What could be more natural and effective than beauty and youth products created by nature itself?! We will not exaggerate if we say that most modern women who take care of themselves have at least once used cosmetics with clay and clay masks.
Clay is a substance formed by the destruction of rocks under long-term exposure to water and wind. It is a mixture of aluminum oxide and silicon oxide with impurities of organic substances.
Since ancient times, people have noticed the beneficial properties of clay and its beneficial effects on health. Fortunately, modern people have preserved and developed this knowledge. Now clay is an almost universal means of care and healing.
Types of clay and their properties.
— White (aka kaolin)
Is the most common. Ideal for oily and combination skin. Has a drying, cleansing and tightening effect. An excellent antiseptic. Perfectly reduces pores and absorbs excess oil.
— Blue
Has a whitening effect, tones and cleanses. Helps smooth out small wrinkles.
— Black
Removes toxins, heals problematic skin, cleanses and reduces pores. Effective in the fight against cellulite.
— Yellow
Recommended for those with oily and aging skin. Can eliminate dull complexion.
— Green
Helps reduce oily shine. Has bactericidal properties.
— Red
Will help with rosacea, irritation, redness. Ideal for sensitive, dry and dehydrated skin. Enriches the body with oxygen.
— Pink
Universal. Suitable for any skin. Rejuvenates and cleanses. Tightens and nourishes.
Each color has its own functionality
Nature has given man a variety of soil rocks, which are used in many cosmetics that can restore the health of the skin. Moreover, all types of natural medicinal composition - with a unique effect.
- White (kaolin). It contains everything a person needs: nitrogen, potassium, zinc, calcium, manganese, magnesium salts.
- Red (bolus, terra). Lots of calcium and iron.
- Blue (kefekelit, keel). Rich in cadmium and cobalt.
- Pink. The result of combining white and red, therefore twice as useful.
- Green (illite). Due to the color of copper and ferrous iron.
- Yellow (terracotta). Sulfur, sodium, and ferric iron are present.
- Gray (bentonite). This natural magician consists of magnesium, strontium, iron, quartz, and calcium.
- Black. Here is carbon, iron.
If the skin is oily, with often clogged pores, then its owners need to use products with white, blue, and black breeds.
For women who complain of allergic reactions, gray, red, and green are more suitable.
Dryness will be eliminated by bentonite, illite, rosea and terra.
Those who want to tighten up the fading oval of the face should fall in love with white, green, blue, and red colors.
Kil, which has been considered a powerful antibacterial drug since ancient times, will relieve acne and pigmentation.
Natural rocks of white and yellow colors clean well.
Volcanic (black) will help get rid of toxins and dead cells.
By the way, by mixing several components at once, they create drugs with many functionalities. For example, the duet of kaolin and terra tones, moisturizes, and whitens. White and blue - the choice of problematic epidermis. A separate natural component will solve a specific problem.
Masks are easy to prepare at home by purchasing the necessary ingredients at a pharmacy or specialized salon. Or take advantage of offers from manufacturers of cosmetic products and purchase ready-made ones. The product can be ordered online. The online store sells inexpensive, high-quality dermal care products: cleansing, drying, rejuvenating, etc. On a website offering popular models of masks made from natural material, it is worth studying the characteristics and description of each product, evaluating the design, clarifying how much it costs, and how to use it. It is advisable to read customer reviews. Considering the experience of others, it will not be difficult to buy the best compositions of masks that return a healthy appearance to your face.
Clay masks
Everyone knows that pure clay is presented in the form of a dry powder, which should be diluted with water, milk, herbal decoction, adding essential oils. But the cosmetics industry does not stand still! And for our convenience, a wide range of ready-made, creamy clay-based masks has appeared.
Clay masks: we suggest looking at some common examples in the mass market segment.
White clay masks.
Clay journey: 15 best clay masks
Content
Editors and special correspondents of BeautyHack talk about miracle clay-based masks that do not dry out the skin, but mattify and refresh the face.
