DIY: calcium bentonite clay mask

I mostly escaped high school without much acne, but after I went raw vegan in my early twenties, I developed what I thought was acne prone skin.

I’m still not sure exactly what happened during this time when my skin was so inflamed. In my thirties, it seems like a combination of stress, hormonal cycles, and climate.

But when the flare-ups first began, I was hellbent on finding a topical solution, which is how I developed this DIY clay mask.

Learn more about my clay mask made with apple cider vinegar and why it has become a part of my skincare routine for the last ten years.

Benefits of bentonite clay

The star ingredient in this clay mask (and all clay masks IMHO) is bentonite clay.

• Bentonite clay absorbs toxins and impurities like pesticides and trace metals
• Sunscreen made with bentonite clay are more effective than those without it
• Bentonite clay has healing properties against dermatitis and sensitive skin
• Bentonite clay heals ulcers and lesions
• Bentonite clay is even more effective at healing certain types of dermatitis than calendula
• Bentonite clay naturally has antibacterial effects
• As with all clay powders, bentonite clay provides a gentle exfoliation

Who bentonite clay is best for

The best part about bentonite clay is that it’s suitable for almost every skin type. It offers potential benefits to

• dry skin
• irritated skin
• sensitive skin

But if you are anything like me, then you’ll want to test this out on a small patch before diving in head first. Gently remove with a cool wet towel if you are too uncomfortable to continue. You know your skin best!

A few bentonite clay recipes to try

As much as I love my homemade clay face mask recipe, I love exploring different ingredients and creating endless great recipes right in my kitchen. Here are a few of my favorite swaps:

• Essential oils. Essential oils have plenty of benefits in their own right and I love combining them with my clay mask recipes. Here are a few of my favorites: rose, lavender, eucalyptus, and orange for a burst of Vitamin C.
• Clay powders. The type of clay you use can change the experience. A few of my favorites: French green clay, rose clay, volcanic ash, and white kaolin clay.
• Liquid. I love mixing in different types of liquid, depending on what kind of flare ups or moods I’m in. A few of my favorites: fresh aloe vera juice, green tea, warm water, witch hazel, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, different oils.
• Natural ingredients. I love adding some of my favorite carrier oils, like almond oil or olive oil, to my face masks to help my skin retain moisture. I also really like adding things like fine pumice powder or powdered sea salt for gentle exfoliation. 

How to make a bentonite clay mask

Mix everything in a small bowl until a paste forms. Make your skin damp with warm distilled water (ideally, or maybe the bath water in your luxurious self-care routine).

Spread the paste across your face. It is so refreshing and dries fairly quickly, so add more water if you’d like to thin it out a bit.

Once it’s completely dry take a warm and wet washcloth and cover your face. Let it dampen the clay mask for a moment before you begin wiping it off. 

The drying effects can sometimes make your face red, especially when combined with other ingredients that have astringent qualities.