I love a good pamper session and it’s most definitely something I like to do on a weekend when I have the time to relax. As I’ve been getting more and more interested in natural beauty, I’d started to come across the use of bentonite clay. It’s been used for many years by a variety of cultures for various uses. That was enough to get me intrigued so I went and did some further research.
Bentonite clay is made from old volcanic ash and has the ability to produce an electrical charge when mixed with water which in turns makes it perfect for drawing out and absorbing toxins. It can also help to oxygenise the skin and tissues. It can be used externally and internally as a detoxifying drink, however the FSA has issued a warning against using it in that way.
The more I’ve researched the clay, the more amazing it seems to be. Here are some of the ways it can be used externally:
- On any spots, stings and bites to help pull out toxins and draw oxygen to the area to promote healing
- For oral health as part of a natural toothpaste or mouth wash
- As a detox bath by adding some clay to the water
- As a face mask or skin mask for any part of the body
This article from Wellness Mama has a great list of of the uses of clay, as does this post I noticed on the Free People blog just last week. My lovely new friend Sam Ruckle also did a great video series on the uses of clay here.
I really wanted to start off my making a mask! *warning scary picture coming up!*
You can make a very simple homemade clay mask by just mixing the clay with water and spreading it on your face, but do be aware that clay is better suited for oilier complexions and can be quite drying. I decided to mix mine with some oil and honey to make it more nourishing. First things first though, do not use metal utensils with the clay, always use plastic, glass or ceramics.
Simple nourishing and detoxifying clay mask
- 3 tbsp bentonite clay
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar if you have it (optional)
- Water to mix into your desired consistency
Start off with the honey and oil in a bowl and add in the clay, mix well and then add the water if needed. Spread on to your face and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing and wiping off with a face cloth or a muslin cloth. You’ll probably have more clay mask than you need, I spread what I have left on any blemishes on my body to use it up.
Your face will be a little red which is a good thing as it shows that the circulation has been improved and more oxygen is getting to your skin. If you have normal or dry skin, moisturise afterwards with a rich lotion or oil like coconut oil. If you have very dry skin and are looking for a natural face mask for that, check out my ‘feed your face’ avocado based mask.
Scary I know ;-) I just store my clay in a glass jar so I can make the mask whenever I fancy it. I bought my clay from eBay, but on reflection I would probably look for a better more pure source of clay such as this Aztec Secret or this one from Indigo Herbs. Just look at the price too, so cheap and affordable for something that would enable you to make loads of masks, one of the things I love about natural basic skin care like this!
Have you tried a clay mask before? Have you made your own clay mask? Is this something you’d try out?
Such a coincidence – I planned on having a ‘me day’ this Sunday (involves nail painting and checking out my new local sauna…) and a facemask would be the perfect addition! I bought bentonite clay a while ago but I’ve only used it once – might start making it a weekly habit ;)
Hope you have a fabulous me day! Sounds like just the kind of day I could enjoy right now, maybe if the sauna was replaced with a massage ;-)
This is definitely something I need right now. My eczema on my face has flared up recently! I never knew this about clay – thanks Laura!
My pleasure! Hope it helps!
Wow this sounds amazing. I love how natural it is. When I was younger I used to go crazy for those face masks (the really cheap ones you could buy individual sachets for in Boots). I’ve literally never heard of this clay before, very interesting!
Me too! Now I get a bit freaked out by the ingredients in those ones, but they did smell good :-)
How have we not met before now?! Your blog is right up my street, I’m now pinning stuff left right and centre!
Thank you and so glad you enjoy the blog! Off to check yours out now :-)
I used to do this once a week a while back, but haven’t for ages thanks for the reminder! I was introduced to it by a Nigeria friend of mine and totally agree its the most amazing natural mask, will try and fit one in this weekend, my skin says thanks!
Hope you managed to fit one in!
I haven’t used a face mask for ages – though I did use a body mask with some red sea clay my Dad picked up on holiday, which was lovely! I love how simple this is to make and the ingredients too, can’t beat homemade and effective beauty treats :)
I think they feel like a real treat! The red sea one sounds lovely :-)
I think your avocado mask would be more up my street- I have only ever found one shop bought mask (a Lush oaty one) that I can use, as all the others either make my skin so dry, or irritate it. I like the idea of using natural things, but I think it would be more drying.
I would also worry about blocking drain pipes- when we work with clay at school we always wash up in a bucket and throw it outside, as the solids sit in the pipes and block them up. Although I suppose you would only use a small amount at a time compared to a class!
Yep this one would definitely be too drying for you by the sounds of it. I’ll have to remember about the sink, I should have mentioned if I have any left I scoop it out and bin it rather than rinse it all. Bet that’s a nightmare with the class!