Ultra Clear Purifying Mask, Ultraceuticals
Tested by BeautyHack editor-in-chief Karina Andreeva:
Despite the fact that the mask is intended for oily and problematic skin, it also cleansed my normal skin, which is prone to dryness, without much difficulty (the expected peeling did not occur afterward!). In ten minutes, the mask, like a magnet, pulls dirt out of the pores (it got rid of blackheads especially well thanks to the salicylic acid in the composition).
Surprisingly, the product does not dehydrate the skin; after use, it looks even more hydrated. I think it’s about the right mix of components: in addition to clay, the mask contains vitamins (niacyamide, provitamins C and E), BHA and antioxidants, clove extracts, sandalwood and eucalyptus oil. I will use it 1-2 times a month!
Price: 5,500 rub.
Set for deep cleansing based on clay Dermaclear Trans-Foam Clay Trio, Dr.Jart+
Tested by BeautyHack creative director Ksenia Vagner:
The Dr.Jart+ set contains three clay-based masks - but all with multidirectional effects. Or rather, each, in addition to cleansing, also has a “bonus” function. My bonus was the hydration. What is squeezed out of a compact tube is not a mask, but a real cake cream - something soft, airy, pink and very appetizing. This dessert fits quite tightly, but there is no strong tightness. And most importantly, after just three minutes you can wash off (great if you want to freshen up before work).
And this is where the fun begins. Warm water turns the mask into a thick foam that is not so easy to wash off - but the feeling from it is only pleasant. This is an express spa, a foamy five-minute break in the bustle. When everything is finally washed away, in the mirror you see a face like the Serov girl with peaches - blush, smoothness, juice and freshness. And no dryness: before the procedure I had a slight flaking on my cheeks, and with a “hard” formula it would definitely have gotten worse, but after Dr.Jart+, on the contrary, it subsided. Five points!
Price: 3980 rub.
Brightening foam mask with clay Micro Clay White Pack & Foam Cleanser Brightening, Vprove
Tested by BeautyHack editor Yulia Kozoliy:
The Korean brand Vprove has a whole series of products with different types of clay: white, black and pink. If you want to cleanse pores, choose black clay, remove redness - pink, remove oily shine - white. Such masks work ideally on oily skin. I have combination skin and oiliness appears only in the T-zone more often in the morning. Therefore, I usually use clay masks only for this area.
But this particular product turned out to be very delicate for my skin. The main component of the mask is kaolin or white clay. Its task is not only to mattify the skin, but also to lighten it (age spots are my eternal companions). Therefore, I boldly apply the mask to my entire face once every two weeks, while simultaneously doing a massage for two to three minutes while the components of the product (and in addition to kaolin, it contains moisturizing extracts of ginseng and rose) do their job. After three uses I noticed an effect - the tone became a little lighter and the unevenness disappeared.
Price: 1640 rub.
Clearing Supermud Treatment, Glamglow
Tested by BeautyHack editor Natalia Kapitsa:
This is my first acquaintance with the Glamglow brand, whose products are famous for their super-effect. And apparently not the last. A mask based on white clay, silicon and caustic soda perfectly cleanses pores, leaving no chance for excess sebum, cosmetic residues and other impurities. An additional bonus is a complex of 6 types of acids: salicylic - dries out rashes and has an antibacterial effect, azelaic, pyruvic, mandelic, glycolic, lactic - remove the stratum corneum and have a slight peeling effect. After application, the mask tingles slightly and tightens the skin a little - this is normal for products containing clay! You need to hold it for 5 to 20 minutes. My maximum is 15.
And now a few personal beauty hacks for using the mask: every 5 minutes after application I spray my face with thermal water - it eliminates the feeling of tightness. The product copes well with rashes - I apply it precisely at night and wake up in the morning with a barely noticeable spot, I use it only on the T-zone and the next day I forget what oily shine is.
