7 Benefits Of Clay Masks For Any Skin Type

If you have oily skin, you may already be well aware of the wonder of clay masks and clay mask benefits. But did you know that this particular type of face mask can benefit any skin type? Yes, it’s true! Clay is an amazing skin care ingredient that’s been used by ancient civilizations for centuries, and today, one of the best ways to utilize its powers is to use a clay face mask. You can use a clay mask even if you have dry skin—it’s all about finding the right one for your skin type (and avoiding these 10 Face Mask Mistakes You Could Be Making). Keep reading to learn about the top clay mask benefits, along with our best clay masks to add to your skin care routine. You’re going to want to use this particular skin care product, stat!

CLAY MASK SKIN BENEFIT #1: DRAWING OUT THE BUILDUP OF IMPURITIES

Throughout the day, dirt, oil, pollution, and other impurities can build up on the surface of your skin, leaving it feeling rough, not to mention making your pores appear larger. Whether you realize it or not, dead skin cells also accumulate on the skin’s surface and, if they aren’t properly sloughed away, can lead to breakouts down the line. That’s why it’s important to exfoliate regularly and deep clean your skin to remove any buildup that may be lingering on its surface—hey, it’s kind of gross, but it happens to all of us! A clay mask can help draw out the buildup of these impurities for skin that feels clean and pure.

CLAY MASK BENEFIT #2: BRIGHTENING THE LOOK OF YOUR SKIN

If your complexion is looking kind of dull these days, it’s time to look on the bright side: there’s a clay mask you can use for that! Overall skin dullness is often a result of lack of proper exfoliation and skin maintenance, but using a clay mask for just 10 minutes a few times a week can help keep your complexion looking fresh and bright. If dullness if your main skin concern, consider using a clay mask that also contains charcoal—one of our favorite skin care ingredients right now.  

CLAY MASK SKIN BENEFIT #3: GIVING SKIN A MATTE APPEARANCE

Have oily skin? Listen up! A clay mask can help mattify the appearance of your complexion for a shine-free look. And isn’t that the ultimate skin care goal for oily skin?  

Editor’s note: Need more help caring for your oily skin? We’ve got you covered. Check out our Best Skin Care Routine for Oily Skin and The 16 Best Makeup Products for Oily Skin.

CLAY MASK SKIN BENEFIT #4: GENTLY CLEANSING STRESSED SKIN

Over time, harsh cleansing can be drying and sensitizing, leaving skin feeling uncomfortable. Or maybe it’s just wintertime, and the cold, dry air has left your complexion feeling extra sensitive and stressed out. It happens! As a result, skin needs cleaning that is effective yet gentle. Enter: a clay mask! The right clay mask will cleanse skin gently without causing any irritation, and it’ll leave your skin looking hydrated and feeling soothed.

CLAY MASK SKIN BENEFIT #5: REFINING PORES

First things first, you can’t get rid of your pores. Everyone has them! Some of us just have pores that are naturally larger than others. If refining your pores is a primary skin care concern for you, using a clay mask can really help to tone things up. When pores are refined, your skin tone will appear more even, and your complexion will look smoother. Who doesn’t want that?

CLAY MASK SKIN BENEFIT #6: MANAGING BREAKOUT-PRONE SKIN

We’ve said it a million times, but we’ll say it again: letting dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and debris build up on the surface of your skin for too long will lead to breakouts. It’s inevitable—but don’t assume breaking out is simply fated. Using a clay mask two or three times a week to slough away dead skin cells and purify your skin of excess oil and dirt can work wonders in helping to keep your complexion under control.

CLAY MASK SKIN BENEFIT #7: RESTORING YOUR SKIN’S BALANCE

If your skin seems to fall on both ends of the spectrum—dry and oily in different zones—then you probably have combination skin. Using a clay mask can help balance combination skin and, unlike other masks, not leave it overly dry or—worse yet—irritated.

OUR BEST CLAY MASKS

After hearing about the many benefits of masking with clay face masks, you’ll surely want to add (at least) one into your skin care routine. To determine which clay masks need a spot in your next skin care #shelfie, read our brief of each of the clay masks from our Pure-Clay line.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clarify & Smooth Face Mask: This mask not only draws out buildup but also exfoliates away dead skin cells from skin’s surface to smooth imperfections. It’s formulated with Yuzu lemon (hence the gorgeous yellow color!), as well as three different types of pure clays: kaolin, montmorillonite, and Moroccan lava clay.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask: Formulated with charcoal, this clay mask can help reduce the appearance of dull skin and increase luminosity as well as even out the look of your skin. If you’re not familiar with charcoal as a skin care ingredient, here’s a quick recap: Activated charcoal is not the stuff you use in your BBQ grill, it’s a special type of charcoal that can have a seriously impressive effect on your skin. If you don’t believe us, get all the details in our article, Why Should I Use a Charcoal Mask?

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Face Mask: This mask can help absorb impurities and reduce the appearance of excess shine. In addition to three clays, it's also formulated with eucalyptus for a formula that purifies pores and makes for a soothing, spa-like experience. With regular use, skin will start to feel refreshed, not overly oily.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask: Formulated with seaweed, this mask helps visibly reduce the look of imperfections, clear the look of congested pores, and gently cleanse stressed areas. Immediately, skin feels refreshed and comfortable. This is the perfect pick for those with dry skin, so if that’s you, give it a try!

L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask: If enlarged pores are of particular concern for you, reach for this mask. It’s formulated with red algae and can help to address rough skin, deeply clean clogged pores, and polish skin for a smooth complexion with minimized pores.

HOW TO USE A CLAY MASK

Whichever of our clay masks you choose to use, applying them is more or less the same process. To use, apply an even layer of your mask of choice onto clean, dry skin. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use three times a week for best results.

If you really want to go above and beyond, or you have different skin concerns appearing on different areas of your face, you can also opt to multi-mask. Don’t worry, multi-masking sounds more daunting than it is! It’s simply the process of applying different mask formulas onto different areas of your face, in order to treat multiple concerns. For example, maybe your T-zone is oily and prone to breakouts, but your cheeks are constantly dry and flaky. In this case, you’d want to apply a clearing, detoxifying mask onto your T-zone, and a soothing, hydrating mask onto your cheeks. See what we mean? It’s fun and it makes for a really good selfie! Get all the details on multi-masking from our article, How to Multi-Mask.

HOW TO INCORPORATE CLAY MASKS INTO YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE

We mentioned that you should aim to use a clay mask two to three times per week, every week, in order to get the best results. But, you still may be wondering how and where clay masks should fit into your daily skin care routine. The best practice is to apply your face mask onto freshly-cleansed skin. Follow these two simple steps post-masking:

Step #1: Use a serum. After you wash off the mask, don’t get busy and forget to complete your post-masking skin care routine. While your skin is still damp from cleansing, jump straight to applying your favorite hydrating serum. If you need a recommendation, we love the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which is formulated with hyaluronic acid. Apply two to three drops, wait a few minutes, and then it’s time for facial moisturizer.

Step #2: Apply moisturizer. Like we said, moisturizer comes next. Take your pick from the following facial moisturizers: the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal to Dry Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal to Oily Skin, and the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin. Smooth a dollop of moisturizer over your complexion—and don’t forget to extend that care to your neck and chest, too. For your nighttime skin care routine, you can also consider using a night cream, like the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Night Balm.

Clay masks don’t just have skin care benefits—using one can be good for your mood, too! Sit back and relax with a clay mask on, no trip to the spa necessary. That’s right, you can even take things to a whole other level by following our 7 Steps for a DIY Facial.