If you like to use clay masks you know that there are several types that you can find on the market. While all of them have their particularities, they also have common features.
These masks are made of different types of clay of which the most common are bentonite and kaolin. Using a clay facial mask occasionally will help you maintain a balance skin health, reduce excessive oils and even prevent skin problems such as acne.
In order to enjoy all the benefits of a clay mask, you should leave it on your face anywhere between three minutes and 20 minutes.
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Why Should You Use a Clay Facial Mask?
Using a clay face mask can bring you plenty of benefits in order to maintain young and healthy skin that looks great. These masks can keep acne and other skin problems away if you use them correctly.
They get rid of extra oil on your skin, leaving you with a fresh feeling afterward.
Clay masks will do a great job at unclogging your pores so that acne or blackheads, as well as whiteheads, can’t form. For people with oily skin, it is a good idea to use a clay mask once or twice a week in order to see constant results.
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If you have dry skin, you want to use clay facial masks that are intended especially for dry and sensitive skin. You will find these indications on the wrapping.
Even if clay masks are not considered medical treatment for skin conditions, they can ameliorate them significantly. Using clay masks weekly will reduce the effects of dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.
Should I Let Cay Mask Dry Completely?
Clay masks act in three different stages once you add them to your face.
Each of these stages is important for the benefits they offer but you should be aware of them before you leave your mask on too long. To answer the question, you should wait until your clay mask is dry on your face bot not longer.
The first stage of a clay mask starts as soon as you apply it to your skin.
This is the stage when your mask is humid and your skin absorbs all the minerals inside of it. During this stage, the clay mask will work its miracles and give your skin all it needs to look healthy and velvety.
In just a few minutes, usually more than three, the humid stage of the mask will become the dry stage.
In this second stage, the mask will contract and stimulate your skin’s capillaries as well as the blood flow underneath it. This stage is also beneficial so you should allow it to fulfill its purpose.
The last stage is the dry stage. At this stage, you will feel the clay mask getting extremely dry on your skin. It might give you an itchy feeling.
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This happens because the mask will dry out your skin and rip it off the moisture it needs. It is still safe to keep your mask on for up to five minutes during this stage but not longer.
Remove your clay facial mask as soon as you start feeling the itchiness caused by dry skin and rinse your face with lukewarm water.
Can I Leave a Clay Mask on Overnight?
It’s important not to sleep with your clay face mask on. If you leave such a mask longer than is recommended in the instructions, you will dry your skin severely. As a side effect, you will end up with flaky skin and a dry face that you will have to moisturize profoundly.
If you do fall asleep with your clay mask on your face, wash it off as soon as you wake up and nourish your skin with a hydrating cream.
If your skin is naturally very oily, the side effects of sleeping with the clay mask on will not be as drastic. But even in these conditions, it is not a good idea to let your mask on for so long.
Your skin will be itchy and you might even develop irritations after you wash the mask off.
How Do You Know When Clay Mask is Done?
Naturally, you will want to know how can you tell that your clay facial mask did its job. The simple answer is to check the instructions.
Most likely, the manufacturer of the mask will specify in the instructions how to use the product. They will also include a time frame that you should respect when adding this mask to your face.
But if for any reason you can’t check the instructions, you can still know when you have to remove the clay mask. All you have to do is pay attention to the way it makes you feel.
Follow the three stages of the clay mask we specified above and learn to notice the effects each stage has on your skin.
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It is important to pay even more attention when the clay mask starts to dry and contract on your skin. Once your mask is completely dry, you shouldn’t let it on for too much longer.
If your skin starts itching, remove the mask immediately. Even if your skin is not itching at all, you should wash the mask off five maximum in 20 minutes after you applied it.
Some people might experience side effects such as a burning feeling instead of itchiness. If this is the case, wash the mask off immediately and rinse your face with lukewarm water.
Final Thoughts
Add the right clay facial mask to your skin routine on a weekly basis and you will see its benefits sooner than you anticipate. Choosing the best clay mask for you might be tricky but if you know your skin type it is not so complicated.
Clay masks are mainly recommended for people with naturally oily skin. But there are certain products that will work great for sensitive and dry skin as well.
It is important not to use a clay mask as a skin treatment. If you struggle with any type of skin condition, talk to your dermatologist in order to find the best solution for your situation.
However, a good clay mask can definitely prevent mild skin conditions and help you have the type of skin you always wanted.
Such a mask can reduce the risk of acne and blackheads but also nourish your face skin with all the nutrients it needs to look healthy!