Price: 3399 rub.
Face mask 4 in1 Kit Zone System Mask, Double Dare OMG!
Tested by BeautyHack editor Natalia Kapitsa:
“Act on all fronts,” OMG specialists decided! and created a four-component mask consisting of separate treatments for the T- and U-zones, patches with 24-karat gold and a moisturizer. The main components of the composition for the T-zone are black clay and activated carbon, which cleanse pores. The mask for the U-zone (it is soft pink) contains kaolin, which saturates the skin with vitamins and evens out the complexion. Patches provide nutrition and hydration to the sensitive periorbital area. These three components are applied simultaneously. The final stage is a finishing cream with a moisturizing complex. The mask really helped me out before an important meeting: it only takes 15 minutes, but the effect is the same as after an hour at a cosmetologist.
Price: 689 rub.
Cleansing mask with fireweed extract SOS Pure, Clarins
Tested by BeautyHack editor Anastasia Speranskaya:
On the advice of a cosmetologist, I use clay masks exclusively for the T-zone. But for those with oily skin, I advise you to feel free to turn into Shrek completely and apply it all over your face. With the exception of the area around the eyes, of course.
A mix of white and green clays cleanses pores and visibly tightens them - in just ten minutes, skin prone to shine becomes more matte, but without a feeling of tightness. By the way, if you want to feel the wow effect, try applying the mask while taking a bath - the steam will open the pores and the mask will be better absorbed. The second main component after clay is fireweed extract. This is ordinary fireweed tea, which works great on problem skin, is often used to create anti-inflammatory masks and removes impurities.
Price: 3500 rub.
Detox mask Instant Detox Mask, Caudalie
Tested by BeautyHack editor Anastasia Speranskaya:
This mask seems to be specially created for residents of a big city! It can bring even the dullest and “tired” skin back to life. It also helps her get rid of impurities and accumulated toxins. It’s a pleasure to apply; the delicate salmon-colored texture spreads well and dries in 10 minutes. I immediately wash it off with water and enjoy smooth and clean skin, as if I were living in the Alps, and there was no dust or smog around. The composition is also pleasing: in addition to pink clay and real coffee (to invigorate your face in the morning), there are papaya enzymes and Caudalie’s classic grape extract.
Price: 1900 rub.
Pore-cleansing Mineral Mask, Vichy
Tested by BeautyHack special correspondent Anastasia Lyagushkina:
The manufacturer recommends using this mask 1-2 times a week. I limit myself to one time. In winter, my skin becomes dry, so I experiment with clay masks very carefully. Surprisingly, this product does not dry out the skin at all. The texture and smell of the mask resembles clay, but has a less dense consistency. I apply it for 10 minutes and then carefully remove it with a cotton pad.
In addition to two types of white clay (kaolin and bentonite), the composition contains allantoin, aloe vera and thermal water. They give an excellent softening effect.
Price: 1449 rub.
Cleansing mask Active purity,
Tested by BeautyHack editorial assistant Daria Mironova:
I recommend this product to those with oily skin and those who are going on vacation in a hot, humid climate - it won’t dry out the skin, but it will relieve shine.
The product has a small volume of 60 ml, but is very economical in consumption. The mask should be applied in a thin layer for 10 minutes and washed off with warm water. The texture of the product is creamy, pale blue in color, there are tiny particles. While washing, they additionally scrub the skin. I like that after use the tone becomes even and my face does not become shiny throughout the day.
Price on request
Deep cleansing face mask, Lundenilona
Tested by BeautyHack editorial assistant Daria Mironova:
This mask has a very delicate creamy texture - unusual for a product based on clay. But besides white clay, it contains several oils: macadamia, shea, moringa, vitamin E, peppermint, beeswax. After use, the skin looks moisturized, pores are less noticeable, and the texture is smoother. I confidently apply the mask in the morning several times a week, especially before important events. Perfectly prepares the skin for makeup!
