Changes in the environment, such as temperature and seasonal alterations in the hours of sunshine, have a major impact on the mind and body. It’s no surprise that this causes changes in your skin condition too. If our skin develops roughness or dullness at this turn of the season, we can take it as a sign to work on ourselves in a different way!

Today, I will introduce you to the home esthetic art of using a clay mask to ‘reset’ our bodies to adjust to the different times of the year.

There are various different types of clay (and various names too), depending on the colour and/or place of origin. Besides its use in face packs, body powders, bath additives etc., the range of applications is wide, and the beauty and skin care effects are renowned.

In general, the ingredients of clay vary depending on the colour. You can expect various effects, but the white clay which can be used for any type of skin will be easiest to use. The white in the powder is produced from kaolin, montmorillonite, bentonite or others, depending on the production area and ingredients.

The most characteristic work performed by all strata of clays is to remove dead skin and excess sebum. When used for blackheads, roughness or dull skin, white clay cleanses the pores and immediately makes the skin tone brighter, leaving the skin smooth.

Clay is easy to purchase at aromatherapy or organic specialty shops. It lasts a long time, so is good as a standby. The French clay from the Argilec brand is my personal recommendation.

Today, we will look at a clay mask to clean and remove dirt and dullness, using white kaolin clay!

How to make and apply a basic clay mask

1. 4 teaspoons of clay.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of warm water.
3. Mix together until smooth.

Apply to the entire face. Leave for about 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

• If you use aromatic distilled water such as rose water, the beauty effect will increase.
• If you add a drop of essential oil according to your skin condition and preference, you will also see the beauty and relaxation effects increase.

• If your skin is dry, dull or conspicuously fatigued, apply the mask with equal thickness everywhere.
• If your skin is a combination of dry and oily, apply thinly to oily parts and thickly to dry parts.
• If your skin is oily or with blackheads or acne, apply thinly only to the inflamed areas and thickly to dark areas.

You should adjust the amount of clay to apply according to your skin quality and current condition.

Clay is effective for deep cleansing because it has the effect of absorbing excess sebum, but, because it has plenty of minerals, it also works to nourish and activate your skin. When clay is applied thinly it quickly absorbs sebum and works to tighten the pores. Applying a thick layer of clay will also increase the skin moisturizing and metabolic effect, due to mineral components in the clay.

In summary: apply thickly where nourishment is most needed (dry or inflamed skin) and thinly where absorption is needed (oily skin). This method is also applicable to commercial face masks blending clay and mud.

Clay masks have excellent properties for simultaneously cleaning, nourishing and activating. If you are concerned about roughness, dullness or tiredness in your skin, please enjoy this treatment easily at home!