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What is a Green Clay Mask?
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
A green clay mask is a facial mask made from green clay, also referred to as bentonite. A green clay mask is often used to help purify the skin and to treat oily skin. It can also be used to help treat acne. The purifying properties of the mask draw dirt and excess oil out of the skin, therefore reducing the frequency of breakouts and number of blemishes.
A green clay mask can also help to remove dead skin cells from the face. Dead skin cells, which can clog and block pores, often lead to blemishes and acne if they are not removed from the face at regular intervals. In order to treat troubled skin with a green clay mask, it is advisable to use the mask once a week. Using this kind of mask more than once a week could lead to excessively dry skin.
While it is possible to have facial masks applied at a spa, it is quite simple to apply them at home. Furthermore, it is much less expensive to complete this beauty treatment at home than to pay for such service at a spa. There are a number of skin care companies that sell green clay masks for reasonable prices. Some of the masks are sold in tubes or bottles and can be applied directly to the skin. Others come in powdered form and can be applied after they are mixed with warm water.
When applying a green clay mask to the face, it is important to avoid the eye and eyebrow area. Apply the mask only to the T-zone area and the cheeks. The T-zone area is made up of the forehead, nose, upper lip, and chin. Be sure to refer to the instructions on the package which will indicate the length of time during which the mask should be left on the face. In general, a green clay mask should be left on the skin for ten to twenty minutes.
A green clay mask can be used on areas other than the face that are prone to excess oil and acne. This kind of mask can be used, for example, on the back and shoulders which are trouble areas for some people. Depending on one's flexibility, it may not be possible to apply the mask to these areas without assistance. However, in order to get clearer skin, asking for help or managing a bit of stretching might be worth it.
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
Learn more...
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
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![A green clay mask can be used to keep pores clean and skin free of acne.]()
By: Ocskay BenceA green clay mask can be used to keep pores clean and skin free of acne. -
![Some spas offer bentonite masks that may help purify the skin as part of a facial treatment.]()
By: gofasadiSome spas offer bentonite masks that may help purify the skin as part of a facial treatment. -
![A green clay mask can be used to draw dirt and excess oil from the skin.]()
By: Picture-FactoryA green clay mask can be used to draw dirt and excess oil from the skin. -
![A green clay mask can help to purify skin.]()
By: belahocheA green clay mask can help to purify skin.
Discussion Comments
@purplespark: I make what is called a French green clay mask and it works great. You can find French green clay in many health stores or you can order it online. It comes in powdered form, as well. There are several very simple recipes to make a mask and then there are some that are a little more complicated with more ingredients.
The simple green clay mask is included in the article. The one that I use is a peppermint mask. To make it, you need powdered green clay mix, oat flour (you can grind oats in a coffee grinder to make oat powder), mint essential oil, and lavender essential oil.
Take a cup of the powdered clay and mix in ½ cup of oat flour. Then, add 4 drops of mint oil and 4 drops of lavender oil. Mix it very well. This is your base mixture. You can store it and use it when needed. When you are ready to apply your mask, scoop out 1 Tbsp. of the mixture and add 2 Tbsp. of water. Mix it and then spread on your face.
How do you make a green clay facial mask?
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