I had a moment in 2020 when I actually forgot about the global pandemic!
On a "green living" group I was part of someone asked for recommendations for a clean, toxic-free face mask. I immediately started typing up my newest discovery for a facial mud mask I was loving and posted it. I was excited to share it! I had been really impressed with how my skin looked and felt after using it. A couple of hours after posting I noticed all the other comments really didn't make sense. Then I realized the original post was asking about cloth face masks, not mud face masks. Oh right, the pandemic!
Who doesn't love a good mud mask from time to time, or more often than that? This face mask is technically not a mud mask, but a clay mask that's incredibly simple!
Facial Clay Mask
In a glass bowl with a wooden utensil, mix together:
1 tablespoon bentonite clay (for normal to oily skin) or kaolin clay (for normal to dry skin*)
A little water to make a thick paste
To use, wash your face with warm water (to open up your pores) and dry. Apply a thin layer of the clay mask and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Rinse your face and moisturize as you usually would (check this out for an awesome face cream alternative!).
Feel free to add a drop of skin loving essential oils or play around with adding oats, honey, plain yogurt, etc. My personal favourite is a simple bentonite clay mask with a drop of lavender essential oil. If you plan to make up extra for future use, make sure to use bottled, distilled or boiled & cooled water when making it and store it in a glass container.
Please note: I have seen many mud mask DIY's online suggesting adding apple cider vinegar and other acidic ingredients. Please don't include this in your facial mask! It can be incredibly uncomfortable on the eyes (and yes, I may know this from personal experience).
I love natural and simple DIY's, but I love it even more when they have multiple uses. That's the case with this bentonite clay mask as it can be used to treat diaper rash as well! Double win!
*Clay masks tend be a somewhat drying which is why they can be so helpful for oily and acne-prone skin. However, if you struggle with dry skin, try kaolin clay or choose a face mask that is not clay based.
(As always, other than links to my own products, the links included in this post will bring you to more information, not where to buy a product.)