is a natural pore cleansing product. It is an eco-friendly clay mask that helps purify the skin by removing excess sebum, dead skin cells and other impurities. It also helps reduce the appearance of pores, tightening the skin.
This clay mask contains Jeju volcanic ash, which is saturated with beneficial minerals. It provides moisture to dry or rough skin. This Innisfree clay mask also has anti-aging benefits as it smooths wrinkles and fine lines for clearer, more radiant skin.
2. Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask
The Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask is a deep-cleaning mask that purifies pores, reduces excess oil, and controls shine. This mask targets oily skin by drawing out sebum from the skin’s pores to control accumulation of excess oil on the surface of the skin. t also works to brighten dull skin.
It’s a hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic product that’s been dermatologist tested. This means that it’s ideal for sensitive skin and should not cause allergic reactions.
3. Freeman Beauty French Pink Clay Peel Off Mask
Freeman produces an entire line of amazing clay masks and this is one of them. Freeman Beauty French Pink Clay Peel Off Mask is one of the best masks for oily skin. It uses the finest pink clay sourced from France. This mask is both a pink clay mask and a peel off mask, which means it has a thick texture and needs to be peeled off carefully after each application.
The Freeman clay mask can help with all sorts of skin problems like acne, uneven tone, blackheads and clogged pores. On top of that, the pink clay nourishes your skin. Make sure to apply an even layer to make the peel-off process easy!
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to know about clay masks! It is important to note that clay masks are not just for cleansing the skin. Clay masks can also be used to heal your skin, brighten skin tone, reduce scars, remove acne and other types of blemishes and help with oily skin.
If you’re curious to try it out, we recommend trying the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask. It’s enhanced with powerful minerals and is an all-around great clay mask to start with. Try your first clay mask today and let us know if you liked it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which clay is best for acne?
The type of clay used on acne will depend on the severity of the acne and skin types. In general, the best clay masks for acne contain bentonite clay. Bentonite clay is highly recommended as it contains minerals like magnesium, potassium and iron which help to cleanse and heal your skin.
How often should you put a clay mask on your face?
It is recommended that you use a clay mask on your skin once or twice per week. If you don’t have dry skin, you can try using it several times a week. 2-3 times a week is a good amount so that you don’t risk over-masking.
What is the difference between clay and mud mask?
Clay masks are made of natural minerals that are rich in minerals, while mud masks are made of minerals, clays, and essential oils. Clay masks are usually more drying than mud masks.
