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If you suffer from congested skin, you may be wondering how to find the best mask for oily skin. Clay masks are absolutely fantastic for helping draw out impurities from within the skin.
They also help to dramatically reduce acne and skin congestion, soothe skin, and prevent inflammation with consistent use. On the journey toward clear, blemish-free skin, a clay mask is one of skin’s best friends!
Clay is the key ingredient in masks that aim to target excess oil, as these miracle muds absorb oil and impurities from the skin.
One of the most effective types of clay for skin care is bentonite clay, which is derived from aged volcanic ash. Bentonite clay has very unique properties which allow it to bind to toxins and impurities and absorb them—making it a skincare superstar! The clay acts as a magnet, drawing dirt, toxins, and even bacteria out of the skin.
Scientific studies have shown that clay masks can significantly reduce skin inflammation and acne lesions—and often in only a matter of weeks! Bentonite clay also helps oxygen to reach cells, which in turn can help increase cell turnover—a win-win for both clearer skin and anti-aging. The best mask for oily skin will always contain high-quality clay.
For best results, look for a product that contains complementary ingredients— beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid can work wonders for clearing acne. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, allowing it to work more effectively on oily skin than other types of acids by targeting acne-causing bacteria.
Inflammation is also common in acne-prone skin, so anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile extract or aloe vera can help decrease redness and soothe acne flares. The best clay masks for oily skin will also contain antioxidant ingredients such as vitamins A and C, as they can reduce signs of aging and increase skin’s internal structural support.
When searching for the best clay masks, avoid ingredients like triclosan, parabens, PEG, and formaldehyde releasing preservatives. These types of additives can possibly cause developmental and reproductive disorders, bacterial resistance, allergic skin reactions, and even cancer.
Ingredients that are very heavy like mineral oil, lanolin, waxes and petroleum can also serve to exacerbate clogged pores. Alcohol and harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate (SLS) can also irritate skin and encourage more sebum production.
Don’t worry—there are plenty of fantastic products on the market that don’t contain any of those ingredients, you just want to be sure to check the ingredients listing before purchasing.
Ensure that you purchase your skincare items from reputable retailers who are committed to keeping their consumers safe, and that list their ingredients in full. And don’t fall victim to “status” marketing, just because a product is expensive doesn’t automatically make it high quality!
Your skin type can play a large role in the ability of a mask to do its job effectively. If you have extremely sensitive skin, make sure you select a mask with plenty of soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients.
If your acne is severe, look for high concentrations of bentonite clay, and a fairly high concentration of salicylic acid and other blemish-targeting actives. If you’ve experienced significant acne scarring, make sure you look for healing ingredients like cacao powder or ginseng extract.
Part of reaping the greatest reward from high-quality skincare products is using them correctly. For a mask, you should generally start with clean, fresh skin in order to receive the nourishing benefots of the product.
For best results, make sure you gently cleanse and exfoliate your skin before applying your clay mask, a slightly textured washcloth works well. Don’t be too rough with your skin; avoid the more aggressive mechanical (physical) exfoliation or chemical-based treatments as they can worse worsen the very issues you are trying to reduce!
Exfoliation should only remove the upper surface layers of skin, and should not cause any irritation whatsoever. By very gently removing any dead layers of skin prior to application, the ingredients in your mask will be able to reach impurities deeper within the skin more effectively, helping you achieve faster results!
Gently apply the clay mask using your fingers or a clean brush, making sure to avoid the eye area. This is a good time to relax in the bathtub, read a book, or even do chores. Give the clay mask around 10-15 minutes to dry on your skin before rinsing your face with warm water or showering.
For best results you’ll want to use your mask at least once weekly, but if your skin is very congested, 2-4 times per week may be necessary. And remember, you can always use a mask to spot-treat an acne breakout. Make sure to follow up with sun protection during the day (apply it generously!), and a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
If you’re experiencing acne, make sure you stick to a consistent skincare routine. Look for a facial cleanser with a pH below 5, as it can help promote good bacteria and prevent acne. Make sure to moisturize, as overly oily skin can actually be a sign of skin dehydration, and apply sunscreen every day!
And of course, make sure to consistently utilize your clay mask. With repeated use, you should be able to see positive results fairly quickly. When you find the best mask for oily skin, your skin will thank you with a clean and clear complexion!
