“Clay masks are masks made of clay and contain important minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. The benefits range from absorbing oil to brightening the skin.”
Clay masks are masks made from clay. The formula is suitable for owners of oily and acne-prone skin. This mask works by absorbing excess oil and shrinking pores.
The nutrients in the clay mask, such as calcium, magnesium and iron are easily absorbed by the skin. However, the drawback is that the mask should not be left on the skin surface for too long, because it can trigger dry skin.
Benefits of Clay Mask for Acne Skin
Clay masks are skin care products with a negative pH (acid-base level). While the skin has a slightly positive pH. This difference ultimately attracts excess oil and dirt on the surface of the skin.
In addition to its pH content, clay masks are made from a variety of minerals, one of which is calcium. The combination of pH and minerals has good benefits for acne-prone skin owners. Some of them:
1. Balancing oil levels in the skin
One of the main causes of acne is excess oil production. When the skin overproduces sebum, its pores enlarge and stretch to hold in the excess.
In addition to coating the surface of the skin, excess oil can get trapped in the pores. When combined with dead skin and bacteria, this condition eventually triggers acne inflammation.
Clay masks have the ability to absorb excess oil on the surface of the skin without reducing the water content in it. Therefore, the oil content in the skin becomes more balanced.
2. Shrink facial pores
Acne comes from clogged pores. The first and most important step in treating acne is removing dead skin cells and clearing blockages.
Clay masks work by attracting and binding dirt and removing it from the pores. This natural ingredient can also help detoxify the skin and remove excess dirt in it.
3. Absorbs excess oil
Clay masks not only pull dirt from pores and excrete it onto the surface of the skin, but also absorb excess oil. In addition, clay also works by expelling dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
Related to this, the clay mask works as a natural exfoliator. The benefits are not only cleaning the skin from contaminants that cause acne. However, it also reduces surface shine which triggers dull skin.
4. Rich in nutrients
Clay is formed over long periods of time by the gradual erosion of highly mineralized rocks. Due to the process, it is rich in beneficial elements.
Some of the nutrients for example silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, and potassium. Silica, in particular, is a collagen production agent.
The content also plays an important role in keeping the skin supple, firm, and elastic. This condition can help in minimizing stubborn acne scars.
5. Suitable for all skin types
Not only for owners of oily and acne-prone skin. Clay masks are also suitable for use by people with normal and sensitive skin. To maximize its function, you can choose additional nutrients according to your skin type.
6. Prevent blackheads
Blackheads (blackheads) are a nuisance that appears when pores are clogged with dirt, oil, or dead skin cells. If exposed directly to air, blackheads will turn black due to the oxidation process.
To prevent and overcome this disorder, you can use clay masks regularly 1 to 2 times a week.
7. Brighten the face
To reduce inflammatory blemishes and acne scars, clay masks work by exfoliating the outermost layer of skin. To get this benefit, you can use a clay mask several times a week for 10 minutes.
8. Relieve skin diseases
Research on Bentonite clay as a natural remedy: A brief review published in the Iranian Journal of Public Health found that the clay mask contains a bentonite called quaternium-18 bentonite. This ingredient has the potential to reduce the symptoms of dermatitis caused by poison ivy and poison oak.
9. Improve blood circulation
When you apply a clay mask and massage your skin, it can increase blood circulation to your face. The benefit, masks can provide better nutrition to the skin and help improve its health.
Types of Clay Masks
Before using a clay mask, you need to know several types first, including:
1. Kaolin clay
Kaolin clay is a product recommended for those with sensitive skin. It is generally white, but is also available in several other colors, such as yellow, red, and brown.
This type of clay mask can improve blood circulation, has a soft base, and absorbs excess oil. In addition, it provides a slight exfoliation of the skin which gives a brightening effect.
2. Bentonite
Bentonite is a type of clay mask that is suitable for oily skin owners. This type of mask works by absorbing excess oil and bacteria on the surface of the skin.
Bentonite is available in various colors, such as white, yellow, red, brown and black. In order to minimize allergic reactions after use, please pass an allergy test before using it.
3. French green clay
This type of clay mask comes from decaying plants, such as chlorophyll or algae. This mask is able to increase blood circulation, is exfoliating, and able to pull dirt from the skin pores.
4. Fuller's earth clay
This type of clay mask is one of the masks with the strongest absorption power, so it is not suitable for those with sensitive skin. Its use also should not exceed the limit, which is once per week.
5. Rhassoul clay
Rhassoul clay is a type of clay mask with a high mineral content and high absorption. For owners of oily skin, this mask can prevent and remove stubborn blackheads.
How Many Times a Day to Use Clay Mask?
The use of this type of mask depends on the skin type and the instructions for each product. Generally, use is done 1 to 2 times a week. Excessive use can dry and irritate the skin.
Does the clay mask have to be rinsed off? The answer is yes. Users must rinse it with warm water until clean. Make sure there is no residue left behind so as not to cause irritation or discomfort to the skin.
Side Effects of Using a Clay Mask
Although it has many benefits for beauty, clay masks can also cause side effects after use. Generally it is an allergic reaction characterized by itching.
In addition, clay masks also have the potential to trigger dry skin and increase oil (sebum) production. To prevent this condition, you can do an allergy test first.
The trick, apply the mask to the back of the ear or other skin area. If redness, rash, and itching appear, stop using it immediately. However, you can continue using it if you don't experience these symptoms.