The most basic face mask, and probably
the easiest to make is a blend of whichever type of clay is
suited to your skin type, moistened with an appropriate
hydrosol, to make a smooth 'mud'. Spread the
moistened clay over your face, avoid the eye area, let dry, and
rinse
well with tepid water.
A mask will always help with exfoliation, may dry excess oil,
and can help your skin detoxify. There are those who say that
the minerals
contained in various clays can also be beneficial to your cells.
The 'Fun' part of creating a face mask lies in selecting
ingredients that are suited to your skin type.
Types of Clays:
Commonly
available clays helpful for various skin types:
GLACIAL CLAY
Glacial Clay is composed of particles that are small enough to
create a powerful absorption factor for the skin and due to its
chemical
properties it has the ability to remove toxins and bacteria and
dead skin cells to leave the skin healthy, purified, and smooth.
It stimulates the circulation, detoxifies, exfoliates dead skin
cells, and smoothes down wrinkles, leaving the skin soft,
smooth and
invigorated. It produces erythema (local skin warming),
accelerates physiological processes and increases cell
regeneration in surrounding
tissues, improving skin elasticity and overall complexion. Because of the warming effect, I would avoid using Glacial Clay
on very
sensitive skin.
Because of its strongly detoxifying effect, Glacial Clay is
highly recommended for skin plagued by acne, blackheads,
pimples, etc.
SEA CLAY
Wonderful for oily skin. Sea clay draws impurities like a magnet!
It provides deep cleansing, it tightens pores, revitalizes the
complexion and
helps clear problem skin. Sea clay is the best for oily skin due
to its high mineral content. Due to its high content of
minerals, sea clay
draws oils from the skin, and is rich in algaes, macro- and
micro-minerals, as well as sodium and sulphur. Sea plants,
seawater, sea salt
and oceanic clay have long been popular physical-therapy
ingredients in Europe. Recommended as medical therapeutic agents
as early as 1578,
seawater and sea derivatives were administered for rheumatism
and general rehabilitation. Sea clay is an important ingredient
in body wraps
to lose inches and cellulite.
WHITE KAOLIN
One of the mildest of all clays, French White Kaolin is suitable
for the most sensitive skin. It will help stimulate circulation
while
gently exfoliating and cleansing. It does not draw oil from the
skin so is a good choice for dry skin. It is also high in
minerals known
to be beneficial for oily or blemished skin. It can help heal
blemishes and inflammation, while preventing more problems from
forming. White kaolin clay soothes and softens the skin and is suitable
for all skin types.
PINK KAOLIN
Pink Kaolin is the cosmetic clay for normal, sensitive and
mature skin. It is the mildest clay and most widely used in
cosmetics.
Pink clay is particularly useful for toning dull, tired, or
devitalized skin. It also has excellent cleansing properties
Hydrosols:
For oily skin:
Cedarwood Hydrosol, Clary Sage Hydrosol, Melissa Hydrosol,
Lavender Hydrosol, Peppermint Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol, Rosemary
Verbenone
Hydrosol
Combination Skin:
Cedarwood Hydrosol, Frankincense Hydrosol, Rose Geranium
Hydrosol, Lavender Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol
Dry Skin:
Roman Chamomile Hydrosol, Owyhee Hydrosol, Patchouli Hydrosol,
Rose Hydrosol
Mature Skin:
Carrot Seed Hydrosol, Frankincense Hydrosol, Helichrysum
Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol
Problem Skin or Acne:
German Chamomile Hydrosol, Clary Sage Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol,
Patchouli Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol, Rosemary Verbenone Hydrosol,
Tea Tree
Hydrosol, Yarrow Hydrosol
Sensitive Skin or Rosacea:
Helichrysum Hydrosol, Roman or German Chamomile Hydrosol,
Frankincense Hydrosol, Yarrow Hydrosol, Blue Tansy Hydrosol,
Owyhee Hydrosol
The Most Basic Mask:
Cleanse your face using your favorite method.
In a small cup or bowl, pour approximately one tablespoon (1/2
ounce) of your chosen clay. Gradually stir in (1/2 teaspoonful,
or 2 mls at
a time) your chosen Hydrosol. Stir well, continue to add liquid
until a smooth fairly liquid "mud" is formed.
Apply in a smooth layer to face and neck, avoiding eyes and
lips.
Relax for 10 to 20 minutes until the clay has totally dried. Rinse well with warm water. If desired, follow with your
favorite
moisturizing facial oil.
Additions:
For any skin type:
Use 1 teaspoon of barely warmed honey as part of the liquid.
(Warming the honey makes it more liquid.)
For Acneic Skin:
To the warmed honey, described above, stir in one drop of Tea
Tree, German Chamomile, or Manuka essential oil. The tea tree
and manuka are
powerful antibacterials, while the German Chamomile is a
powerful anti-inflammatory.
Especially for oily skin or acne it helps to remove the mask
with steaming washclothes. Add a drop or two of one of the above
essential
oils to a bowl of hot water, wet the washcloth and gently wring
out excess moisture.
For Oily Skin:
You might add a pinch or two (up to a teaspoon) of very finely
powdered oatmeal to the clay. Stir in well before adding
hydrosols.
A large fresh strawberry, very finely pureed is a wonderful
addition to an oily skin mask.
For Dry Skin:
Instead of, or in addition to the hydrosol, and perhaps honey,
add 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of your favorite facial oil to the
clay. My
personal choice is either Squalane or Argan oil, but Avocado oil
is a wonderful addition as well. Please note, the addition of a
fixed oil
will prevent the clay from drying as hard as in a mask composed
of just hydrosols and/or honey. Leave the mask on for 15 to 20
minutes
and remove with tepid water. You skin will be moist and glowing.
A bit of finely mashed avocado is a traditional ingredient for a
mask for dry skin.
Adding 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to part of the liquid
portion of the mask will help draw moisture to dry skin.
For Sensitive or Inflamed Skin:
Consider using Aloe Vera Gel as part of the liquid in your mask.
Please note, these are not hard and fast rules. Have fun with
them!
Please visit
Nature's Gift Site:
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Nature's Gift has everything you need to make your own
products as well as
fabulous already-made beauty products.
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