Clay Masks
Clay masks really are the wonder treatment for instant, radiant looking skin.
- Have break outs, bumps or congestion? A clay mask will draw and smooth out those nasties.
- Skin just plain dull, tired and blah? A clay mask will have you looking rejuvenated in no time.
- Dry, sensitive, irritated skin? A gentle clay mask will instantly calm, soften and soothe.
How Clay Works
First things first, clay is not mud.
Clay is formed over centuries from weathering rocks that are rich in mineral salts such as silica, magnesium, iron and zinc. The country of origin and depth that it is extracted all play a role in determining the clays mineral content, colour and use. At Drift, I use clay from Argiletz, France. It's renowned for having a very high active mineral content as it is sun dried, super fine and extracted under exacting conditions.
Mud on the other hand can be any combination of soil, silt and clay in a wet mixture. It too may be high in minerals (from the clay) and works by providing an occlusive layer (i.e. a barrier) which helps other nutrients penetrate in to the skin. Clay works differently by absorbing rather than occluding and through the minerals it then cleanses, softens and tones.
It can get confusing as some marketers tend to use the words 'clay' and 'mud' interchangeably based on what's 'in'. Clay must still be considered 'old school' as most commercial mud masks are actually clay with water and loads of preservatives to avoid bacteria growing. Always check the ingredient list to make sure it is the type of treatment you are looking for.
Clay is formed over centuries from weathering rocks that are rich in mineral salts such as silica, magnesium, iron and zinc. The country of origin and depth that it is extracted all play a role in determining the clays mineral content, colour and use. At Drift, I use clay from Argiletz, France. It's renowned for having a very high active mineral content as it is sun dried, super fine and extracted under exacting conditions.
Mud on the other hand can be any combination of soil, silt and clay in a wet mixture. It too may be high in minerals (from the clay) and works by providing an occlusive layer (i.e. a barrier) which helps other nutrients penetrate in to the skin. Clay works differently by absorbing rather than occluding and through the minerals it then cleanses, softens and tones.
It can get confusing as some marketers tend to use the words 'clay' and 'mud' interchangeably based on what's 'in'. Clay must still be considered 'old school' as most commercial mud masks are actually clay with water and loads of preservatives to avoid bacteria growing. Always check the ingredient list to make sure it is the type of treatment you are looking for.
Which clay should I choose?
Clays come in a range of colours that determine their strength and suitability for skin type. They all cleanse, tone and revitalise so it really is about matching the colour to your skin type and not what goes best with your bathrobe. Below are the four most common clays that I incorporate in to my treatments at Drift:
1. Green clay is the most absorbing of clays and is perfect for detoxifying the skin. On it's own, it is best reserved for really oily or acneic skin as it can be a little drying if your skin does not fall in to this category. I mostly mix in a little white clay for clients with regular oily or congested skin.
2. White clay is the mildest and very gentle at drawing out impurities while softening and smoothing the skin. Suitable for all skin types, it is especially good for sensitive skin as it also soothes inflammation and redness.
3. Yellow clay gets its colour from iron oxide and works best at restoring tired, neglected skin in need of a boost. Because it is revitalising, I use this mostly for normal, mature or sun damaged skin as it can be a little stimulating if you lean more towards the sensitive type.
4. Pink clay can be a little tricky depending on its source. Most literature claims it's good for all skin types but I find it more stimulating and revitalising than yellow clay so I save it for the body rather than the face. It is excellent as a body mask to get the circulation going on cellulite prone areas and to smooth the skins overall texture.
1. Green clay is the most absorbing of clays and is perfect for detoxifying the skin. On it's own, it is best reserved for really oily or acneic skin as it can be a little drying if your skin does not fall in to this category. I mostly mix in a little white clay for clients with regular oily or congested skin.
2. White clay is the mildest and very gentle at drawing out impurities while softening and smoothing the skin. Suitable for all skin types, it is especially good for sensitive skin as it also soothes inflammation and redness.
3. Yellow clay gets its colour from iron oxide and works best at restoring tired, neglected skin in need of a boost. Because it is revitalising, I use this mostly for normal, mature or sun damaged skin as it can be a little stimulating if you lean more towards the sensitive type.
4. Pink clay can be a little tricky depending on its source. Most literature claims it's good for all skin types but I find it more stimulating and revitalising than yellow clay so I save it for the body rather than the face. It is excellent as a body mask to get the circulation going on cellulite prone areas and to smooth the skins overall texture.
How to Use Clay
Clay masks are so simple and easy to use. They are best applied once a week, twice if your skin is in need of repair. They are great to pop on just before going out to show off a new, radiant looking you.
Directions:
Directions:
- Always apply to clean, dry skin.
- Start with 1 tablespoon of clay and slowly add water (1 - 2 teaspoons), mixing to form a creamy paste. You don't want it too watery as it needs to stay on your skin.
- Apply mixture with a mask brush - a small pastry or artists brush works fine. Otherwise clean fingers will do.
- Leave on and relax until mask is almost dry, usually 10 - 15 minutes. If you let it dry completely it will feel very tight, powdery and become messy to remove.
- Soak face cloth in warm water and use to remove.
There are two French Argiletz Clays available in the Drift Escentuals range: White and Green. Check out the online store and try one today. You'll be happy as a proverbial pig in mud...well clay.
