Clay masks have been around since ancient times. Women have been using these masks for their exfoliating properties. They are believed to reduce skin inflammation, remove toxins, and give you smooth and refreshed skin. They help improve the skin’s texture by nourishing and replenishing it.
These masks are often a blend of a variety of clays, but certain combinations may not suit your skin. So, it is highly advisable to do a patch test before applying a clay mask on your face. You can do this by rubbing a small amount of the mask on the inside area of your elbow and checking if it causes any reaction to your skin.
In this post, MomJunction brings you a list of the nine best clay masks for dry skin. These masks help fortify dry and dull skin.
9 Best Clay Masks For Dry Skin
1. Revive Science Clay Face Mask
A unique blend of charcoal and three clays, this face mask claims to detox your skin and leave it clean and radiant. The face mask is infused with the goodness of charcoal, three detoxifying clays, namely pink clay, blue clay, and kaolin clay, and organic lecithin, which exfoliate and cleanse the skin from the deepest of pores. In the process, it does not dry out the skin but hydrates and nourishes it while retaining its natural moisture. It is suitable for all skin types and is free of paraben.
2. Tree to Tub Activated Charcoal Clay Mask
From the eco-reserves of Taiwan comes this charcoal clay mask that claims to clear your skin of impurities and rejuvenate it from within. It contains bamboo charcoal, bentonite clay, and kaolin clay that deep clean your skin and get rid of all kinds of toxins. The hyaluronic acid and aloe vera hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and clean, while the ginseng green tea soothes inflammation, tones the skin, and protects the skin from free radicals. It is free of parabens and other harmful chemicals. The pH-balanced mask is suitable for all skin types and is dermatologist-tested.
3. Pure Biology Premium Face Mask
This premium face mask contains a mixture of bentonite and kaolin clays, retinol, vitamins, and natural alpha hydroxy acids that help to cleanse and purify your skin like no other mask. It claims to exfoliate the skin deep from the pores and helps reduce inflammation. The combination of collagen and vitamin C helps reduce dark spots, boosts hydration, and improves skin elasticity. Retinol present in the mask helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It is suitable for all skin types and is free of paraben.
4. MeMe Australian Pink Clay Face Mask
This rose-scented Australian pink clay face mask is enriched with a Korean formula that helps reduce inflammation and redness of the skin. It contains 100% natural kaolin clay that helps exfoliate and deep clean the skin and clears out impurities, blackheads, dirt, and other pollutants, leaving the skin smooth and glowing. The face mask is also infused with the goodness of aloe vera, which soothes and moisturizes skin; pomegranate, which helps reduce breakouts; and witch hazel, which tones the skin and tightens pores.
5. Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask
As the name suggests, this face mask works toward cleansing pores and brightening skin. It is enriched with the goodness of witch hazel, which tightens pores; kakadu plum, which helps tackle pigmentation; and mangosteen and pomegranate, which brighten the skin tone. It comes with a soft brush applicator so you can apply the mask directly from the tub. This mask is free of paraben and gluten and suits all types of skin.
6. Derma-nu Miracle Skin Remedies Extreme Anti-Oxidant Mask
This antioxidant face mask contains kaolin clay, rosehip oil, glycolic acid, and coenzyme Q10, which help cleanse the skin of impurities and reduce skin blemishes. It also contains aloe vera, coconut oil, and vitamin C, which provide a boost of collagen and elastin that can lift tired skin and help brighten it. The formula also fights signs of aging and smoothens wrinkles and fine lines. It is non-comedogenic, free of parabens, alcohol, or any other harmful chemicals, and suits all skin types.
7. Eve Hansen French Rose Clay Face Mask
Looking for a detoxifying cum hydrating mask? Have a look at this French rose clay mask. The face mask is enriched with the goodness of bentonite clay, kaolin clay, rosehip seed oil, safflower oil, and green tea extract. It claims to gently absorb excess skin oil, calm irritated skin, and nourish tired and dull skin. It promotes blood flow to give you that firm, youthful skin. It does not contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates and is suitable for all skin types.
8. Majestic Pure Indian Healing Clay Powder
This clay mask containing natural sodium bentonite claims to deep clean the skin and help rejuvenate dull and dry skin. Natural sodium bentonite is known for its electromagnetic properties. It can easily absorb metals and toxins. It helps tighten skin and shrinks large pores. It also helps soothe skin from conditions such as cuts, bruises, bee stings, and so on. It is suitable for all types of skin.
