If you thought having dry or mature skin meant clay masks weren’t for you, allow us to change your mind.
Clay masks are detoxifying and oil-absorbing, sure, but they can also be great for getting your glow on too.
The trick is knowing which formula to pick and how to incorporate it into your routine.
So we spoke to The Parlour Room’s Natalie Ferrari to discover what dry and mature skin types should know about using clay masks.
Kaolin clay is great for dry and mature skin
Let’s start with the type of clay to look for. When it comes to clay masks for dry and mature skin, Natalie recommends ones formulated with kaolin clay.
“[It] is a really beautiful, gentle clay with a neutral pH which makes it great for mature skin without stripping the barrier,” she says. “Kaolin clay works to remove toxins and impurities via the process of anion exchange, which essentially works to attract and then bind to the toxins so they’re able to easily wash away.”
Cream formulas will help with hydration
To counteract the dryness one might traditionally feel after a detoxifying clay mask, Natalie suggests opting for cream clay mask formulas, like the ones by Minenssey.
“Minenssey Cream Clay masks are infused with potent botanical extracts, using clay as a component of the formula, rather than the sole ingredient,” she says. “[So] it’ll leave your skin feeling really hydrated and nourishing as opposed to stripped and dehydrated, giving you that really beautiful luminous texture.”
There are options for brightening, rejuvenating and deep cleansing depending on your skin needs, but bh personally loves the Minenssey Hydrating Mask ($69 at Adore Beauty) for thirsty skin.
Our members also love the Trilogy Mineral Radiance Mask ($31.95 at nourishedlife.com.au) and QV Face Purifying Mask ($12.99 at Chemist Warehouse).
Keep clay masking as a weekly or fortnightly treat
How often you should be using a clay mask will differ for everyone, but there are some general rules of thumb you can use as a starting point if you have dry and/or mature skin.
“Typically speaking, anything hydrating can be done on an as-needed basis,” says Natalie. “But if you’re wanting to draw out impurities, I generally like to do this every 1-2 weeks so I’m not stripping my barrier.”
And remember, you can always multi-mask to suit the concerns of different areas on your face too. Combination skin types, you’re up.
Do you use a clay mask? Do you have a favourite you’d recommend?
This is useful to know. As someone with dry skin I tend to steer away from clay masks.
Love the Swisse manuka clay mask.
I purchased the Swisse Manuka clay mask a couple of months ago. Look forward to trying it.
I need to get myself a new clay mask as I have run out. They are great to get rid of impurities and everything helps when it comes to keeping pimples at bay!
But I don’t use it too much (ie once a week) as they can be harsh on the skin.
I’ve been really into my Minenessy masks I won from BH recently. They’re amazing!!
I use the L’Oréal clay mask
I am a fan of kaolin clay masks as they work well on my mature face and do give a revitalising glow.
Whilst clay masks may be okay for some dry skins, I find they irritate my sensitive (and dry skin). I haven’t used one for a while, it would be interesting to check out some of the products mentioned here.