We sat down with dermal therapist & beauty journalist Yadira Cauchi to discuss why you need to be using a clay mask & which key ingredients to look for.
Why should you use a clay mask?
Clay masking has been around for centuries and it makes sense. Slathering your face in clay has so many benefits for the skin – otherwise why would it be so popular? Plus, it’s not a messy way to mask and a clay mask is super easy to add into your current skincare routine a couple of times the week, sans the confusion.
However, not all clay masks are made equal and there are many different types of clays so it’s important to find the right one for your skin type and your concerns. Although first, how does a clay mask even work?
How does a clay mask work ?
Clay masks are great at pulling gunk out of the skin. They draw out oil and impurities from the surface which in turn = healthy skin. Hence, this is why your face always looks so glowy and new post a clay mask, and because they absorb all the excess oil this makes them most beneficial for oily/acne prone skin types. Plus, they stop you looking shiny during the day.
However, you do always have to cleanse pre mask and moisturize post mask to get the full effect.
In terms of ingredients to look out for there are definitely some that are unmatched. Here at Maaemo we have jam packed our favourite ingredients into The Elimination Mask, which provides everything your skin needs. Keen to know more? Let’s chat through the ingredients below.
Ingredients to look for:
Kaolin Clay - Firstly, Kaolin is a natural occurring clay mineral and one of the most popular and versatile types of clay. However, it’s not one to reach for if you want to draw oil from your skin. It’s much more gentle and great at cleansing. Kaolin clay is particularly good if you have ageing skin, and if you are a dry/sensitive skin type this clay might be a good one to try as well.
French Green Clay - French Green Clay is the best if you are an oily/acne prone skin type. It’s known for being able to deeply remove oils and gunk from deep within your pores, so if you have a breakout or troubled skin then this is a good type of clay to always have on hand! Warning: it will make your face feel a little tight/dehydrated if you leave it on for too long.
White Willow Bark Extract - White Willow Bark Extract is the ingredient you need to help calm the skin. It reduces redness, calms irritation, reduces oiliness (which is great for breakout prone skin) and is very anti-inflammatory. Plus, it works very effectively when combined with one of the gentle clays mentioned above.
Kale - Kale is rich in vitamins C, E and K which are great for keeping your skin looking healthy and it can assist with age management concerns. We need to have antioxidants in our skincare to protect us against free radical damage. Additionally, vitamin C is well known for its brightening properties, while vitamin E is great at protecting the skin.
Gotu Kola - Gotu Kola in skincare is known for its healing and anti-ageing properties, essentially because it helps protect your skin from environmental aggressors. It’s calming and can help keep your skin looking glowy and most importantly, healthy.
The best news is that all of these ingredients are combined in our Elimination Mask which can benefit most skin types, especially if you are oily/acne prone. You only need to incorporate a mask into your routine 1-2 times a week, for blemishes the mask can also be used as a spot treatment!
Words: Yadira Galarza Cauchi
