DIY Clay Mask Recipes

Using DIY clay facial masks is a great way to cleanse pores, remove impurities and provide a polished glow. Plus, they’re really fun to mix up and use.

What’s great about dry powder clay masks is that, unlike prepared masks, you can customize them to your skin type and skin condition as the seasons and your skin changes. Plus, dry masks that you prepare freshly yourself also don’t need to be preserved, so you can skip the unwanted additives.

HOW TO DO IT

Consider what you want out of your clay mask. Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin you can formulate a custom mask to reach your skincare goals. Or you can make a simple mask with no special purpose except to exfoliate and cleanse, by just mixing with water alone.

The first step is to activate your dry powder clay mask with water. Use only enough water to make a paste, not too thick or thin. After the mask is hydrated with water, then you can add other beneficial ingredients.

Here are some different ingredients you can experiment with followed by a few of my favorite DIY mask recipes to try.

WATER SUBSTITUTES TO ACTIVATE DRY CLAY MASK

Instead of plain water, try these

• HYDROSOL – Lavender and Rose hydrosol for all skin types, Rosemary for oily complexions
• TEA – Chamomile Tea for irritated skin, Green Tea is high in antioxidants
• ALOE VERA JUICE – mildly astringent, balances oil production, soothing
• CITRUS JUICES – Lemon and Orange contain citric acid, good for oily skin, may lighten age spots. May irritate sensitive skin.
• APPLE CIDER VINEGAR – contains malic acid an exfoliant and astringent, good for unclogging pores, may lighten dark spots and balance pH. May irritate sensitive skin. 
• COCONUT MILK – softens skin, brightens the complexion, good for sensitive and dry skin

OTHER ADDITIVES

Once your dry powder clay mask is activated with water or a water substitute, add some of these

• AVOCADOS– high in fatty acids and vitamins, moisturizing, hydrating, nourishing. Good for all skin types.
• BANANAS- a great source of potassium, magnesium and vitamin C, moisturizing, hydrating, nourishing, and can help soothe irritated skin. Good for all skin types.
• OILS – Coconut to soften and moisturize skin. Olive is good for very dry skin. Avocado is good to soothe irritated skin. Jojoba most closely matches our skin’s sebum. Use any of my Facial Serums to add to your activated clay mask.
• TURMERIC – contains curcumin a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.  Studies have shown that topical turmeric can help reduce dark spots on the skin if used regularly. 
• OAT FLOUR OR GROUND OATS – skin softening, soothing to irritated skin
• CACAO POWDER – softens the skin, contains caffeine to tone and lift skin
• MATCHA POWDER – anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, evens skin tone, reduces acne and increases skin elasticity.

RECIPES TO TRY FOR VARIOUS SKIN TYPES

Combine the ingredients and mix well until you have a paste. Apply your mask to clean skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off (easiest way is in the shower!) and follow with a spritz of hydrosol mixed with a drop or two of Facial Serum.

DRY + DULL SKIN:

• ½ tablespoon dry powdered clay mask mixed with
• 1 teaspoon coconut milk, then add
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

DRY + MATURE SKIN:

• ½ tablespoon dry powdered clay mask mixed with
• 1 teaspoon coconut milk, then add
• ½ teaspoon cacao powder
• 2 slices banana

OILY/ACNE PRONE SKIN:

• ½ tablespoon dry powdered clay mask mixed with
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera juice, then add
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ¼ teaspoon lemon juice

OILY/ACNE PRONE SKIN:

• ½ tablespoon dry powdered clay mask mixed with
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera juice, then add
• 1 tablespoon fresh avocado
• ½ teaspoon matcha powder

SENSITIVE SKIN:

• ½ tablespoon dry powdered clay mask mixed with
• 1 teaspoon lavender or rose hydrosol, then add
• 1 teaspoon oat flour or ground oats
• 2 drops Jojoba Oil or Mountain Rose Facial Serum

Get creative and explore more additives to customize to your skincare needs.

Happy Exploring, 

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