→This post may contain affiliate links.

So now that you have this powdery clay, how the heck do you use a dry clay mask?  Below we will show you the simple to use instructions, and some do’s and don’ts too.

First, what is the difference between a dry clay mask and a hydrated clay mask?

There are a lot of clay masks available on the market.  But like a lot of masks available on the market they are “hydrated”.   During application you will hydrate your dry clay mask too. 

In order for a hydrated clay mask to have a decent shelf life for retail, there has to be a preservative.   

That’s why I love clay masks — NO PRESERVATIVES! 

I love love love my clay masks, and feels so great to mix it myself and play around with different recipes to use with clay.

But when I first started my clay journey, my first application (actually first many applications), I completely questioned myself.

Am I using a dry clay mask right?

Was I mixing it properly?

Below I take you through the simple step by step instructions to get the best results possible.

If you are wanting to try a couple of the different clay masks available on the market, our facial clay mask assortment pack comes with 4 of my favorite clays.

How to Use a Dry Clay Mask

Part 1: How to Mix a Dry Clay Mask:

Get your ingredients together, all you need is:

• glass or plastic bowl
• plastic or wooden spoon/spatula (I prefer this spatula and it’s also amazing for my vitamix)
• dry clay of your choice (my favorite here)
• facial clay mask brush (included if you bought the facial clay assortment pack)

**Important note:  when mixing clay with water, do not use metal.  So stick to glass or plastic mixing bowls and spoons.  The quick reason for this is because the clay is “energized” and contains a negative charge.  When the clay is activated with liquid it will absorb positive charged toxins, like heavy metals.  You don’t want your clay clumping to your liquid spoon but to save that energy to work on your skin.

Step 1: Start with approx 1.5 teaspoons of clay in your bowl.

Step 2: Slowly add 1.5 teaspoon of room temperature or warm water and mix.  Some clays need a little less water, equal parts, or a 2:1 ratio.  So start with a little and see how it mixes.  *Pro tip: filtered water is best.

Step 3:  Add more or less water or clay as need until you get a smooth clay paste. 

Part 2: How to Apply a Clay Mask:

Step 1: Cleanse your face first.

Step 2: Using a face mask brush, apply the mask to your skin.  Apply first a thin layer of product to your face and neck, then apply a second thicker layer so the mask is approx 1/8″ thick.  

Step 3: Let the clay sit for approx 5-10 minutes.   For sensitive skin types, apply for 3-5 minutes.  Here’s how to know how long to leave a clay mask on for.

Step 4:  Before the clay is almost dry on your skin, rinse it off.  Repeat after me, never let the clay ask dry on your face.  More on that below.

There are 3 techniques to remove a face mask. I like to warm my face cloth with hot water and then hold it to my face.  This re-hydrates the mask making it easier to remove.  Remove all the mask from your face using a cloth. 

After application of a clay mask, you will feel a tightening effect on your skin.  Redness for up to 30 minutes after application is normal.

Step 6:  Tone and Moisturize!  I like to apply Jojoba oil or RoseHip Oil.

Related: Here’s my guide for what to apply after your face mask.

Enjoy your super smooth skin!!

Did I mention that our facial clay multi pack, does 25+ mask applications?  

FAQ clay mask instructions:

Here are also some of the most common questions we get about the application and concerns.  If I missed any, please leave a comment below! Click below to skip to any answer: 

• Why is my face red after a clay mask?
• Should you let a clay mask dry? 
• What happens if I leave a clay mask on too long?
• Is it okay to use a clay mask everyday?
• What is the best time to use a face mask?
• Should I apply a clay mask before or after a shower?
• Can I use a clay mask on dry skin?
• Why does a hydrated clay mask need preservatives?  

Why is my face red after a clay mask? 

After removing your clay mask, you look up in the mirror only to find a super red face.  It can be pretty alarming.  There’s a couple reasons for this. 

1. Quality of your bentonite. Are you using cosmetic grade bentonite? Some retailers sell industrial bentonite (I know I’ve purchased some by mistake) which might contain fillers or additives that cause a reaction.  

2. You left the mask on for too long.  Remember, take the mask off BEFORE it dries.  If you let the mask dry and get all cracked, you will definitely get more redness.  This drying process is soaking up your skins natural oils.  

3. Keep in mind some redness after a clay mask application is normal.  That’s because clay brings blood to the surface of your skin while it’s absorbing impurities from your skin.  That’s called “cutaneous vasodilation”.  

So if you have redness after a face mask and are reading this right after taking a mask off, don’t worry.  Give yourself 30 minutes and your skin tone will be back to normal within half an hour. 

If your redness persists, you might have a reaction to other ingredients in your mask.  A face mask should never be painful or cause a burning sensation.   

Should you let a Clay Mask dry?

This is the most common no-no, and the most unknown fact about almost any mask.

Almost all my life, I have applied a mask and let it dry till it cracked and flaked when I smiled.  This whole time I had been doing it all wrong!

When applying a clay mask, according to Sharon McGlinchey, MV Skincare there are 3 stages that your skin goes through:

First stage is where all the active minerals from the clay absorb into your skin.

Second, is where the clay helps to diffuse redness and evens out your skin tone in the initial drying phase.

