Facial Clay Mask

If your face needs a moisturizing and whitening boost, then it is time to pamper yourself with a homemade facial mask!

The basic ingredient for the facial mask is good quality clay. Kaolin clay is a popular choice as it has been traditionally used as masks to nourish, purify and soothe all skin types. Mixing this type of clay with other beneficial clays also enhances the effect of the mask, and this recipe includes french pink clay for its ability to balance stressed skin, soften fine lines and improve overall skin texture.

 Image from left: Australian Red Reef Clay, Australian Olive Green Clay, French Pink Clay, French Yellow Clay and Australian Ivory Clay

Once the clay mixture is made, other beneficial ingredients can also be added in to create a truly pampering experience for the skin. These include carrier oils, herbal powders, essential oils or extracts. Finely ground rose powder is added in this recipe for its whitening and hydrating benefits.

We also recommend putting in some olive and rosehip seed oil to soften skin and reduce the sensation of tightness typically associated with clay masks when they start to dry. The essential oils of rosewood and frankincense are chosen in this recipe for their skin repair properties.

Precaution:

Please test the clay mask on your wrist to make sure you do not have any adverse reaction prior to applying on the face.

 Ingredients:

• 10g kaolin clay powder (reduce the kaolin to 5g for very dry skin)
• 10g french pink clay powder (variation: switch to ivory or yellow clay for kids as these are more gentle)
• 5g chamomile powder
• 1g rosehip seed oil
• 5ml jojoba oil
• 30 – 35g rose bulgarian floral water
• 1 - 2 drops of rosewood or frankincense essential oil

Directions:

3. Mix the clays in a bowl.
4. Add in floral water slowly, stirring well until a light paste is formed. (Note: you may stop adding in the floral water when the desired texture is achieved.) 
5. Add in the oils, essential oils and the remaining ingredients.
6. Continue stirring and mixing until a smooth runny paste is formed
7. Store the paste in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
8. This clay paste can be used as a weekly facial mask.

To Use:

1. Apply the clay mixture evenly on the face, avoiding the eyes and lips. If the mask feels a little too watery or runny, you may reapply a second time on top of the first layer after it has partially dried.
2. Let it sit for ~5 minutes.
3. As the mask dries at the edge, rinse off with water. We do not recommend allowing the mask to fully dry as it will feel tight and uncomfortable on the skin.
4. Pat face dry with clean towel.