Clay Mask

What is a Clay Mask?

A clay mask, or face mask, is a cosmetic product used to improve the appearance and health of the skin. Though commonly used on the face, clay masks can also be used on other areas of the body. A clay mask is used to draw dirt, excess oil, and other pollutants out of the pores, leaving an ageless appearance and radiant skin behind.

Why Use a Clay Mask?

Clay masks, when used regularly, provide many benefits for the skin, especially those with acne prone or oily skin. Clay masks:

• Draw out toxins from the skin
• Help avoid dull skin and uneven texture
• Unclog pores
• Remove dead skin cells
• Help to moisturize the skin

Clay Masks and Acne

Irritation caused by a blocked pore can lead to acne. Pores are generally blocked by excess sebum or dead skin cells. A clay face mask helps reduce blemishes and acne by removing toxins, sebum, bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells from the skin and deep down in the pores. While exfoliating creams used to prevent and treat acne often require rubbing, clay masks exfoliate without the use of friction, causing less irritation to the affected area.

Types of Clay Masks

Clay comes in a variety of colors and types. The type of clay mask you will need largely depends upon the needs and type of your skin.

Green Clay

Green clay is good at drawing out toxins and absorbing oil, making it a nice fit for those with oily complexions. It is rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, and selenium.

Yellow Clay

Those with combination skin will enjoy the gentleness and benefits of yellow clay. Yellow clay helps to revitalize, exfoliate, and restore the skin. It has a high mineral content and gets its yellow color from the iron oxides it contains. Its mildness makes it a great choice dry and sensitive skin conditions.

Kaolin Clay

Also referred to as “white clay”, Kaolin clay is a one of the mildest clay types. It is a popular ingredient in many skin care products, like Geneva Naturals Anti-Aging Purifying Clay Mask, due to its ability to exfoliate and cleanse without leaving the skin too dry. Kaolin clay is successful at reducing skin infections and is rich in minerals such as calcium, silica, magnesium, and zinc.

Bentonite Clay

The overall structure of Bentonite Clay is different than other clay types in that when wet its electrical components change, creating something like an electrical charge. This aids in its ability to absorb toxins, pollutants, and chemicals.