Cost: 1850 rub.
Restoring face mask Basic Series Beauty Pack, Cefine
Tested by BeautyHack editor Daria Sizova:
I confess, I’m practically indifferent to face masks. But this, as in the song, is “the best thing that happened to me.” It has a thick consistency that hardens quite quickly, so it needs to be quickly distributed over the face.
The product is based on honey and white clay. Together they even out the complexion, smooth and tighten the skin. The result is a naturally “velvet” effect! The mask also soothes redness - it contains algae and green tea extract.
My mother and I have been sharing this mask for two weeks now. She has pronounced pigmentation, which the Basic Series Beauty Pack, of course, cannot cope with 100%. But it evens out the skin tone, and my mother also assures me that the product smoothes out fine wrinkles! Apply in the morning twice a week for 10-15 minutes.
Price: about 7000 rub.
Black Mud Mask, I'm Sorry For My Skin
Tested by BeautyHack smm manager Elizaveta Plenkina:
Did you know that the Korean brand I'm Sorry For My Skin was the first to come up with fabric-based kaolin masks, after which you don't need to wash your face? The result is a true home spa.
First, wash your face, then apply the cream to the area around your eyes and lips (to protect these delicate areas). The mask itself consists of two parts: the first is for the forehead and upper part of the face, the second is for the lower part.
Black Mud Mask adheres very tightly to the skin, so you can do other things at the same time. After 30 minutes, when the clay has completely dried, it will literally “stick” to the skin. Then you can remove the product. The result is radiant and matte skin! This is how the main components work: black clay and volcanic ash (cleanse pores) and plant extracts (exfoliate dead particles and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands).
Price: 665 rubles
Face Mask Instant Detox, Bobbi Brown
Tested by BeautyHack editorial assistant Karina Ilyasova:
The Bobbi Brown brand has only three face masks: detox, nourishing and radiance. It turns out that you can use all the means alternately, solving different problems. I started getting acquainted with the line with a detox mask. It had to deeply cleanse the skin without drying it out. For this purpose, the composition contains Hawaiian sea water and white Amazonian clay. Externally, the product is gray in color, but more watery and slippery than a regular mud mask. Dries on the face in 3-4 minutes. I have sensitive skin prone to dryness, so I apply it in a thin layer and leave it on my face for 10 minutes (although usually after such masks my face feels very tight after just 4 minutes).
And after - not only total cleanliness, but a feeling as if a protective layer had been applied to the skin. It is soft, smooth, not dry. I would classify this mask as an express product - it works great when you need to urgently put your skin in order.
Price: 3600 rub.
Cream Mask with Green Clay and Pineapple, St. Barth
Tested by BeautyHack editorial assistant Karina Ilyasova:
The base of the product is green clay, but its texture is delicate and creamy. I liked that the mask was comfortable to apply, there was no feeling of tightness, I wanted to walk around with it longer. As a result, the skin is so moisturized that there is no need to immediately use cream.
The effect of healthy skin and even tone promised in the release is true! The redness after using it became barely noticeable. Pineapple extract works in tandem with green clay, saturating the skin with antioxidants. I just started testing the mask, but I already understand that with regular use you can achieve excellent results!
Price: 7280 rub.
Intensive cleansing mask Deep Cleansing Mask, Artistry
Tested by editorial assistant Anna Khobotova
By the end of winter, my skin is exhausted. Pores become clogged, inflammation and irritation periodically appear on the face. In addition to targeted professional help from a cosmetologist, homemade masks also help. The product from Artistry, by the way, is among the favorites this year. I'm always suspicious of chain-brand cosmetics (and Artistry is owned by Amway), but in this case I advise you to take a closer look. The first Artistry products were developed by a married couple in the 60s. Karl and Edith Rehnborg created the Nutrilite company, a controlling stake in which was bought by Amway in the 70s. Now the brand is represented by a full series of care products and a decorative line.
