Formed in the earth over hundreds of years, from minerals, plant life and animals, the many therapeutic skin benefits of clay have long been observed in many cultures. Rich in beautifying minerals including calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron and potassium and other skin- loving components, clay promotes improved integrity of the skin in conjunction with detoxifying abilities, nutritive qualities, and microbial balancing properties. Regular facials with clay can rid the skin of toxins and stimulate circulation and dermal regeneration for a healthy glow. Best of all clay is natural and a good quality clay mask should be as kind to the planet as it is to your skin.
There is a natural clay mask for every skin type and concern, so what are the skin loving benefits you can expect from this super soil.
Anti-bacterial and detoxifying: Helps draw out impurities and toxicity from the surface of the skin, absorbing oils and other impurities that can clog pores, leaving your skin clear and purified.
Regulates sebum: Oily skin often results from imbalance, particularly when our immune systems are over-activated from infection, autoimmunity, stress or toxic overload. A clay mask can “soak” up excess sebum. Applying an organic, plant-based moisturiser to restore some good oil to the skin barrier will help promote balance and reduce further sebum overproduction.
Softer, Smoother & Glowing Skin: loaded with a very important beautifying nutrient known as silica, clay can also support healthy, strong connective tissue. Increasing density of collagen fibres by promoting collagen synthesis, silica leads to youthful looking skin, reduces wrinkles and fine lines and makes your skin velvety soft and smooth.
Rejuvenates & Regenerates the Skin: promoting blood circulation within the dermis has been shown to be a benefit of bentonite clay. Blood flow encourages increased healing and regeneration of the skin tissue.
Calming: While the anti-bacterial and detoxifying benefits help calm toxin laden and irritated skin, our favourite part of this dirty indulgence is just how easy clay masks are for self-care. From a quick pep-me-up to a decadent spa like experience clay masks lend themselves to the perfect at home ritual teamed with some well-deserved relaxing me time.
There are several types of therapeutic clays used in facial masks, with the most common clays providing the greatest skin benefits. Understanding how each type of clay performs and matching to your skin type and needs is essential to selecting the best clay for your unique masking experience.
Bentonite Clay: this highly detoxifying clay absorbs and draw out impurities from the skin and promotes blood circulation to the surface of the skin. One of the best clays for healing but can be drying, so ensure to follow with a hydrating natural serum and balm. Not recommended for sensitive skin.
Rhassoul Clay: this ancient Moroccan, mineral-rich clay is great for both the skin and hair. It is a powerful detoxifying agent, the perfect magnet for drawing out toxins and other impurities, particularly beneficial for oily and acne prone skin. Rhassoul is gentle and won’t dry skin out. High concentrations of silica and a unique mineral makeup improves the texture and softness of skin.
Kaolin Clay: white kaolin clay is the gentlest for mild exfoliation and is great for sensitive skin. With other varieties of Kaolin such as yellow and red, the ability to absorb toxins increases as the hues deepen. Pink Kaolin is essentially a mix between white and red, making it the perfect “in-between” clay for average skin types. If your skin can handle it, Red Kaolin has the most circulation-boosting benefits, which will help brighten your skin tone.
From an on-the-go weekly ritual to an indulgent pampering session, natural clay masks are the ultimate in self-care and never fail to deliver on glow. Prepare the skin by cleansing and exfoliating. Clay masks love all parts of the body from your face and décolletage to your back and body, so don’t hold back.
The purest clay masks are preservative free and therefore generally come in their native powder form. There are not too many rules when it comes to mixing your mask. Activate (mix) in a ceramic or glass bowl, with a non-metallic spoon immediately prior to use. It is important not to store or re-used any leftover clay mix. Water is the easiest go-to for activating your clay, usually equal parts powder to water is a good guide but you can blend the mask to any consistency you prefer. Using a hydrosol or emulsion preparation as a substitute for water can give your facial a whole new dimension and enhanced benefits.
