If you have oily or acne-prone, or even combination skin, we're going to take a wild guess and say that clay masks are your BFF. By soaking up all the traces of dirt and grease on your face, clay masks are absolute saviours. And the one clay mask we're absolutely digging, RN? The Pond’s Bright Beauty Mineral Clay Mask. Containing 100% natural Moroccan mineral clay along with the goodness of vitamin B3, the face mask deeply cleanses the skin and give you oil-free and glowing skin.
Now that you've got your mask recommendation, did you know that there's actually a correct way to apply clay masks to reap the most out of them? And we're here to share! Ahead, we're letting you in on five ways to make the most out of your clay masks. Check ‘em out…
01. Exfoliate beforehand
You don't want to apply a clay mask to dirty skin now, do you? The dead skin cells and impurities on your face can form a barrier to the clay mask and clog up your pores. Exfoliating beforehand will help ensure that you get the most out of your clay mask since you'll have a squeaky-clean slate, to begin with.
02. Mix it with a select few ingredients
If you have extremely acne-prone skin, mixing the clay mask with a drop of apple cider vinegar along with water can help with that. Similarly, replace the regular amount of water with some rose water instead if you want to make your skin glow post-application. It's all about knowing your skin type and adapting as you go along!
03. Apply the right way
Clay masks need to be applied a certain way; otherwise, doing the ritual can be pointless. First up, you should be applying it with the right kind of applicator — an angled brush ensures smooth application and stops the product from settling under your nails. Second, make sure you apply a THIN layer; there's no need to overdo the masking since it's not going to make a difference to the effectiveness of the mask and may actually suck the life out of your skin, leaving it super dry. Also, if you have combination skin, only apply the mask to your T-zone!
04. Avoid your eye and lip areas at all costs
Not only is the eye and the lip area super sensitive and prone to reactions quicker than the rest, but it also doesn't have any natural oil glands. Applying a clay mask here can cause reactions — especially if you've just gotten your upper lip or your eyebrows done — and also dry out your skin if you're not careful.
05. Wash off effectively
Did you know that leaving on a clay mask until it looks like a dry piece of land is a myth? Don't keep on a clay mask till it's cracking; instead, the moment it starts becoming sticky and almost dry, take it off. Otherwise, your skin could become real dehydrated, real quick. Also, when you remove your clay mask, make sure you exfoliate with the mask itself. Use a gentle massage tool or even a towel, and scrub it away with circular motions to deep cleanse your skin to the T.