Clay masks have been used for hundreds of years to improve the skin’s appearance. Today, judging by the number of beauty influencers posting Michael Myers-esque, LED-lit, clay-mask selfies, earthen facial masks are still wildly popular — and here to stay. Now, in addition to tubs and tubes of ready-to-apply masks, clay masks come in the form of dry clay powder, which turns into a paste when you add liquid.
Clay masks are favored by many beauty aficionados, since clay is rich in minerals like iron, calcium, silica, and magnesium. Clay masks:
- pull out impurities, including heavy metals and charged toxins, from inside the pores
- absorb sebum and prevent pore clogging
- may boost skin elasticity
- ease the effects of sunburn
- may help heal allergic skin reactions
- may promote collagen production to reduce wrinkles and firm the skin