9. Pearlessence Pink Clay + Rose Petal Soothing Face Mask
A blend of pink clay and rose petals, this face mask claims to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. It gently exfoliates the skin and reveals a brighter skin. It moisturizes the skin and keeps the natural oils intact. It is suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
What To Look For In A Clay Mask If You Have Dry Skin? (Buying Guide)
To make your selection easier, we have listed down the essential things to check for when you buy a clay mask for dry skin.
- Purpose of the clay mask: The clay mask you select must match the purpose you’re buying it for – to detoxify, hydrate, or exfoliate your skin. If you are looking for a clay mask that helps in deep cleaning, a detoxifying clay mask is ideal. Exfoliating clay mask helps in removing the dead skin cells, clear surface oil on the skin, and give you a smoother skin. A hydrating clay mask helps keep your skin hydrated.
- Type of clay: Three types of clay are used to make the clay masks available in the market- Fuller’s earth or multani mitti or Indian clay, China clay or Kaolin, and volcanic clay. These clay masks are excellent oil absorbents. Fuller’s earth helps fight against acne problems and wrinkles. China clay helps in exfoliating the dead cells on your skin by cleansing it thoroughly, while volcanic helps to treat excessive oil on your face and prevents excessive drying of the skin.
- Additional Ingredients: Some clay masks have additional ingredients, such as papaya, honey, charcoal, etc., in addition to the clay. The ingredients each have a specific purpose. For example, a papaya clay mask helps in reducing pigmentation, a honey clay mask helps fight against aging, and a charcoal clay mask eliminates blackheads and dirt. When you choose a combination clay mask, ensure that the other ingredients are chemical-free and safe to use.
- Consistency matters: Clay masks usually come in the form of powder, a solid block, or paste. Powder or solid clay masks are usually free from chemicals when compared to clay mask pastes. Choose a clay mask based on your preferred way of applying it.
- Skin type: The clay mask you are buying must match your skin type – check the label on the product to make sure you’re choosing the right product to avoid adverse results. For example,if you have dry skin and you choose a clay mask suitable for oily skin, the required oils on your face will be wiped off, and your skin could get more dehydrated.
Once you have the right mask with you, you should apply it as directed for the best results.
How To Apply Clay Masks
Follow these two simple ways to apply a clay mask.
Mix with water: If your clay mask is in powder form, you need to mix it with water to make a thick paste. For this, take the required quantity in a non-metal bowl. Do not use a metal surface as it can activate clay and hamper its detoxifying properties. Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for the duration mentioned on the mask package.
Apply directly: Some clay masks come in a thick paste form that you can apply straight to your face. These come in a tub or squeeze tube. You may take the mask either on your fingers or on a brush and apply it to your face.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are clay masks good for dry skin?
Clay masks are mostly known to suit oily skin because they can get rid of skin impurities and excessive oil. And in the process, they often leave the skin smooth and dry. But brands have developed clay masks that suit dry skin too. These clay masks suit all skin types as they gently exfoliate the skin and hydrate it to leave it looking plumped up and replenished.
2. How often should I use a clay mask for dry skin?
Dry skin can be a bit sensitive to clay masks. But it also needs exfoliation to look clean and healthy. For such skin, using a clay mask once a week should do the trick. If your skin feels dry after using a clay mask, apply a moisturizer or a hydrating mask to rejuvenate your skin.
3. How long should I leave the clay mask on?
It varies from product to product and is often mentioned on the packaging. It is best to follow those instructions as the brands decide them after several rounds of testing. On an average, you can leave a clay mask on for about ten minutes. Clay masks often cause a tingling sensation. As long as it is bearable, you can leave the mask on. If the tingling becomes unbearable, it is better to wash it off.
4. How to use a clay mask when you have dry skin?
Firstly, pick a clay mask that is meant for dry skin. Follow the instructions on the pack or try the usual procedure of mixing the clay mask and then applying it evenly on your face. Wash your hands to make them dirt free before applying the mask or use a brush for it. Leave the clay on your face for no more than ten minutes, or as suggested on the pack, and remove when the clay on the nose and edges of the face dries out.
Finding a good clay mask for dry skin is a tough job. We hope this post helped you find a good clay mask for yourself. Have you tried any of the clay masks mentioned on this list? Do let us know in the comments section below.
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