Initially, I liked the mask due to its minimalistic, strict design. It has a very dense texture, but not sticky, and is comfortable to apply. Contains mineral salts of zinc and copper and white clay. This mix controls sebum production and visually refreshes the face. I leave the mask on for 5 minutes, there is a feeling of tightness, so without testing the skin’s strength, I immediately wash it off. Pores are cleansed and complexion becomes brighter. If you have severe breakouts, consult your doctor about a mask like this, but it saves me from minor inflammations!
Plus - a slight cooling effect seems to soothe the skin.
Price: 2185 rub.
Vilenta Dream Skin is a rejuvenating face mask with microalgae.
Promises cleansing and nutrition, smoothing wrinkles, evening out skin tone.
In fact, the mask has a pleasant whipped cream texture with an unobtrusive cosmetic aroma. Very comfortable to apply. Doesn't dry out your face completely.
After use, a more even tone is observed. The skin is rested, smooth and pleasant to the touch.
No rejuvenation effect was noticed after using the whole tube. No miracles here! But the product definitely gives a conditioning and nourishing effect, and slightly brightens the pores.
Contraindications
Rock with rich chemical content is an environmentally friendly material, so it will not cause harm to health. On the contrary, it will breathe natural energy into weakened skin cells and nourish it with useful microelements and vitamins.
It cannot be said that mineral overlays have contraindications; such cases are unknown to statistics. However, a person using a cosmetic product may be intolerant to any ingredient. Therefore, when choosing a method of rejuvenation and cleansing using natural masks, you need to be careful. It doesn’t hurt to first find out the effect of one or another natural component on the skin.
A few nuances!
Don't forget that clay masks should not be allowed to dry out on the skin! This is fraught with the opposite effect in the form of drying and dehydration of the skin! It is better to spray the mask with thermal water during the procedure.
In addition, it is also worth considering that clay is an excellent conductor of beneficial substances. The skin becomes more receptive to care. And if the mask contains a potential allergen in the form of, for example, a plant component, then a skin reaction is possible.
To summarize, I would like to note that cosmetic clay is undoubtedly an effective product with a wide spectrum of action. Even the most demanding consumer will definitely find the right one among the variety on the market.
Do you love clay as much as we love it? Which variety do you choose? Or maybe you’ll reveal the secret of your ideal product? What clay mask have you tried?
How to use a mask correctly
The product will bring maximum benefit provided that the following recommendations are followed:
- You should first prepare the skin before the procedure. Cleanse your face with toner, micellar water or lotion.
- You can steam the dermis using a compress to better open the pores, which promotes deeper penetration of beneficial substances.
- It is necessary to apply the product in a thin layer, evenly, avoiding the area around the eyes and lips.
- It is advisable to distribute the clay mixture over the surface without pressing, using light movements.
- After the procedure, if necessary, you can apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream.
- Use the mask in courses.
Types of skin cleansing
Superficial cleansing is cleansing using regular cleansers: gel, milk, micellar water, etc. Their goal is to remove makeup from the surface of the skin and dissolve and remove surface impurities and fatty films.
Therapeutic cleansing is skin cleansing, which is performed once every 1-3 days and is aimed at correcting a specific skin problem. For example, keeping pores clean, preventing the development of acne, etc.
Deep cleansing – performed 1-2 times a week and is aimed at:
- Elimination of dead scales lingering on the surface of the skin and containing external toxins and impurities;
- Dissolving comedones and cleansing pores of sebaceous plugs;
Products for deep cleansing facial skin at home
Products for deep self-cleaning of the skin contain acids and/or kaolin.
Examples:
DermaKlia mask for problem skin DermaQuest is designed to weekly cleanse the skin and eliminate harmful particles that linger in the surface layers of the skin and are not washed off with conventional cleansers.
