Each of these serves similar purposes, which include absorbing excess sebum, rebalancing oil-water levels of your skin, and tightening enlarged pores, removing excess oil, and they can also go as far as preventing acne.

History of Using Clay in Skincare

The use of clay masks in skincare dates back to over 5,000 years ago in India, where according to their Ayurvedic tradition, clay masks were used to treat different skin ailments on the face and body. In addition, this ingredient was also widely used in Egypt after it is being popularized by Cleopatra.

Today, the clay mask has gained popularity thanks to their natural, gentle properties that can be used on all skin types. Clay masks were once thought to be only used for oily skin types due to their natural sebum-absorbing properties.

However, nowadays, the best clay masks can be enriched with a blend of other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, salicylic acid, bentonite clay, witch hazel, willow herb, vitamin e, vitamin c, and skincare actives to boost moisture levels and regenerate skin cells.

Clay masks are appropriate for sensitive skin, acne prone skin, oily prone skin, mature skin, and combination skin, as they come in a wide range of types, are typically gentle, and not made for every day use. Depending on your skin type and whether you require a clay porefining face mask, a brightening clay mask, a hydrating clay mask, purifying mask, one to absorb excess oils,

Do clay masks work?

Clay is rich in minerals that will naturally absorb excess oil, bacteria and impurities to detoxify your skin. By consistently incorporating this ingredient into your skincare routine, and regularly applying the best clay mask for your skin, it will help improve skin texture and leave your skin smooth, clear and blemish-free.

Which clay mask is right for your skin?

With so many different clay masks out there promising different benefits to your skin, it is important to identify the differences between each of the common types to find the best clay mask for your skin. The main types of clay that you will come across in skincare include Australian pink clay, Amazonian white clay, volcanic clay, and bentonite clay.

Kaolin

Kaolin clay which is also known as China clay, usually comes in white clay colour. They are one of the mildest and gentlest types of clay face masks, making them the best for dry and sensitive skin. These clay mask works by gently unclogging pores, eliminating blackheads, and maintaining adequate moisture levels without stripping the skin tone.

Pink

Pink clay mask or rose clay is a type of kaolin clay with stronger cleansing and clarifying properties. For normal or combination skin types with a more frequent occurrence of blackheads or occasional acne, this type of clay will be ideal to use to help with clogged pores and get your skin's surface even and clear. Australian pink clay is a favourite to absorb oil, prevent excess oil production, provide anti bacterial properties, increase collagen production, and build to a clear complexion. In addition, what sets pink clay apart from other types of clay is that it can also help restore hydration to illuminate your skin while improving the appearance of uneven skin texture. A product that boosts radiance and improves you're skin's balance - what more could you want?

Volcanic

Volcanic clay in Korean beauty is primarily sourced from volcanic clusters of a dormant volcano on the pristine Jeju Island. This clay face mask is rich in volcanic ash, minerals and has excellent sebum-absorbing properties to control oiliness and prevent and treat acne breakouts while eliminating the buildup of bacteria or dead skin cells. Volcanic clay will deeply cleanse, help with excess shine, reduce redness, draw impurities, and leave your skin feeling squeaky clean. Jeju volcanic clay is the best clay mask for acne as it helps maintain optimal balance without excessively stripping away moisture from the skin.

How often should I clay mask?

To achieve a clear, healthy and flawless complexion it is recommended that you apply clay masks once a week or fortnightly. If your skin tends to be very oily, you can start by applying a mask every week and increase the frequency as you need to suit your skin. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, you can use clay masks every 2 weeks or whenever your skin needs exfoliation.