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Going to bed is not as simple as it was before as we cleanse, detoxify, exfoliate and tone our skin, it can take a hot minute.

But if we think about it, it’s also extremely overwhelming for our skin to take in layers and layers of product morning and night and we have problems like clogged pores, acne, buildup and what not.

This is where clay masks come in handy, the more we expose our skin to everyday chemicals and environmental factors the more it needs time to let out and detoxify and for that purpose clay masks are our best friends.

Summary, FAQ:

How often should you use a face mask?

For most people, with normal skin it’s recommended to use a face mask 1 to 2 times per week.  But this can vary if you have oily or dry skin.

How often should you use a clay mask with oily skin?

For oily skin or humid weather, facial clays are heaven sent, their absorbent quality is just what you need to prevent excessive oil, enlarging pores and acne. You can use a clay mask 2-3 times per week.  Some clay, like kaolin, can be used every day to maintain balance in your skin’s moisture content.

For dry skin, how often should you use a clay mask?

Clay masks can still be incredibly beneficial for dry skin. Your skin might not produce extra oil but it does not mean you’re safe from heavy moisturizers and makeup finding its way into your pores causing blackheads and pimples. For dry skin, you should start with a clay mask once per week, with a maximum of 2 times. 

Their frequency of use depends upon the moisture level of your skin and the surroundings.

We can find different types of clay masks in dry or hydrated forms. Personally, I like dry clay more than anything. It gives me the freedom to try different face mask recipes, using proportions that work best for me. Since no one knows your skin like you do.

Now the important question, how often can you use a clay mask?

But how much is too much?

The answer to this question is simple, it depends on your skin type and the way you use the mask.  So I made this handy visual guide.

For oily skin,

My favorite way of mixing my bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar.  This is to balance the PH of the very high alkaline of bentonite clay. I also love adding a dash of turmeric.

And yes, I used to let it dry entirely and crack on my skin, making sure it leaves nothing behind. This is an absolute no-no.

The dry tightening effect of the clay helps firming up the skin and reduces the appearance of pores.

Just procrastinating on the internet one day, I came across an article from Sharon McGlinchey on MV skincare where she talks about the top skincare blunders we all make and sure enough there it was, letting a mask sit so long on your face that it dries completely hard. According to Sharon, a face mask works in three stages;

1. The damp stage, where your skin takes in the minerals and nutrients from the clay.
2. The initial drying, where the clay soothes the skin and absorbs the excessive oil and dirt from the pores.
3. The final drying stage, this is where it starts taking in not just the extra oil but maybe the natural moisture from your skin as well.

Now for many of us with extremely oily skin, we might think we need the clay to absorb more since our pores are very prone to getting clogged. But even then we don’t need that effect every day.

Maybe once or twice a week. But not more than that, trust me, dry skin is way harder to handle especially if you like applying makeup.  With oily skin, 3 is the maximum applications per week.

For other days, try this method. Ditch the apple cider vinegar, use rosewater instead and apply the paste on your skin.  Rose water is still on the acidic side so it will also balance the PH of the alkaline to something better suited to apply to your skin.

Be vigilant, depending on the climate where you live the mask might not take very long to harden. Just as you feel like it’s tightening up and you see it drying from the edges, stop what you’re doing, take a hot damp washcloth, keep it over your face and let your skin warm up then wipe away the mask while it’s still wet.

Read more: how to use a clay mask instructions.

This allows you to get all the benefits from your clay daily without over drying the skin.

So in recap, always take the clay mask off BEFORE it dries. Even if you think more is better.

For dry skin,

If you have dry skin or if the winters are just a little extra harsh then you probably don’t need a clay mask every day.

I personally believe that less is more when it comes to skincare. Do only what your skin requires and do not over burden it. If your skin is not producing excessive oil on a daily basis then using something as absorbent as bentonite will only cause unnecessary dehydration.

Once a week will be enough to prevent product buildup and breakouts.

With dry skin, if you want to want to try twice a week, then select one of our face mask recipes that have a natural oil added to it for moisturization. 

White Kaolin absorbs impurities from the skin without drying out the surface. It’s the only clay that can be used daily.  You can also try this clay in our mask assortment pack.

Because it is so gentle, your dry skin may benefit from it every day.  I personally love mixing my kaolin with a touch of manuka honey and grapeseed oil for my daily cleanser. 

If you think that putting on makeup daily is causing you to break out and you need a detoxifying clay mask then white kaolin will do the job without sucking the life out of your skin.  

Clay masks are incredibly forgiving in nature because you know exactly what you’re putting on your face and how you might react to it.

You can tailor the recipe to be gentle enough for everyday use or for a powerful weekly detox treatment. If you still have questions, visit our clay FAQ’s.

Disclaimer: Our content does not constitute a dermatologist or medical advice.