Double action of the mask:
- kaolin 20% - absorbs impurities from the surface of the skin and from inside the pores;
- salicylic acid 5% - delicately exfoliates and removes all impurities both from the surface of the skin and inside the pores;
Cleansing milk with glycolic acid and peptides - designed for deep cleansing of aging skin. Effectively cleanses and saturates the skin with rejuvenating peptides. Use once a week as a mask for 5-7 minutes.
The DermaQuest pumpkin mask has the status of a home peel and is performed once a week. Dissolves impurities, horny layers, comedones.
Designed for deep cleansing and keeping oily/combination/problem skin clean and well-groomed.
Homemade cosmetic mask recipes
It’s easy to make your own mask at home.
- For irritation and inflammation
Take kaolin and dilute it with herbal decoction to the consistency of thick sour cream. The decoction is prepared from the collection of chamomile, celandine, calendula, herbs are taken in equal parts.
- Refreshing color
Keffekelit is mixed with sour milk and tomato juice. Products in equal proportions. A mushy mixture is prepared. Apply to the problem area.
- Cleansing
Black mineral rock, calendula tincture, lemon juice are mixed (1:1:1). You should get a puree-like mass.
- Nutritious
Illite and oatmeal. The mixture is diluted with water. The final goal is a thick mixture that is applied to the skin. Product proportions: 2:1:3.
- Tonic
A spoonful of terracotta in the company of sea buckthorn oil and egg yolk will help the skin find a pleasant color and freshness. Take a teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil per tablespoon of crushed rock.
- Restoring youth
Rose powder and warm milk are transformed into an extract of youth. The thickness of the mixture should be similar to sour cream.
- For dryness
Kaolin is mixed with grated cucumber pulp. Proportions: 2 to 2.
- From fat content
Three tablespoons of illite, three teaspoons of hazelnut oil, one teaspoon of mineral water are mixed to a thick puree. Apply the mask to the skin.
Frequent use of masks can damage the protective hydro-lipid layer. To put the epidermis in order, one procedure per week is enough.
A clay solution is suitable for allergic rashes. They make it like this: a mixture of kaolin, bolus or keel is poured with water and infused. A tampon is soaked in the liquid and applied to the problem area.
Tips for selection and application
Often, ladies who want to tidy up their face make mistakes when choosing a cosmetic product, completely disregarding the recommendations of the manufacturers. In vain! A positive effect is possible only if the instructions are followed. A little carelessness - and the beauty extract will turn into a completely opposite substance. It is not permissible for women with oily skin to use products for dry skin and vice versa, because the result will be disastrous. Ultimately, additional problems will appear to the existing ones.
Some people believe that a quality product is only one for which you need to pay a tidy sum. In vain. There are budget options on the market that do the job perfectly. The criteria for choosing a product should be based not on price, but on the content of the drug.
With proper use of masks, the dermis will return a pleasant color and get rid of defects. However, after the first use, you should not expect results. In cosmetology, at least five procedures are required.
So, we figured out how to choose the right drug, what types of clay masks there are, where to buy these miracle drugs. What else should lovely ladies pay attention to?
Proper execution of the procedure:
- Before applying the mask, clean your face. Lotion or tonic will do just fine.
- Sensitive skin is not happy with all cosmetic treatments. She prefers kaolin, blue and illite.
- Porcelain skin is revived with a pink substance. Red will do too.
- If the patch is prepared at home, it is diluted immediately before the procedure.
- Rest during the procedure!
- When the cosmetic layer is removed and the face is washed, you need a cream. The cream is selected according to skin type.
- If the dermis is experiencing problems, it is important to reconsider the diet. Probably, the body lacks microelements and vitamins.
A procedure with a natural mineral composition improves complexion, prevents aging of the dermis, and protects against inflammation. This is a real extract of beauty and skin health.
If you have experience using cosmetic clay, please share your observations and tell us in the comments.
