Clay masks are amazing for your skin, but they can also cause confusion – and, if you don’t take the proper precautions, you could end up with not-so-great results ranging from an allergic reaction to the mask not working for your skin type. Luckily, you can avoid these mistakes and head directly to clear, glowing skin by keeping a few simple rules in mind.
1 – Go natural. For some beauty mavens, extra-strength, lab-created products take top priority – however, natural skincare can be just as powerful. Look at Canadian Glacial Oceanic Clay, born in the Pacific Ocean: after millions of years soaking in more than 60 minerals, the rare clay boasts a magical ability to detoxify, rehydrate, tighten pores and regenerate damaged skin… and that’s before any additional ingredients are added. Bl’eau uses a sustainable harvesting method to extract its clay, and has forged relationships with the region’s Homalco First Nation to ensure the land remains as undisturbed as possible. Plus, the company never tests on animals, which means you can feel good all around about going au naturel.
2 – Choose the right mask. Rather than grabbing any old mask off the store shelf and slapping it onto your skin, take a few minutes to assess your complexion and find a mask that addresses your unique concerns. For example, if your skin is dull and clogged, Bl’eau’s Illuminating Seaweed Clay Mask could be a game-changer – the base of Canadian Glacial Oceanic Clay removes dead skin cells, while acai extract’s powerful punch of vitamin C brightens and lightens hyperpigmentation, effectively revealing your most radiant self. Breaking out? The Nourishing Spirulina Clay Mask is packed with anti-inflammatories, including spirulina extract – which is rich in vitamins A, C and E – to facilitate speedy cell turnover, help damaged skin eliminate toxins and heal acne.
3 – Take your time. We get it, you’re busy – but rushing through a masking ritual is like swallowing a Ferrero Rocher whole. Half the self-care of masking is blocking off time to focus on you. If your schedule is hectic, start with half an hour dedicated to mask time. Turn on your favourite music or podcast, cleanse your face, then apply your mask in an even layer (you can use your fingers or a clean masking brush). Next, sit back and relax – ideally in a hot tub with bath salts! – and wait at least 10 minutes for the mask’s ingredients to work their magic. Unlike other clay masks, Canadian Glacial Oceanic Clay won’t harden on your face, which makes the removal process seamless and ultra-gentle on your skin.
4 – Tone! After washing your mask, don’t skip straight to moisturizer! First, spritz with a toner like Bl’eau’s Glacial Mineral Toner, crafted from the ultra-pure liquid found within Canadian Glacial Oceanic Clay. This Canadian Glacial Oceanic Mineral Water is filled with skin-nourishing sea minerals that remove any trace of impurities, calm redness or inflammation, and drench the skin in antioxidants that help to prevent blemishes and wrinkles from forming. Apply liberally after masking, and throughout the day as desired.
5 – Moisturize with the season. Regardless of the season, you should always moisturize after removing a mask – even Bl’eau’s Glacial Oceanic Clay Mask, which is naturally hydrating. However, the type of moisturizer you apply should be adjusted depending on the weather. In the spring and summer, opt for lightweight products such as the Hydrating Glacial Moisturizing Emulsion, an ultralight formula combining Glacial Oceanic Mineral Water with shea butter and jojoba oil to soften skin and improve tone and texture. In fall and winter, replace lost moisture with the Hydrating Glacial Moisturizing Cream, which contains hyaluronic acid – the most powerful moisturizing ingredient known to science, with the ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water. Massage the moisturizer into your face and neck, and follow with a second massage using a gua sha or face roller tool, which will help the products you’ve used penetrate more deeply into your skin cells.
7 – Mask sparingly. Much as we would love to mask daily, it’s important to give your skin a break between applications so you don’t dry out your complexion or cause irritation. Start with a once-a-week application and monitor for any adverse reactions – then, build up from there to a cadence that works best for your skin. Before you know it, your skin will be smoother and more suppler than ever before!
To get you started on your newfound masking ritual, treat yourself to Bl’eau’s multi-mask bundle promotion, starting May 20. Choose two or more full-sized clay masks, and receive 12 percent off the entire purchase, along with free samples of the brand’s Hydrate collection. For more information, or to shop, visit www.bleaubeauty.com.
