Here’s Why Dry Clay Masks Are Better For You and the Environment Than Premixed or Sheet Masks
Masks have become a staple in every skincare lover’s routine. They help to hydrate, exfoliate, treat, and heal the skin within only a few minute’s application. They are also incredibly soothing and offer an extra layer of self-care after a particularly stressful week. Sitting in a warm bath with a soothing mask on might just be exactly what you need to feel a little bit better.
It’s important to note, however, that not all masks are made the same and some can have implications for both your skin and the environment. Keep reading for a deep dive into the benefits of dry clay masks and why you should choose them instead of premixed or sheet masks.
What Are Clay Masks?
Clay masks are exactly what they sound like—masks made from clay into a smooth putty that can be applied onto the face or body. The primary benefits of clay masks are for those who suffer from excessive oil on the skin and regular breakouts. Clay helps to absorb this oil, draw out impurities such as black heads, and is an overall calming treatment to apply after a warm bath or before bed.
Why You Should Avoid Premixed Masks
Most clay masks available are premixed, meaning they are already in the smooth putty form when you pick them up at yourcosmetics store. They are then applied to the face without the additional steps of having to mix the clay powder with water on your own. While more convenient than the alternative, here are a few reasons why you should try and avoid premixed clay masks the next time you need a skincare treatment:
• Any product that uses water in its mixture and is then sitting on a shelf requires the use of preservatives to avoid the growth of mold and bacteria. Preservatives can have harmful effects on the skin, especially when applied for longer periods of time as you would with a mask.
Why You Should Avoid Sheet Masks
Sheet masks are another alternative skincare treatment that might seem a bit more convenient and less messy than applying clay masks, but leave much to be desired. Unlike clay masks that can be mixed at home you don’t really know what’s in the sheet masks you buy from stores or order online. You risk applying harmful ingredients and letting them sit on your facefor a long period of time, which can irritate or damage your skin. The longer the mask sits, the more natural moisture it can draw from your face, making your skin even more irritated than before.
Furthermore, sheet masks cause unnecessary waste that is detrimental to the environment. Every new mask used has to then be thrown out and if the brand isn’t eco-conscious and using biodegradable material, each mask will end up in a landfill.
Are Dry Clay Masks the Best Option?
Yes! They make it easy to know exactly what’s in the product that you’re applying to your skin and isn’t sitting on a shelf either too preserved or not preserved enough. Using dry clay to make your mask at home also allows you to control how much you make at a given time and allows you to use sustainable packaging to store it. After an application or two throughout the week you can then rinse out your reusable packaging and start again when you need to—no unnecessary waste to dispose of!
While everyone’s skin is different, there are a few products that seem to work wonders for many. Clay masks are renowned and have been used for centuries as a soothing way to calm irritated skin, helping you to look and feel your best. Consider switching to dry clay masks so that you can take care of your skin while also being kind to the environment!