Struggling with problem skin? I get it. I’ve been there. Today I am sharing a DIY Cleansing Clay Mask that you can use a couple of times a week to help clarify and cleanse your skin.
I love to make my own beauty products. I shared my recipes for my DIY Hydrating Face Oil and my Anti-Aging Face Serum right here on the blog. I also experiment with making my own face masks to soothe, tone, and clarify my skin. You can see some of my favorite face masks HERE. Today’s recipe is one for acne-prone skin.
This is a recipe that I formulated for my teenage daughter for her occasional break outs. It can be used once or twice a week to help draw out dirt and impurities from the skin, leaving you with less blackheads and more radiant, clear skin. You will LOVE how smooth and soft your skin feels after doing this clay mask.
What’s in the mask?
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is composed of aged volcanic ash and has been used by cultures throughout history for it’s ability to help rid the body of toxins. Bentonite is a swelling clay. When it becomes mixed with water it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge and begins to draw out toxins, heavy metals, impurities and chemicals. When applied to the skin, it absorbs toxins, draws out dirt and grime that causes blackheads, and kills the bacteria that causes acne.
Activated Charcoal
Activated Charcoal is known to be incredibly purifying not only for the inside of our bodies, it’s also great for extracting impurities from the skin. You may have heard of it being used in emergency situations when people have ingested poisonous substances. You can also use it on your skin to draw out dirt and grime from clogged pores and to help tighten pores and smooth the skin. It also said to reduces inflammation.
Honey
Raw honey is naturally antibacterial, so it’s great for acne treatment and prevention. It is extremely moisturizing and soothing, making it a great compliment to this mask as the clay can be slightly drying. Honey is also full of antioxidants, making it useful for slowing down aging.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Essential Oil
Melalueca alternifolia is commonly known as Tea Tree. It is awesome for breakout-prone skin because of it’s antiseptic properties. Adding a few drops high quality Melaleuca essential oils to this mask will help cleanse and purify the skin of harmful bacteria.
NOTE: Please note that I am only talking about 100% pure, therapeutic grade essential oils. Only a very small percentage of essential oils sold are considered therapeutic grade and should be applied to the face in this way. There is no standard for EOs and so many of the oils you find may be adulterated and can actually contain harmful ingredients. You can read about my essential oil of choice HERE.
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Yield:
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PinIngredients
- 1 tsp bentonite clay (like this)
- 2 capsules of activated charcoal (like this)
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 2 drops of Melaleuca/Tea Tree Essential Oil (where to get good quality essential oils)
- a few drops of water to create a paste, if necessary
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a small glass or plastic bowl. Add a few drops of water if necessary make a smooth paste.
- Wash face as usual and apply evenly to a clean, dry face, avoiding the sensitive skin around your eyes.
- Allow mixture to sit on the skin for 15 minutes (this mask does not dry.)
- Gently rinse with warm water. Use 1-2 times a week to help keep your skin clear.
Notes
NOTE: Bentonite clay and activated charcoal will both react with metal, so be sure to use only glass or plastic bowl and wooden or plastic utensil for stirring.
Another super easy way to incorporate activated charcoal into your skincare routine is to use a charcoal cleansing bar. Basically it is a bar of soap with activated charcoal in it. You can use it 1-3 times per week to help keep your skin clean and clear. Again, use in moderation as it can be drying.
You can find charcoal cleansing bars that have added moisturizers. This will help to keep your skin clean AND balanced. You can check out my favorite one HERE. Unfortunately it is often out of stock because it is insanely popular. I get questions about when it will be back in stock all of the time.
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Photo Credit: depositphotos @ Aksakal
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Tabitha says
March 16, 2015 at 7:56 pmHi! I’m very interested in making this but was curious if there is something I could use in exchange for the honey? I am severely allergic to honey and beeswax. Thanks!
Katja says
March 17, 2015 at 11:09 amYou can substitute aloe vera gel or just plain water for the honey. I have done both and it works great!
Julie says
March 30, 2015 at 5:03 amWhat’s the “shelf life” for this recipe?
Katja says
March 31, 2015 at 8:02 pmHi, Julie! I usually use it up right away. But you could definitely make more of the dry powder to have on hand and add the wet as you need it.