Clay masks may not be as discussed as serums and moisturisers but they still play a strong support character to your grooming regimen. Commonly, clay masks are known to be best for oily, acne-prone skin. They’re made of ingredients like fuller’s earth or Multani mitti, bentonite clay, kaolin clay, and activated charcoal. All these ingredients are known to absorb excess oil and draw out impurities. The best part about clay masks is they can be used once or twice a week to deeply cleanse the skin for a healthy, clear appearance. Here is our list of the 8 best clay masks for men with all skin types.
1. Sensitive, Inflammation-Prone Skin
While those with sensitive skin are told to stay away from clay masks, Aminu's Marine Clay Maskis recommended especially for sensitive skin for its unique clay composition. This fragrance and essential oil-free face mask is formulated with Canadian marine clay that’s rich in essential minerals and antioxidants. It helps rid the skin of impurities and toxins. The formulation also includes Manicouagan clay, which is known to soothe sensitive skin concerns like redness, eczema, and flare-ups.
2. Green Coffee Formula
You may have heard of coffee in skincare formulas but it’s time to introduce green coffee into your skincare regimen. Raw and unroasted green coffee beans have potent antioxidant properties that help remove dullness and dead skin cells. Wild Organic Green Coffee Clay Mask Powder is made from pure unroasted green coffee beans. You can use any liquid of your choice to make a paste, and it can even be used on the body.
3. Detoxifying & Purifying
Green tea has long been considered a powerful antioxidant to remove dead skin cells, remove free radical damage, and soothe the skin. IBA Advanced Activs Crystal Clear Green Tea Clay Mask is made with pure green tea extract, salicylic acid, witch hazel, and willow bark extract all with a rich French green clay base. It removes impurities to prevent pimples, blackheads, and roughness.
4. Pure Calamine
Calamine is a common ingredient found in a skincare regimen for oily skin. If you too have oily skin or skin that easily sweats, the Bliss of Earth 100% Natural Calamine Clay Mask is the best clay mask for oily skin. Calamine is known to absorb excess oil and sweat while drawing out impurities. This, in turn, refines and tightens the pores to give you a smoother complexion. For best results, try mixing this with green tea concoction or salicylic acid toner.
5. Vitamin-Enriched
If you’ve been a bit sluggish with your skincare routine, Votre’s Multi Vitamin Whipped Clay Mask has you covered. This thick mask is made with thermal water, botanicals, and modern breakthroughs to restore the skin’s appearance. It exfoliates away dead skin cells and sun damage to accelerate new skin turnover, reduce signs of premature ageing, and give the skin a youthful glow.
6. Tan Removal
If you’re looking to fight a stubborn sun tan, look no further than UV Squad’s De-Tan Clay Mask. Coming from a range of expertly formulated sun protection and post-sun protection peoducts, this mask is supercharged with niacinamide, a powerhouse ingredient that removes hyperpigmentation, tanning, and sun damage.
7. A Mask-Cum-Cleanser
Two-in-one skincare products ought to be your BFF if you like cutting back on your skincare routine without compromising on the results. A K-beauty offering, Thank Your Farmer’s Rice Clay Mask acts as a mask as well as a cleanser. It has the goodness of bentonite and kaolin clay, two ingredients that absorb sebum and dirt to deeply cleanse the pores. It also has vitamin E to prevent moisture loss, linoleic acid and vitamin B6 to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
8. Classic Mulatni Mitti
If you’re still confused about which clay mask to choose, it’s best to follow your mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps. Multani mitti or Fuller’s Earth has a long history in Indian skincare rituals as one of the best clay masks for glowing skin. Indus Valley’s Multani Mitti Powder and Fresh Rose Water Combo is the best treat you can give your skin. This paste acts as a great face mask for blackheads, open pores, and oily skin concerns. It draws out impurities while hydrating the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How often can you use a clay mask?
No matter your skin type, it’s ideal to use a clay mask only once or twice a week. Clay masks are made of natural clay that is meant to exfoliate the skin naturally. However, using it more than twice a week can lead to over-exfoliation, which in turn results in over-production of oils, dryness, and skin tightness.
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Is it OK to sleep with a clay mask on?
A clay mask should be left on the skin for no more than 20–30 minutes. Keeping it on overnight is not recommended as it can dry out on the skin which can be hard to remove. It may lead to skin redness and irritation.
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What to apply after a clay mask?
While clay masks are great for refining pores and getting rid of pimples, it can sometimes dry out the skin. To restore the natural oils and boost hydration, it’s best to heal and calm the skin with a moisturiser or a soothing face mist.
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How to remove a clay mask?
After leaving a clay mask on for 20–30 minutes, you can remove it by gently rinsing your face with lukewarm water. To avoid a mess, you can even remove it with a damp microfiber cloth.
A clay mask is a perfect addition to a minimal grooming routine. Since it needs to be used once or twice a week, you can indulge in a clay mask while unwinding at the end of a long day or during the weekend. Make sure to bookmark this article to choose the best clay mask for glowing skin.
