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Are clay masks good for mature skin?
Just like all the other parts of life, our skin goes through different stages and phases.
Do you remember feeling fresh and rejuvenated after graduating school, when you were vibrant and full of life? Your skin probably felt the same way!
First of all, how do you know if you have “mature” skin?
Skin is not an age. As we get wiser over the years, our skin takes on a more ‘mature’ look. But don’t worry, there are a few things we can do to combat this!
I often get asked “if clay masks are good for mature skin?”.
Here I will go over the specifics and how clay may be a good addition to your skincare routine.
At a glance,
What is mature skin?
Mature skin is not so much of a skin type, but more of a process that skin goes through thanks to all of our lovely wisdom. As skin matures, it’s elasticity and flexibility does a slow but certain disappearing act. Wrinkles, facial expression lines and dark spots are the most common signs of skin aging. Dryness and thinning appearance are also common.
What causes mature skin?
The sun! It’s the number one contributor to skin aging. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen everyday. Environmental impacts also speed the skin aging process. Sugar has a negative affect on our skin as well, unfortunately. Put down the cookie now and slowly back away.
What clay mask is best for mature skin?
Kaolin clay is a great clay mask for mature skin because it is a gentle clay that is perfect for sensitive skin in general. Rhassoul clay is a popular clay mask for mature skin because it is mineral rich and works to regulate oil production.
So first, let’s determine if you have mature skin. Then let’s delve into how to adjust your daily skincare routine to accomodate this next phase of your skin.
What is mature skin? Is it a skin type?
Mature skin can take form in several ways, and isn’t exactly a skin type, per say.
It is really just a stage that our skin will get to at a certain point in our lives. Some may experience the signs of mature skin at different times in their lives than others.
There is no official threshold that you cross one day that determines that your skin is mature. It is generally more of a slow and gradual process.
Experts say that around the age of 35 is when the telltale signs of skin aging really start to show. After so many years of exposure to everyday wear and tear, our skin will inevitably begin to mature.
Some of the reasons our skin starts to mature are:
- genetics
- many lifestyle factors, like smoking
- diet
- stress
- environmental exposure, like pollution
- too much sun, too little sunscreen
Unfortunately, the process doesn’t always make it better, like it does for wine and cheese…
What happens as your skin matures?
Starting in your mid thirties, there are a number of things that naturally happen within our bodies. This leads to:
- Our facial skin starts to lose its elasticity and flexibility
- The dreaded wrinkles and facial expression lines start!
- Consistency and pigmentation also gradually decline
- Uneven tone and appearance
- Density of enlarged pores increases
When this starts to happen, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile. This is because the metabolism of the cells becomes slower and unable to function properly. There is less cell regeneration, which leads to age spots, drier skin, and more pronounced wrinkles.
What causes mature skin?
Research has shown that exposure to sunlight is the biggest factor in aging skin.
In fact, exposure to sunlight and UV light has been estimated to be responsible for 90% of visible changes to your skin.
With prolonged sun exposure, the ultraviolet (UV) rays damage some of the skin fibers called elastin. With the breakdown of these fibers, the skin will start to sag and stretch. YIKES! This definitely will remind me to put on sunscreen every day!
Another culprit in the skin aging process is oxidation. This means that essentially free radicals damage the cellular structures of the skin. Once the process starts, it allows even more free radicals into the party, and they cause even more damage! It is a vicious cycle.
That’s why so many skin loving ingredients are centered around antioxidants, which fight those free radicals and prevents damage by them. That was a big takeaway for me from the matcha green tea clay mask and the hibiscus clay mask. Hence why they are both titled anti-aging.
One other (very sad) contributor to our aging skin? Sugar. Yeah, put down the cookies and cupcakes, ladies.
When we consume sugary foods and drinks, our bodies go through a process called glycation. This causes the skin’s proteins (such as elastic and collagen) to lose their ability to operate properly. It is well documented in the early aging of skin and unfortunately, we might have to listen to keep up our youthful glow.
Is it safe to use clay masks for mature skin?
A lot of people wonder if clay masks are good for mature skin. The exact answer is going to depend on your specific skin type, of course. Each person has different skincare needs, so what works for one person may not work for the next.
However, I can tell you that in my experience that because clays have so many benefits, it is very likely you will be able to find one that fits your skin’s needs.
I also get questioned if clay masks are safe for mature skin? Of course, make sure to know the ingredients in the clay mask you are choosing. That’s why I prefer to get my clay in a dry powder and mix on demand. Therefore, no preservatives or chemicals.
The next question I get asked is, will clay erase my wrinkles?
No, sadly, clay will not erase your wrinkles. No skincare product can completely erase your wrinkles. Clay will keep your skin cleansed and free of heavy metals and chemicals, that contribute to mature skin.
Mature skin can feel dull, dry or uncomfortable, so you would want to find a clay that will help with those exact issues.
Some clays are best for absorbing excess oil, so you would want to use a different type of clay that will leave your skin feeling more hydrated. On the plus side, if you do have oily skin, I have met many ladies who think they have less wrinkles as a result of their oily skin. Digging a little further, this study found that more oil production did lead to less wrinkles on the forehead, but didn’t aid in any less wrinkles around your eyes.
As your skin ages, you will need to update your skincare routine, just like your wardrobe!
Enter clay masks. They may be the perfect addition to your at home care ritual.
What is the best clay for mature skin?
Without a doubt, my favorite clays for thinner, dry or aging skin are Rhassoul and Kaolin clays. They are great overall clays that can offer a variety of benefits, so depending on your exact needs, I am sure one of them will be perfect for you.
Rhassoul clay masks are good for mature skin because with ongoing use it can control ongoing sebum production and can also calm inflammation and irritation. Rhassoul is full of magnesium, potassium and calcium, which will help to nourish the skin.
Kaolin clay is another great clay that actually has many uses. But kaolin clay masks are good for mature skin because they are gentle and great for sensitive skin types in general. Kaolin is a fluffy white clay that will give a soft and luxurious feel when used as a face mask.
Both of these types of clay are found in our clay mask assortment pack.
If you are wondering how to use a clay mask for mature skin, the good news is that you have several options. Head over to my recipes page to find one that you think might work for your skin type.
Here’s a shortlist of some of my favorites for anti-aging:
–It’s all about the Cocao clay mask (cocao is packed with anti-oxidants!)
– Antioxidant Rich Pomegranate Mask
– Green Tea Face Mask (of course, the star tea of antioxidants)
I hope this information helped solve some of your questions about clay masks for mature skin.
Leave a comment below, I always love to hear how facial clay masks are helping with different skincare needs!
Disclaimer: Our content does not constitute a dermatologist or medical advice.
