Acne Clay Masks
If you’re in the market for a natural topical acne treatment that’s unlikely to cause much irritation to your skin, using a clay mask may be a good choice. Clay facial masks can take a bit more time and effort to apply than a simple cleanser, but in many cases they can work better, and if you’ve got the time, it can even be a soothing, relaxing experience.
Acne clay masks work primarily by pulling out the unwanted substances from your skin, drawing them to the surface where they can be easily removed and washed away with the mask. As it sounds, it’s a far less forceful approach than most antibacterial drugs. Oils, toxins, bacteria and other impurities are drawn up and into the clay like a sponge. Clay masks are also typically rich in minerals such as calcium, silica, magnesium and zinc - minerals which are often lacking in skin cells. These can nourish your cells and help provide a little defense against future infection. Another benefit is promoting exfoliation.
Clay masks are not an every-day treatment. To apply, first rinse your face with warm water (you may want to use a gentle, non-drying cleanser - but nothing too strong), then massage the mask liberally onto your skin. Relax and wait about 15 minutes, then remove the mask and rinse with cool water. It’s usually best to do this at night before bed, as your skin is better able to rejuvenate itself during sleep.
While clay masks can remove many impurities, they are not usually strong enough to draw out hardened plugs of oil and bacteria such as a matured blackhead. They may loosen these stoppers, but the mask is usually more effective as a preventive measure. Also, although they are typically gentle on the skin, using them too frequently can still cause some irritation (like anything that forcibly sucks away oil).
Used properly, acne clay masks can be a healthy addition to your clear skin regimen, and they leave your skin feeling smooth, invigorated and refreshed. If you want a natural, topical treatment that is a bit gentler than, say, tea tree oil, clay masks are a good alternative.
