In a world where aesthetic injections are de rigueur, you may want to take a step back and come back to the humble clay.

Having been made of decomposed, organic matter, clays are rich in minerals. This composition of healing substances renders them suitable for your skin and hair offering you beautifying benefits. Fuller's earth clay is the most common type but others such as bentonite clay, French green clay, kaolin clay, and rhassoul red clay are also used for spa remedies. 

Commonly found in powder form, clay sometimes pops up in formulations like cleansers and scrubs to treat perpetually shiny T-zones. It's also good for treating skin vexed by acne breakouts and pores purging with dirt, and sebum. But how does it work and is there any solid evidence backing its skin-clarifying promises? Here we have broken down for you some benefits that it offers and how you can incorporate it into your skincare for the best results. 

What does a clay mask do?

Mattifies skin

Clay acts like a sponge as it binds to the oil and dirt on your skin's surface, absorbing it well. Therefore, it is great for those with oily skin, owing to its vanishing act on grease and other impurities.  

Shrink wraps pores

The clay carries an electrical charge that attracts impurities. This explains the textural change when it comes in contact with your skin. The clay condenses to form a gel matrix trapping oil and makeup residue for easy removal. So, it does not only control sebum production but also minimizes your pores.

Soothes skin

The antioxidant minerals in clay namely, phyllosilicates coupled with other inflammatory properties calms breakouts. It is also suitable for soothing dermatitis, redness, and skin rashes. 

Protection from UV damage

The minerals in clay guard your skin against free radical damage that may contribute to skin aging. According to a study, topical application of clay also increases collagen production in your skin which may translate into anti-aging benefits. 

How to use clay in your skincare?

Instead of a facial, you may purchase clay powder to create your mask. We are a fan of the classic Charcoal Clay Mask by Pinksoul and for good reason. Since it is completely organic, it is devoid of any preservatives rendering it suitable for all skin types. It effectively sucks out oil and dirt from your skin surface, purifying your skin. 

Because of the rich ingredients of Matcha Green Tea Powder, Bentonite Clay, and Charcoal Powder, this is the best clay mask for acne scars. What’s more? It's a pretty reasonable jar that costs only around Rs 1300 and may last up to two months or more. 

A precaution that you may bear in mind is not to prepare this mix in a metal container. This is because contact with metal compromises its integrity, causing it to lose its magnetic charge and be ineffective. However, this remains a topic of debate as some believe metal does not affect this. 

How to use clay mask? Using clay in your skincare is very simple. Mix equal proportions of clay powder and apple cider vinegar to form a paste. Apple cider vinegar helps to neutralize the alkaline levels rendering the mixture mild and keeping your skin's pH balance to a 5.5. 

You should not leave it on for such a long time that it flakes and hardens by itself. When it is wet it soaks up oil effectively but upon drying it loses its absorbing impact and may eventually irritate and dehydrate your skin. apply it for 10-20 minutes and rinse with water. 

There are pre-mixed formulations available as well which are more consistent and offer reliable results. Some are spiked with activated charcoal for maximum exfoliation and glycerin to offer hydration. You can try the Charcoal Clay Scrub by Pinksoul. It scrubs off all the dead skin cells and blackheads from your skin serving as a great product for treating acne-prone skin. It is also the best clay mask for large pores as it cleans your pores to minimize their appearance. 

How often should you use a clay mask?

How many times to use clay mask depends on what you are aiming at. If you are using it for treating acne, you may use it three times a week. But if your skin is sensitive you can limit its use to once a week and incorporate it slowly if you don’t experience any irritation. 

The final verdict

Though it may not be the first thing to pop to your mind, Clay is legendary in face masks particularly to treat oily skin. Clay mask benefits are numerous; it not only clears oil from your skin but also exfoliates it to eradicate impurities. Hence it goes without saying that if you tend to have oily skin, you must incorporate it in your skincare regime.