With warm weather
here for the long haul, facial masks are a must and not just any mask; clay
masks are my go to this summer. Clay has ultimately changed the way I view a
detoxifying face mask. According to sources at Hell Notes for Beauty, water
activates the clay and all the nutrients that goes along with it, providing the
cleansing and detoxifying experience that all skin types crave (1).
- Seaweed (Kelp) Extracts: Rich in vitamins and minerals, seaweed's natural, anti-inflammatory compounds reduces the swelling of acne whilst naturally exfoliating to remove dead skin cells, which can block pores (2). When applied topically, seaweed draws excess fluid and waste products from the skin, acts as a cleanser for dead skin cells and other impurities on the surface. High in essential fatty acids, seaweed, infuses the skin with moisture and prevents moisture loss (3).
- Bentonite Clay (4):
- Draws out toxins – Bentonite Clay mask will help draw out toxins through the skin. Bentonite clay has an ability to create an electrical charge once mixed with water. The electrical charge created is able to draw out toxins by binding to it.
- Opens up clogged skin pores
- Tones and tightens the skin – Bentonite has astringent properties which is particularly useful in dealing with enlarged pores which are caused by the accumulation of oil and dirt in the skin, age (due to loss of skin elasticity) and sun damage.
- Reduces blemishes – The clay’s astringent and skin unclogging properties are the reasons why this clay mask can reduce blemishes.
- Exfoliates the skin
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Powerful anti-inflammatory that helps control swelling and redness. Licorice helps reduce the appearance of age spots and dark areas of hyperpigmentation on skin. It contains an active compound called “glabridin,” which inhibits the enzyme that causes skin to darken in response to sun exposure (5). A natural skin whitening agent, glabridin helps decrease the production of melanin and re-balance skin cells. Licorice extract may also help diminish dark under-eye circles, and darkened areas caused by scars. The extract has power;pful antioxidants that help protect the skin from free-radical induced damage, as well as “licochalcone,” helps control oil production, making this a good ingredient for those with acne-prone skin (5).
- Rosemary Extracts (6):
- Anti-Aging: Rosemary is rich in antioxidants like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, which help inhibit the action of free radicals and protect the skin from the visible effects of premature aging. It also has regenerating and stimulating actions that help rejuvenate skin to a more youthful glow.
- Toning/Firming: Rosemary, in addition to stimulating circulation, is reputed to help restore elasticity and firmness to the skin. This helps prevent sagging skin and wrinkles.
- Stimulating: Herb stimulates circulation, helping to bring blood and nutrients to the surface of skin ioand you have an overall stimulating effect that encourages skin cell turnover and renewal. This can help combat dullness as well as camouflage broken capillaries and dark spots.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Rosemary is great for sensitive skin because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties. These help reduce puffiness around the eyes, while calming inflammation in general on the skin. Those with psoriasis and rosacea may find their skin responding well to formulas with rosemary.
- Powdered Rose Petals: Contains high amounts of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant (7). That can help protect skin cells from damage. The natural oils found in roses help lock moisture into the skin, keeping skin feeling smooth. Rose is especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling (7). Rose petals boost the body’s circulation, while simultaneously purifying. (7).
- Jojoba Oil: Contains nutrients like vitamin E and B, as well as minerals like chromium, copper, and zinc, which all nourish and protect skin from the effects of aging. It absorbs easily into the skin, and delivers instant hydration and moisturization (8). Jojoba wax has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to tame acne, ease the redness and pain of eczema, keep skin calm and comfortable and helps heal wounds (8).
- Rosemary Essential Oil: The antimicrobial and antiseptic properties help to curtail certain skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and oily/acne prone skin (9).
- Lavender Essential Oil: An anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant. It reduces inflammation thereby causing less skin redness and blotchiness making skin appear evenly colored (10). Enhances circulatory system by causing an increase in blood flow and subsequently an increase in nutrients to the skin along with much needed oxygen to the cells (10). This is essential to healthier cells, and benefits more frequent cell turnover.
- Rose Essential Oil: Rose oil supports all skin types, so even those with dry, sensitive skin will benefit from its restorative effects. When rose essential oil is used for body massages, it improves blood circulation and offers a very therapeutic feel (11). It also aids drainage of lymphatic fluids. The nervous system, glands and muscles are stimulated, which in turn enhances blood circulation. As a result, the body undergoes deep detoxification (12).
The face mask comes in a 50 gm plastic pot with an inner protective lid and a screw on top. The ingredient list and other salient features of the product are not printed.
Powdery and dry in
consistency, the mask is fine in texture, brownish green in color and has
divine hints of lavender, rosemary and rose due to the presence of essential
oils which fades after a couple of weeks and is replaced by seaweed's fishy odour. The smell isn't overpowering but a sensitive nose will most certainly get a whiff of it.
Since I have dry
skin, I prefer blending the required amount of dry powder with raw milk to a
paste like consistency before applying it to oil cleansed skin.Those with oily complexions could choose floral hydrosols or water as the blending medium.
My love with clay
masks has been a recent one. Dry skin in general, I do have sporadic bouts of
acne. Come summer, my skin is a greasy mess with enlarged pores which also
translates to frequent breakouts. Out of sheer desperation, one night, I tried
on a green clay mask and the results have been spectacular; in
fact in hot humid months, I prefer to use clay masks at least two to three
times in a week.
Bentonite clay has
been on my wishlist for a while. When Seema mentioned about this mask with
added benefits from seaweed and licorice I had her send me one.
The skin benefits
of clay are galore: absorbent by nature, clay attaches itself onto dirt and
oil on the skin's surface helping purge it out. Its antibacterial and
antiseptic properties, helps treat acne, wounds and skin disorders while gently
exfoliating skin cells and promoting circulation.
Packed with nutrient-rich bentonite clay and hydrating seaweed and jojoba oil,
it tightens pores without leaving skin feeling like it’s been
shrink-wrapped. Over frequent
uses, I have noticed my face isn't the greasy mess it usually is and definitely
feels cleansed, hydrated and balanced all at the same time. In fact there is a
natural radiance to the skin which has scored me several compliments!!
Whether you’re
looking to get a dull complexion back on track or resolve an excess of summer
shine, the benefits of a skin-purging face mask are abundant—and the Venustas
Essentials multitasking, mineral-rich clay formula delivers supercharged
results.
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