Natural clays can act on the skin rather quickly and wearing a clay mask for too long past the recommended time may dry out your skin and while most natural clay masks work by drying on the skin, some contain additional botanical extracts that must be kept moist with a damp cloth or spritzing. Both methods are great options for a little pampering, but it’s important to observe the directions on the packaging. When it’s done, simply wash the mask off with lukewarm water, either in the shower or with an organic muslin. You may like to follow with a gentle cleanse. Finish with your favourite botanical serum and organic moisturiser.
Not all clays are created equal. As a naturally occurring ingredient the purity and mineral composition of clays can vary, so choosing for quality is key. Sustainable sourced and fair-trade clays are also a priority, look for eco-friendly brands with transparent sourcing policies and a commitment to good manufacturing practices. Clays are versatile actives and can also incorporate other actives. The very best natural clay masks are teamed with other organic skin loving ingredients to enhance the benefits. Our top picks for purity, sustainability and potency, delivering the ultimate natural clay mask ritual are:
Namari Staub – This luxurious and potent mask is versatile and effective, regardless of skin type and condition. Pure Rhassoul clay, hand milled in the namari lab in Switzerland, combined with acids, enzymes and grains of freshly milled Hibiscus, whole fruit powders and Vitamin C. Organic ingredients which work in perfect synergy with mineral rich clays to provide just the right amount of exfoliation and deep cleansing that doesn’t strip or damage skin. Genuine silver effectively treats and prevents inflammation while raw cocoa and coconut milk powder deliver powerful nutrients and antioxidants. Blend namari Staub with Kokon for a truly decadent experience.
Live Native Botanic Earth Mud Mask – smells like chocolate and IS good enough to eat! A deeply cleansing facemask combining Rhassoul clay with powerful antioxidant rich acai, nourishing raw cacao and spirulina with energetically rejuvenating 23k edible gold leaf. Designed to nourish, repair and restore dermal balance, this vegan skin-food is beneficial for all skin types including acne prone and sensitive. A highly active yet gentle mask that must be keep moist during treatment. For a luxe night in take a bath, lie back and spritz with Live Native MSM mist toner.
Caim & Able Australian Clay Mask Range – Passionate about unique Australian ingredients, clays and native botanicals, CAIM & ABLE handcraft in small batches to create a range of clay masks for every skin need. Pink, Yellow, Green and white clay masks that are sustainably sourced, devoid of nasty chemicals, 100% vegan and cruelty free. Try the pink clay and hibiscus mask for a clay treatment that suits all skin types.
Finally, not just for the face, treat your body to clay with Verdant Alchemy Detox Bath Soak. Team your masking session with a deep body soak in magnesium and dead sea mineral salts, combined with white kaolin and green Sardinian clays. Rich in trace elements and mineral salts for an uplifting and detoxifying soak that helps stimulate circulation and purifies skin, allowing the body to eliminate toxins naturally.
Double cleansing is a two-step routine in which you wash your face with a natural cleansing oil or oil-based cleanser first, then wash it again with a water- or gel-based cleanser. The aim is to get the best clean possible without irritating the skin.
Luxe Botanics in-house aesthetician tells us everything we need to know about this transformative natural skincare line.
Want luscious soft and plump lips? This 5 step natural and organic lip rescue ritual will have those winter lips soft, plump and totally kissable. How to use the best clean beauty products filled with lip loving botanicals and natural ingredients for a safer luscious pout.
With increased hand washing and drying alcohol based sanitizers our cuticles may be looking the worse for wear. Follow these top tips to treat and nourish your cuticles with natural and organic ingredients. Healthy, strong and beautiful nails, naturally.
AHAs are the superheroes of exfoliation. Proven to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, refine large pores, help with rough, crepey texture, and will leave you with hydrated, supple skin with a healthy glow. Select a formulation that has other skin loving ingredients that counteract any irritation due to the AHA.
Wanting to look fresh faced without the use of too much makeup is definitely at the top of most peoples’ skin goals. Holistically, besides sleep and diet a good skincare routine is the third pillar to glowing, radiant skin. Follow The NATIVES Co. 3 step guide to cleanse, exfoliate and serum your way to GLOW.
No account yet?
Create an Account
Sign Up for VIP offers and exclusive first access to new releases.
