How To Make Your Own Clay Masks

It’s no secret that clay mask treatments can draw impurities and excess oils from the skin and bring it to a healthy glow, women have used them for centuries with great success.
Did you know you can skip the expensive commercial products and mix your own? It’s very easy to do and the best part is, homemade masks can be made with natural ingredients that are tailer-made to suit your needs perfectly (and boy oh boy, it’s so cheap to make too!).
You can mix them in bulk batches or single use (recommended until you find a formula that works just as you want).
For a basic mask, all you need is a natural clay powder and a bit of distilled water. The fun starts when you add powdered milk, essential oils, even cocoa! Here’s a bit of info and a few recipes to get you started, have fun!
Types of clay you can try: Each has its own unique mineral properties and benefits to offer, stick with the one that your skin responds best too. There are lots of different types you can use (you can even use more than a single type in a recipe), here are a few to get you started…

• Fuller’s Earth
• Kaolin
• French Green Clay (good for both oily or dry, dull skin)
• Bentonite
• Rose Clay

Where to buy it: Check your local bulk health food store or online (I just checked Amazon and a pound of French Green Clay is just under $17…this will make a lot!).
Here are a few simple recipes to experiment with:
Basic: For every tablespoon of clay powder, add between 1 to 2 tablespoons of distilled water and mix until a smooth paste. Use this ratio for the dry mixes below.
Powdered Milk: Mix equal parts of clay and powdered milk, blend or grind well and store in a sealed glass jar.
Cocoa: Use the powdered milk recipe above but add half the amount of cocoa powder (say you mixed 1/4 cup each of clay and milk, use 1/8 cup cocoa). Cocoa is an antioxidant.
Oatmeal Mix: (suitable for oily skin or acne) Mix 2 parts clay to 1 part finely ground oatmeal.
Apple Cider Vinegar: (good pimple or acne remedy) Replace the water amount with the vinegar.
Rose Water: 1 TBS green clay, 1 1/2 TBS aloe vera gel, 3 drops essential oil. Mix all ingredients together then add organic rosewater 1 tsp at a time until the mixture is a smooth paste. Source.
Honey: Before adding water, mix in a spoonful or two of honey…add water until mixture has thinned enough to use.
Witch Hazel: (good for acne and helps improve complexion) Replaces the water, use just enough to make a smooth paste. May lighten the skin a bit.
Olive Oil: Can be used instead of water, this won’t dry so it’s good for those who have more sensitive skin.
Note: You can add a few drops of essential oil to your dry mix batches before storing, just make sure they’re well blended. For single use, one drop should do it.
Directions For Use:

• First remove makeup and wash skin thoroughly.
• Apply mask evenly over your face and neck, avoiding eyes.
• Leave on for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until dry.
• Remove with warm water then rinse with cool water.
• Skin can be treated as needed but no more than once a week.

Note: If you have sensitive skin or trying a mask for the first time, test a small area first.
Bulk Storage:

• For dry mixes only…store in a sterilized glass jar and seal tight. Keep in a cool, dark location.