Masks can also help to increase blood flow to the face, which can improve the overall appearance of the skin. They can also be used to target specific skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation, aging, etc.
Masks for the beautification and purification of both the face and body date back to ancient civilizations. Clay was especially valued in masks for its ability to absorb animal, mineral, and botanical dyes and its use as body paint during important rituals and events.
Key Points:
Why Mask is Used? Not Just for Cosmetic Purpose
Masks are primarily used today for cosmetic purposes to improve the health and appearance of the skin. They can have various benefits depending on the ingredients they contain, such as increasing circulation, removing toxins, toning and tightening the skin, providing non-abrasive exfoliation, hydrating and moisturizing, reducing inflammation, and softening the skin.
Mask is Made Up Of …
Masks can be made from myriad natural ingredients such as clay or finely ground grains, which absorb excess oil and physically slough dead cells from the skin’s surface and stimulate a sluggish complexion. Masks can also be made from such succulent ingredients as honey, cream, and fresh, ripe peaches and bananas; all of these ingredients moisturize and bring a glow to your complexion. Masks containing acidic ingredients such as papaya, pineapple, raspberries, yogurt, or buttermilk serve as gentle, natural chemical exfoliants that leave skin velvety smooth and deeply hydrated.
1. Basic Clay Mask for Everyone
Clay masks are a gentle form of exfoliation as they work to tighten, increase blood flow, provide minerals to the skin, and leave it feeling soft. This type of mask can be adjusted to suit different skin types, making it suitable for all individuals. It is recommended to prepare the mask as needed and not to store it.
YIELD: 1 treatment
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
SKIN TYPES RECOMMENDED FOR: all
- 1 tablespoon powdered white cosmetic clay or kaolin
- For dry skin: About 2 teaspoons heavy cream, half-and-half, or full-fat coconut milk
- For normal skin: About 2 teaspoons low-fat or whole dairy milk, almond milk, or coconut water
- For oily skin: About 2 teaspoons purified water or commercial aloe vera juice
Simple to make: In a very small bowl, use a spoon or tiny whisk to combine the clay with enough of the liquid of your choice to form a smooth, spreadable paste.
To apply the mask, use your fingers to evenly spread it over your face and neck. Allow the mask to dry completely, which should take around 20-30 minutes, and it is advisable to do this while lying down. As the mask dries, you will feel it tightening and lifting your skin. Once it has fully dried, rinse it off with warm water. Use one or two times per week. Follow with moisturizer.
GOOD TO KNOW: To use your clay masks for treating pimples, take a cotton swab and apply a small amount of the mask directly onto each pimple. Leave it on overnight and in the morning, rinse off any remaining mask with warm water. The clay in the mask works to absorb excess oil while you sleep, helping to dry out blemishes and improve the appearance of your skin.
2. Rosy Red Balancing Clay Mask
This mask has a subtle fragrance and provides multiple benefits to the skin, including tightening, lifting, mineralizing, balancing sebum, and soothing irritated skin. Even if you have sensitive or environmentally damaged skin, you can still enjoy the benefits of this mask by leaving it on for only 10 minutes, to avoid over-drying and discomfort. It is recommended to prepare the mask as needed and not to store it.
YIELD: 1 treatment
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
SKIN TYPES RECOMMENDED FOR: normal, oily or acneic, combination, oily-to-normal mature
Simple to make: In a very small bowl, use a spoon or tiny whisk to combine the clay with enough hydrosol to form a smooth, spreadable paste. Stir in the essential oil.
Apply method: Using your fingers, spread the paste onto your face and neck. Let dry completely, which should take 20 to 30 minutes, preferably while you are lying down. The mask will feel like it is lifting and tightening your skin. When you’re ready, rinse off with warm water.
If your chest or back is blemished, make an additional batch and apply there as well.
3. Yogurt Exfoliating Mask
Plain yogurt’s lactic acid content makes it a gentle, soothing, and non-abrasive exfoliant that is perfect for evening out fading tans or blotchy skin. Its mild bleaching properties offer even more benefits the more often you use it as a face mask.
