Charcoal or Clay Mask what is right for me?

Men and women can take advantage of having a well-rounded skincare routine by adding in a face mask. This article will go over both charcoal and clay masks and how to apply each. You’ll learn why you should use a face mask and which is best for your skin.

As you know, a good skincare routine involves washing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing. It can seem like a lot of work to have flawless skin, but by the end of all your hard work the results you achieve are worth the effort.

Let’s cover why you should use a mask first.

The purpose of a face mask

When you exfoliate your skin, you are removing the dead skin cells that build up and by doing so reveal healthier, younger skin. However, exfoliating only goes so far deep into your pores. In order to get the deeper dirt, and help rejuvenate your skin, a face mask will need to be applied.

Exfoliating first before applying any type of mask helps the ingredients in the mask reach deeper down in your skin’s pores. Deeper cleans and removing excess oil buildup is the purpose of the face mask.

Imagine a three level process: washing your face is for the surface, exfoliating reveals the healthy skin underneath your first layer of skin, and a mask gets down deeper rejuvenating the skin from the lowest level upwards. In basic terms, a face mask works at the lowest level to achieve the best possible outcome for your skin. The first and second level help maintain that ideal outcome.

Charcoal Mask

Charcoal masks and soaps have become increasingly popular over the past few years and it would be difficult to avoid coming across an ad for them. Activated charcoal is just that, activated. Activated charcoal is a type of charcoal that's treated with high temperatures to change its properties to make it more porous. Becoming more porous makes it better at removing toxins, and consequently vitamins from the skin as well. Charcoal masks and soaps are excellent at removing deep rooted blackheads, but can cause irritation and dry out sensitive skin. 

Clay Mask

Clay has been a staple of skincare routines for a long time. They work the same way as charcoal masks do, but without running the risk of irritating sensitive skin since it's less abrasive. However, unlike charcoal masks, clay masks are better at cleaning and hydrating sensitive skin types.

Which mask is better?

It depends. As with any product it depends on the skin type and issue needing to be resolved. Clay masks can be applied to any skin type. A clay mask is best for skin issues such as irritation, acne, excess sebum, and enlarged pores. A charcoal mask will help those with more specific issues, like accumulation of dead skin and bacteria.

Charcoal masks are for more serious and specific issues, but come with a drawback. The negative of charcoal masks is the irritation that comes afterwards for those with sensitive skin types. You can alleviate that problem by applying a hydrating moisturizer. Which you should be always doing. Remember, moisturizers are the unsung hero of healthy skin.

How to apply a mask

As mentioned, you have three levels to consider. First you want to cleanse, then exfoliate your skin. Afterwards, apply your face mask. Typical wait times are 10-20 minutes for leaving the product on your face. In this case, more is better. You want the mask to have enough time to do its job.

After you have had the mask on for enough time, rinse your face off with cold to warm water. You want to close and minimize your pores using cold water. And the most important step is saved for last, apply your moisturizer.

Ideally, you will want to apply a face mask once or twice a week. You can work up to three times initially to achieve a better complexion, and from there it becomes all about maintenance. Although masks are helpful, they can also be stressful to your skin considering you will be exfoliating three times a week as well.

Ingredients

Organic ingredients will always be the best option for your skin. Lecithin is found in most skincare products because of its ability to act as a humectant to retain moisture and provide the nourishment skin needs.

Ingredients to avoid if you have sensitive skin are essential oils added as fragrances. These are notorious for irritating sensitive skins.

Fortunately, we offer natural ingredients that avoid harsh chemicals to avoid irritating and damaging your skin. You will find we offer face masks that help improve your skin's complexion naturally.