D.I.Y. Clay Masque

Clay Masques Clay masques can provide deep cleansing as part of your regular beauty treatment routine. Use once a week to refresh your face. Two types of clays are usually used in masques. Swelling clays have three layers and can trap metal ions and other materials between the layers. These tend to hydrate as loose slippery materials without much body. They include bentonite, Green montmorollinite (French green) and Rhassoul clays. Since the kaolins and illites hydrate on the surfaces, they are less absorbtive but will provide body to the masque. Both types are usually combined to create a balanced product. Clay masques are also a very effective way to apply many active anti aging ingredients. Add them to the water that is used to hydrate the clays. Since clays are natural minerals, it is difficult to predict the exact amount of water that they will absorb. Add the water and mix until you achieve the correct consistency. Be prepared to add more as the clays swell over time. Wet masques must be properly preserved. Adding over 10 % glycerine will prevent microbes from growing and help hydrate the skin. Refreshing French Green Clay Masque Combine 1 tsp horsetail herb, 1 tsp lemongrass herb, 1 tsp chamomile herb and 2 to 3 crumbled white sage leaves in a heat seal tea bag. Steep for 10 minutes in 16 oz of boiling water combined with 4 tablespoons of glycerine. Allow this mixture to cool before adding other ingredients. Add 1 to 2 tsp SDF Hydra and 1 tsp Marine collagen. Add 1/2 tsp Panthenol and mix well. You can also add Kojic acid and/orDipotassium glycyrhizzate to work on age spots. Start with 1/4 tsp and work up as needed since these ingredients may be irritants at higher use rates. Use this water mixture to hydrate the clay mix. Look for these anti aging ingredients in the following article. Combine 1 cup of French Green Montmorollinite clay with 1 cup ofKaolin clay. You may combine 1 to 2 tablespoons of Jojoba oil with the clay if desired to help treat dry skin. 2 tsp of Seabuckthorn oil and 1 tsp of Vitamin E oil may also be added to help nourish the skin. Add up to 2 tsp of fragrance or essential oils as desired. Add the water mixture slowly and mix well to form a medium thickness paste. It may take several hours for the clays to swell. Be prepared to adjust the mixture to an easily spreadable consistency. If more water is required, add 2 tablespoons of glycerine to 8 oz of water to finish the hydration. Package in jars. Steam your face using a herbal tea to open pores prior to use. Spread a thin coat of the masque over the face and allow to dry for about 15 minutes. This masque will remain slightly flexible due to the glycerine content. Wash the masque off thoroughly using a natural soap. You may finish with an herbal astringent if desired, but this treatment alone will leave your face clean and refreshed. Enjoy! http://www.snowdriftfarm.com