Bentonite Clay Mask Recipe – Clears skin, shrinks pores & detoxifies

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I’m back to using my favorite natural home spa treatment, a bentonite clay mask and I’m loving it! Several years ago, I don’t remember why, I stopped using it. But, when I was in the health food store last week, it caught my eye and I picked up a new jar of bentonite clay powder. I’m so glad I did!

Just after one use of the bentonite clay mask, my skin felt super clean and refreshed!

Bentonite clay is very effective and beneficial for your skin no matter what your age. What’s special about the bentonite clay mask is that it draws out toxins from the skin, shrinks your pores (noticeably just after a few uses), prevents breakouts, and leaves your skin soft and smooth.

One other benefit that I’ve noticed from using it is that it is also exfoliating. It has noticeably reduced the red marks and discoloration on my skin.

Since I started using the bentonite clay mask, I now apply it every day in the morning and leave it on while I do my oil pulling and dry brushing. My skin has never looked better!

What is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite clay is a natural healing clay comprised of minerals and it’s formed from natural volcanic ash, which was originally discovered near Fort Benton, Wyoming. It’s very powerful and produces a negative electric charge when water is added to it, which aids in binding and removing toxins. When you mix water with the clay, the components alter in order to allow it to become a powerful tool to absorb toxins. This clay is commonly used for removing toxins, not only externally on your skin, but it can also work internally, something that many do. So, yes it is safe to consume if you have a good quality bentonite clay. You can use it both internally and externally. Another benefit of the clay is that it is commonly used to remove heavy metals from the body.

When used externally, you can apply it to any area of your body, such as your face or feet. Some even apply it to their whole body and take a bentonite clay bath. I don’t have any experience with using the clay internally, but many people say it helps digestive problems such as acid reflux.

Minerals are abundant in healing clays, like bentonite clay, including; iron, magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium, and this results in the addition of many nutrients to the body.

Where to Get Bentonite Clay:

There are two types of bentonite clay you can choose from, either sodium (sodium bentonite clay) or calcium (calcium bentonite clay). But, some contain a combination of both, depending on the brand you buy. Typically, sodium bentonite clay is used for detoxing as it’s able to draw out more toxins and calcium bentonite is often used for more remineralizing purposes.

Before I knew about the different types of bentonite clay, I bought this jar based solely on the amazing reviews. Luckily, I had such great results with it,  I must have made a good choice. If you want to try it,  this is the one I’m still happily using. It contains calcium bentonite clay. Since it is working so well, I am going to stick with it!

Benefits of a Bentonite Clay Mask:

There are so many benefits of using bentonite clay, but I just wanted to focus on the amazing benefits you’ll get by applying this mask!

• Heals and regenerates skin tissue
• Draws out toxins
• Treats acne (prevents breakouts and helps clear up acne)
• Unclogs and shrinks pores
• Prevents blackheads
• Reduces appearance of scars
• Excellent natural exfoliator
• Evens out skin tone
• Leaves skin feeling softer
• Leaves your face glowing!

How Often Should You Use the Bentonite Clay Mask?

I apply the bentonite clay mask daily and leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes, which is probably longer than most leave it on, but it has been working great for me doing it this way. I’ve noticed such a great improvement in my skin in just a week of using it daily!

Many use the mask just a few times a week or once a week and have great results. But, if it’s your first time applying a bentonite clay mask, I would start out with doing it once a week and see how your skin responds, as it is quite powerful and this way you can work your way up to using it daily!

Ingredients/What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon bentonite clay
• 1 teaspoon water or apple cider vinegar
• Optional: a cup or bowl and a spoon to mix them

*If you use a spoon to mix them, make sure it isn’t metal because this causes metals to leach from the spoon into the clay, making the clay not as effective.

Directions:

1. Take about 1 teaspoon of the bentonite clay powder and about 1 teaspoon of water or apple cider vinegar (ACV) and put it in a bowl or cup. Since, I do this mask daily and want to do it as quickly as possible, I usually just put the teaspoon of powder in my hand and then hold my hand under the faucet to add the water to the clay and mix it with my fingers.

Note: You can use water or ACV as a liquid for the mask. The ACV tends to make the mask a little more powerful/harsh on your skin, so if you have sensitive skin you may want to use water (which is what I use).

2. Mix the two ingredients well, until it forms a paste consistency. You can add a little more water or a little more powder, if the consistency doesn’t seem like it will easily spread on your face.

3. Apply the bentonite clay mask to your face. Some people also spread it down their neck and upper chest, too. I use my fingers, but a cotton ball or cosmetic sponge also works great.

4. Leave the mask on for about 20 to 30 minutes. I apply it fairly thick and it does take about 15 minutes to just dry. As the mask dries, your face will start to feel tight.

5. Rinse off the mask using just water. You may have to gently scrub a little with your fingers to get it off. It tends to try to stick to your skin.

After you rinse the mask off, your skin may look a little pink for a few minutes. This usually happens to everyone after using the mask because the clay increases blood flow to your face as it pulls out toxins.

For Those with Sensitive Skin:

If you have sensitive skin, apply a thinner layer and leave the mask on for a shorter time. Then increase the frequency and how long you leave it on depending on how your skin feels.