Akoma Natural Skincare

Clay Masks

Clay masks  are very effective for most skin types and conditions as the various ingredients can be blended to suit each individual person. Some of the benefits of using a clay mask are listed below:

• Soothing    
• Stimulating
• Desquamating
• Refining
• Cleansing 

The clay masks can stimulate and soothe skin also absorbing any sebum (oil) and debris from the skin surface leaving it cleansed and soft, depending on the ingredients chosen for your mask. There are a variety of clay powders available the following list may give you an idea of which may be right for you.

 

• Kaolin – a cream coloured powder which has a very stimulating effect on the skin’s surface capillaries, helping the skin to remove impurities and waste products. Skin condition – for congested, greasy skin
• Fullers Earth – a green, heavy clay powder. This powder has a very stimulating effect, such that the skin will show slight reddening and also produces a brightening effect. Skin condition – for greasy skin with a sluggish circulation

 

• Calamine – a light pink powder which soothes surface blood capillaries. Skin condition – for sensitive or delicate skin 

 

• Flowers of Sulphur – a light yellow clay powder which has a drying effect on papules and pustules. Skin condition – apply only to specific blemishes (pustules)

 

• Magnesium Carbonate – a very light white powder which creates a temporary astringent and toning effect. Skin condition – for open pores on dry and normal skin

 

To activate these clay powders it is necessary to add a liquid – an active lotion – which turns the powder to a liquid paste. Active lotions are selected according to your skin type and clay powder used they reinforce the action of the mask.

 

• Rose water – This is very popular it has a very mild stimulating and toning effect.

• Distilled water – This is used on highly sensitive skin
• Witch-hazel water – This has a soothing effect on blemished skin; it is also an astringent and is suitable for use on greasy skin.
• Glycerol – A humectant, which prevents the mask drying and is suitable for dry mature skin.