Raise your hand if you hate acne! [Just so you know I will raise both hands… and possibly a foot…] After struggling with acne throughout my teenage years and having it follow me into adulthood like a piece of toilet paper stuck to my shoe… [Has that actually happened to anyone besides me?] I have finally found some natural alternatives that actually work. One of those being…  Bentonite Clay

What is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite is a medicinal healing clay made of the ash from volcanoes. It includes the following minerals: iron, magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium. It is named after the largest deposit of bentonite in Fort Benton, Wyoming.

Bentonite clay forms an electric charge when it comes into contact with water (or other liquids), which binds with toxins, chemicals, heavy metals, and impurities through adsorption. It can be used internally [find a brand that is safe for internal use] and externally [one of the external uses being skin care].

Why should it go on your face?

• Unclog and shrink pores
• Remove toxins from skin
• Soften skin
• Reduce appearance of acne, blackheads, and acne scars
• Exfoliate skin
• Even out skin tone
• Regenerate skin tissue
• It gives you an excuse to lay on the couch in peace for 20 minutes

How to Make a Bentonite Clay Mask

Add 2 tsp bentonite clay to a non-metal bowl (use glass, ceramic, porcelain). I also avoid plastic because I am adding essential oils to the mix.

Put 1-2 drops of essential oils in.

• Lavender EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy) is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial essential oil.
• Tea Tree EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy) is a natural anti-microbial and anti-bacterial essential oil.

They both help the skin with conditions such as dryness, acne, eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles, cuts, scrapes, and burns. (They also have many other benefits from body care to home care!)

{I use and recommend Young Living Essential Oils and Plant Therapy Essential Oils because they are 100% pure quality essential oils. There are other reputable essential oil companies to purchase from. Your local drug store’s cheap essential oil can give you a rash and not have the same positive effects because most only contain about 10% of the pure oil and the rest is filled with synthetics. Do your research and find a company you feel comfortable purchasing from.}

Then add 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar and mix the clay with a non-metal spoon until it forms a paste.

Apply the mask to your face (avoiding eyes, nostrils, mouth and hairline) using fingers or a mask brush and let the magic happen for about 15-20 minutes while the mask dries. After your skin has been pulsating and your face is stuck in one expression, it’s time to rinse off the mask with warm water. You should notice beautiful soft skin (especially with weekly use)! I also like to apply a few drops of carrier oil to my face afterwards for moisturizing.

Psst… some extra tips

If your face is a bit pink or red afterwards… this is normal and should fade quickly after.

I also noticed that when using bentonite clay for the first time, or using it after a long period of time of non-use can cause a toxin-withdrawal headache for some people, [I am always one of those people…] which is also normal. It lasts for a little bit and does not happen with every single use.

Try one of my other masks: Pumpkin Face Mask or Activated Charcoal Mask

Happy Masking 🙂

Have you tried a bentonite clay mask before? What is your favourite mask?