Why Not To Let Your Face Mask Dry Before Rinsing

A face mask is a quick and easy way to give your skin a boost. Clay masks have been a go-to beauty treatment for centuries, the perfect natural way of mopping up excess oil and invigorating a tired or blemish prone complexion. However to get the best out of your mask it is important not to let it dry. This is surprising news to a lot of people, and it is easy to see why. If your goal is to remove oil it only seems logical that the longer you leave the mask, and the dryer it gets, the greater the effect will be upon the skin. Yet not only can this make the skin feel dry and itchy, it can also prevent the skin from benefiting from minerals and nutrients within the mask. There are three phases to a clay mask treatment. First, there is the wet phase, where the skin is able to absorb minerals, botanicals and other actives. Second, there is the drying phase, when the mask contracts and becomes firmer, stimulating blood flow and drawing out impurities in the pores. Third, there is the fully dry phase. In this phase the optimum period of benefit has passed, and the clay starts drawing moisture from the skin causing irritation and dehydration. So to get the most out of your home face mask treatment here is what to do:[pullquote]Clay facial masks have been used for centuries to revitalise and purify the skin[/pullquote]

Items you will need

• Towel
• Washcloth
• Treatment Serum of choice - our oil free Clarity-C serum is a good post-mask choice for all skin types.

Step 1

Fill a sink half full of hot water and place a towel over your head. Lean your face over the sink for three to five minutes to steam your face, open pores and soften oily congestion. This step improves the purifying action of the mask. Drain the water out of the sink.

Step 2

Using a clean, dry spatula remove 1 to 2 teaspoons of mask from the jar.

Step 3

Spread the clay over your face in a light layer until you can no longer see the skin underneath. Avoid the delicate eye area.

Step 4

Wait 15 minutes to allow the clay to begin drying.

Step 5

Touch the mask to ensure that none of it comes off on your finger. It should still feel slightly tacky. If any of the mask comes off, let it dry for another one to two minutes.

Step 6

Splash water all over your face to soften the clay. Continue splashing your face with water while massaging your skin using circular motions to help dissolve the clay. Use a soft washcloth to remove the last traces of mask.

Step 7

Pat your skin dry gently using a soft, dry towel.

Step 8

Apply a light layer of treatment serum to your face to restore moisture to the skin.

Step 9

Repeat the clay mask treatment one to two times per week.