Third phase is where the hydration and natural oils of your skin are absorbed.  That’s why it’s important not to let the clay mask dry so that it doesn’t strip the natural oils of your skin.     

What happens if I leave a clay mask on too long?

By this point, you have learned not to let the mask dry on your skin.  Remove from your skin prior to it becoming dry and flaky. 

I’m one of those people that often justify if I do something for longer, or the harder way it must be the better way?  Also wrong.  Many things in life has taught me that.

But what will happen if you leave a clay mask on too long? 

I have done this (by accident of course) I got so distracted in an article I was reading that I completely forgot the mask was on my face.  I think it was probably on there for 30 minutes or more.  It was crusted and dry, and started to get uncomfortable.  After I removed the mask, my face was red.  Some redness after a mask application is normal, but I was really, really red.   After about an hour, the redness did go down.

My skin was perfectly fine after my skin went to work replenishing the natural oils back to the skin. A process that takes approx 45 minutes (can’t remember the source where I read that one). However, I have super oily skin.  

You can cause serious over-drying to your skin.  

So let’s not discuss the what-if scenario, just don’t.   

Is it ok to use a Clay Mask everyday?

Rule of thumb according to a couple dermatologists asked by bustle, if the masks are hydrating you can use it every day.

But wait, clay masks are definitely not hydrating, so how often can you use a clay mask?

Because clay masks can have a super strong absorption effect on your skin, it’s often recommended that you use a clay mask 1-2 times per week.

You can increase the usage of a clay mask if you ensure that you are not letting the clay mask dry on your skin.  Removing it prior to the dry flaky stage, ensures that the clay doesn’t enter the stage of absorbing your natural oils.

Make sure to apply a moisturizer following the treatment.  I love applying jojoba oil after a mask, which contains Vitamin E and B.

Some clays are also stronger than others.  Bentonite you would want to follow the 1-2 times a week recommendations, whereas Kaolin is much gentler on your skin, allowing you to increase the usage.

As with any skincare treatment, it’s important to notice how your skin reacts, is it too dry after doing 3 masks a week?  How is your skin responding?

Masks are a wonderful supplement to your skin care regime.  I have found the use of clay masks enough to get rid of my pesky acne and acne scars.  It definitely doesn’t get you off the hook for not following a regular skincare routine.  Ahem—don’t go to bed without washing your face and expect a clay mask to be your only skincare twice a week.

Related: Definitive Guide to Bentonite Clay and Kaolin Clay Definitive Guide.

What is the best time to use a face mask?

Applying a face mask before bed is my favorite time to relax and unwind for the day.  It also helps clear all the built up impurities from your skin and let your skin rejuvenate itself after a mask during the night.

It’s not helpful for your skin, to do an amazing clay mask detox, and then immediately put makeup on.  If you do a mask in the morning, give your skin a rest for atleast an hour for your pores to shrink relax.

That is if you wear makeup.  I find that I actually stopped wearing makeup after using the clay mask 1-2 times a week for 6 months because my skin was naturally soft and glowing without the makeup.

Hydrating masks can be used at anytime of the day, just like they could be used everyday.

Should I apply a clay face mask before or after a shower?

This is a question that I get often.  And it stems from a myth that most people, including me, believed for long time.  The myth?  That your pores open and close. They don’t.

So having a shower doesn’t “open your pores”.  However it does cleanse and loosen debris that might be trapped in your pores making it easier for the clay to adsorb those impurities.

A clay mask is great anytime.  But it can be helpful to enjoy a clay mask after your shower.

Can I use a clay mask on Dry skin?

Yes!  Each type of clay contains different minerals that are beneficial for different skin types. 

That’s why we created the facial clay assortment pack, so that you could test out different types of clay to see which works best for your skin type. 

I also like to experiment with mixing the clays for different skin types as well. 

For dry skin, you can still find benefit from all of the clay masks but it’s especially important that you do not let the mask dry on your skin, and that you apply moisturizer afterwards. 

Start by applying a mask, once per week.  Then try twice per week and see how your skin reacts.  Skin care treatments are not a blanket, one size fits all, so adapt for your needs.  

Why does a hydrated clay mask need preservatives?

I’m kind of obsessed with clay masks 😛   One of the main reasons is because it’s one of the very few ways I can use an all natural face product — that works.

There are a lot of other brands that have caught onto the fact that clay masks work. Clay has been used in skin care since the 18th century!

When adding water to clay and to extend the shelf life of the product, preservatives are a must.  Not all preservatives are bad, but when preservatives like formaldehyde and phthalates are used the potential side effects can be nasty.

Parabens are by far the most popular preservative for cosmetic use.  According to WebMD, even trace amounts of parabens in your body can spur the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells.

I use clay masks to remove harmful chemicals, not add more.

Many of the recipes we create are made to be single serving use or stored in a refrigerator and used within a couple days to avoid the use of preservatives.

But if you have a tub of clay mask, dry or hydrated, here’s what to check if it’s expired. 

What questions have you had while mixing and applying your clay masks?

Comment below!  Other readers probably have the same question.  Or check out our thorough 34 clay FAQ’s.

Featured Clay Recipes: