Acne and blackheads can seem like they never go away at a certain point.
If you aren’t sure of what natural remedy you can try out for your problematic skin, don’t feel discouraged. I’m going to introduce you to bentonite clay, as well as a face mask recipe you can use for clearer skin. Even if your skin isn’t causing you problems, this mask is good to do every once in a while to keep your pores clean.
We come into contact with toxins on a daily basis…
If you’re like most people, then you’re going to be exposed to an array of toxins every day. Toxins can come from many different things. Common examples of toxins we encounter are paint, house cleaners, tap water, make-up, processed foods, and even the air you breathe.
Over time, the exposure to these toxins can cause skin to act up, typically signaling an overactive immune system. This is where bentonite clay can come in to help. It has a detoxifying effect on the body. In fact, the clay has been used for several centuries for it’s wide range of health benefits.
Bentonite clay is a grayish, greenish substance that comes from naturally occurring volcanic ash that has been aged. Most of the clay is located and mined in Fort Benton, Wyoming. Can you tell that’s how it got the name “bentonite clay”? You might have heard of Montmorillonite clay and indian or aztec clay, which is actually the same thing.
Indian healing clay is well known for it’s detoxifying effects on the body, being an ancient protector and healer of diseases. No matter how old you are, there are ways you can benefit from using this clay. Not only does it improve health, but it’s extremely cost-effective.
How does bentonite clay work?
The most common way to detoxify your body with bentonite clay is by mixing it with water and drinking it. When inside of your body it will then help bring the toxins out of the body, while at the same time providing nutrients. It’s a good source of calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, potassium, silica, and iron.
Because bentonite clay produces a negative electrical charge, this attracts the toxins in your body (which are typically positively charged) to bind to the clay.
Just like it can be used to cleanse the inside of your body, you can do the same for the outside. You skin is the largest organ on your body, as well as the most vulnerable to toxin exposure. With that being said, it would be extremely beneficial to incorporate the use of this healing clay externally.
Using Bentonite Clay on your skin
There are so many benefits for using calcium bentonite clay on your skin. Let’s take a look at what they are:
Promotes the healing and regeneration of skin tissue
Now that you know how it can benefit your skin, there is no doubt it can make for a great face mask. There are many different recipes we can make, let’s start off with the base of your mask:
A small container
Something to mix with that is not metal (the clay can react to metal)
With your clay and liquid in a container, mix it together, and apply it to your face. Allow the mask to dry and keep it on for up to an hour. When you are ready to wash the mask off, the easiest way to do that is with a cloth and warm water.
Keep in mind that you need to keep a 1:1 ratio between the clay and liquid. If you like to keep things simple, those two ingredients are all you need. If you are interested in a more intricate mask recipe, keep on reading for some ideas.
Other ingredients to use in your face mask
Face masks are a lot of fun to experiment with. Switch things up by adding some (or all) of these ingredients to your recipe. See what works best for your skin and come up with your very own recipe through trial and error.
1. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is similar to bentonite clay in the way it helps draw toxins out of your body. It has a crazy large surface area, making it able to adsorb impurities. Here is a list of it’s benefits for the skin:
Treats and prevents acne
Draws toxins and impurities from the skin
Evens out skin tone
Fades scars from acne and injury
Helps manage oily skin
Naturally exfoliates
Removes and prevents blackheads
If you plan on using activated charcoal in your face mask (this is the one I recommend), use anywhere from 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon along with a little extra liquid.
2. Honey
We all know that honey is a miracle of nature. Not only does it taste sweet, but is has many health benefits. Benefits your skin gets from putting honey in your face mask:
Honey is naturally moisturizing, which can help counteract the drying effect from activated charcoal (if you decide to use it)
If you decide to use honey in your face mask, make sure you opt for raw, unfiltered honey. 1/2 teaspoon – 1 teaspoon is the recommended amount according to the base mask formula.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been popular for a while now, being especially beneficial for the skin. Incorporate this ingredient to gain the following benefits:
When using coconut oil on your skin, it’s recommended to use unrefined coconut oil. While refined coconut oil has the same benefits, it’s also known to clog pores which is what we don’t want.
4. Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used over several centuries, being beneficial for health and treatment of conditions. Always remember to never use these oils in their pure form. All you ever need is 2-5 drops of essential oil to do the trick. Here is a list of the best essential oils to use for your skin:
Lavender: Cleanses skin injuries, can be used for all skin types
Geranium: Great for balancing oil production, can be used for all skin types
Basil: Soothes insect bites, especially great for sensitive skin
Frankincense: Ideal for treating skin that is aged, can help regenerate skin, helps tighten and tone
Ylang ylang: Great for treating oily and skin sensitive to breaking out, stimulates regeneration and prevents aging
Top off your face mask by using one of these essential oils. They’ll take it to a whole new level.
Whether you’re sticking to the basic recipe, or you’re going for your own, the benefits are undeniable. Challenge yourself to use the bentonite clay mask at least once a week and watch how much your skin will improve.