Primetweets Beauty
Aztec clay is one of those magical beauty ingredients that really is as awesome as everyone claims. And the best part is that this super useful ingredient works with your skin, no matter what your skin issue is *that day.*
It softens my skin when it’s feeling dry but it also sucks up excess oil when my skin feels greasy. And it’s especially helpful in clearing out pores when I haven’t been diligent about face washing (I know, I know).
I was a little blown away by how my skin looked and felt after my first DIY Aztec clay mask. My skin felt soft, smooth, even glowy. And now I’m totally hooked.
What is Aztec clay?
It’s no wonder that Cleopatra added clay from the Nile river to her beauty ritual. With milk baths and clay masks, Cleopatra was seriously committed to beautiful skin – and way ahead of her time.
There are several different types of clay, but I like Bentonite clay because it works for all skin types. The iconic Aztec clay jar contains 100% natural calcium bentonite clay from Death Valley, California. Made from volcanic ash, the clay contains over 50 minerals, almost every mineral found on Earth. What makes it ‘the world’s most powerful facial’?
Here’s how it works: The molecules in Aztec clay carry a negative electron charge. The gunk stored in your skin has a positive charge. So when a clay mask is applied to the face, all of the impurities – toxins, viruses, parasites, fungi, bacteria – are drawn out of the skin and into the clay. And the nourishing minerals from the clay are transferred to your face.
DIY Aztec Clay Mask For Every Skin Type
Before you start mixing up mask recipes, always remember to use glass or wooden bowls and spoons. Metal bowls or utensils will interfere with the negative charge that’s about to do your face so much good!
One of the simplest – and most effective – ways to make a DIY Aztec clay mask is to mix equal parts of clay with raw apple cider vinegar. Let it sit on your face (or body) for 15 minutes then rinse with warm water. Apply the Aztec clay mask once or twice a week to keep your skin clear and smooth.
And, of course, you can add different ingredients to customize your mask. Here are a few suggestions.
Aztec Clay Mask for Acne
Clay with activated charcoal will absorb excess oil and help clear out clogged pores. Probiotic masks have been shown to help prevent acne.
Combine activated charcoal, clay and probiotic powder in a small bowl. Add ACV to make a paste. It’s okay to use more, if needed, to get a smooth paste. Add essential oil and stir. With clean fingers spread over face and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and apply moisturizer.
*Essential oils for acne: Tea Tree, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Cedarwood, Lemon, Cypress
Aztec Clay Mask for Wrinkles
Green tea and vitamin C both provide powerful antioxidant protection to strengthen collagen and repair free radical damage.
Combine clay and vitamin C in a small bowl. Add green tea to make a paste. It’s okay to use more, if needed, to get a smooth paste. Add essential oil and stir. With clean fingers spread over face and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and apply moisturizer.
*Essential oils for wrinkles: Rose, Sandalwood, Helichrysum, Frankincense, Rose Geranium
Aztec Clay Mask for Dry Skin
Combine clay and oil in a small bowl. Add rose water to make a paste. It’s okay to use more, if needed, to get a smooth paste. Add essential oil and stir. With clean fingers spread over face and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and apply moisturizer.
*Essential oils for dry skin: Geranium, Sandalwood, Palmarosa, Myrrh, Patchouli, Roman chamomile
Aztec Clay Mask for Oily Skin
Clay provides deep pore cleansing by pulling out impurities and dirt while witch hazel is an effective astringent that tightens pores as they dry.
Combine ingredients and stir until blended. Don’t use metal spoons or bowls to mix. Apply to skin with clean fingers and leave on for 10 minutes. Super oily skin types can leave on for up to 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
*Essential oils for oily skin: Clary sage, Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Sweet Marjoram