YIELD: 1 treatment
PREP TIME: 1 minute
SKIN TYPES RECOMMENDED FOR: all, except very sensitive
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
Apply method: Gently apply yogurt to your face, neck, and chest using your fingers or a cosmetic fan brush. Lie down with a towel around your hair and another under your neck to catch any drips. Relax for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
4. No-More-Pores Double Mask
The inclusion of papaya and pineapple in Mask 1 features protein-dissolving enzymes that effectively remove dry, scaly skin buildup, resulting in a brighter and more youthful appearance.
Mask 2 is formulated to temporarily firm and tighten the skin, resulting in a smoother texture, improved tone, and refined pores with consistent use. This dynamic duo of masks is designed to leave your skin with a radiant and healthy glow. It is recommended to mix the recipe as needed and not to store it.
Note: If you have dry skin, you may want to apply a light moisturizer after Mask 1 and before Mask 2. If your skin is especially sensitive or irritated, skip Mask 2 and simply apply a teaspoon of aloe vera juice to your face and throat to cool and calm your skin.
YIELD: 1 treatment
PREP TIME: 10 to 15 minutes
SKIN TYPES RECOMMENDED FOR: all, except sensitive
Avoid if your skin is irritated, sunburned, or windburned; use as tolerated on environmentally damaged skin.
Mask 1
1. 1⁄4 Cup raw papaya
2. 1 teaspoon fresh, raw pineapple juice (optional)
Mask 2
1. 1 tablespoon powdered white cosmetic clay or kaolin
2. About 2 teaspoons strong peppermint, rosemary, or sage
infusion (see ), or distilled or
purified water
Mask 1
Simple method: Using a mortar and pestle or a small bowl and fork, mash the papaya and combine with the pineapple juice (if desired). The mashed fruit should have the consistency of a smooth paste.
Apply method: To use, apply the juicy pulp onto your face, neck, and chest (if desired) using your fingers in a gentle patting motion. It is recommended to lie down with a towel around your hair and another under your neck as the mashed fruit may be runny. Allow the pulp to sit on the skin for 15 to 20 minutes while relaxing. Tingling sensations may be experienced, indicating that the natural fruit acids and enzymes are working effectively. Once finished, rinse off with warm water.
Use one time per week. Follow with Mask 2.
Mask 2
Easy to make: In a very small bowl, use a spoon or tiny whisk to combine the clay with enough of the herbal infusion to form a smooth, spreadable paste.
Apply method: Using your fingers, spread the paste onto your face and neck. Let dry completely, which should take 20 to 30 minutes, preferably while you are lying down. When you’re ready, rinse off with warm water.
Use one time per week. Follow with moisturizer.
5. Raspberry Refining Mask
This mask gently exfoliates, tightens, smooths, and brightens dull, slack, blotchy skin, leaving behind a “raspberry” radiance. Mix this recipe as needed; do not store.
YIELD: 1 treatment
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
SKIN TYPES RECOMMENDED FOR: all, except dry or sensitive
Avoid if your skin is sunburned or wind burned; use as tolerated on environmentally damaged skin.
- 1⁄4 cup raspberries*
- 1–2 teaspoons purified water (if berries aren’t very juicy)
- 2 teaspoons finely ground oatmeal or oat flour
- 2 teaspoons powdered white cosmetic or kaolin clay
*Try substituting frozen raspberries for fresh berries; just thaw them ahead of time.
Easy to make: Using a mortar and pestle or a small bowl and fork, mash the raspberries until nearly smooth. This should produce a runny pulp. Don’t worry about the seeds; they should be included. If the berries are on the dry side, add a little water until the pulp is quite juicy. Add the oats and clay and stir until the mixture forms a spreadable paste. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two to 1⁄4 thicken. If the mixture seems too thick, add more water; if it’s too thin, add more clay or oats.
Apply method: Using your fingers, spread the paste onto your face and throat. Lie down with a towel wrapped around your hair and another under your neck. Relax for 20 to 30 minutes. When you’re finished, rinse off with warm water.
Use one or two times per week. Follow with moisturizer.