Face masks deliver ingredients deeper and more potently to the skin than other types of applications, so whatever they’re going to do to your skin, they’ll do it more quickly than other types of products. A clay mask can temporarily help reduce oiliness. If the change in season has you worried about an increased number of flare-ups, arm yourself with these products to protect your acne-prone skin.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s a good idea to include clay masks into your skincare routine. They soak up all traces of dirt, excess oil, and grease, and are easy to apply and take off. No matter what end result you might want—detoxifying, mattifying, soothing, or brightening—there’s a ton of masking options to choose from. And since these are now available at every price point, it’s easier than ever to find the right mask for your needs.
Clay is an ideal ingredient for those with blackheads and whiteheads for its ability to draw out and soak up acne-causing impurities. Because it is absorbent, exfoliating, and has astringent qualities, it can tackle the root cause of the acne (excess oil that causes bacteria growth), and also treat side effects like dark spots and redness.
When the skin overproduces sebum, it results in large pores that stretch to hold the oil in. This oil can get trapped in the pores, and when combined with dead skin and bacteria, can trigger breakouts. Clay is able to suck this excess oil off the surface, thus stopping breakouts right in their tracks.
This produces an astringent action that is able to relieve congestion from pores, allowing them to shrink back to their normal size. Along with its purifying and mattifying properties, clay masks also have nutrients and minerals like silica, calcium, and magnesium—which are important for the process of building collagen and maintaining the skin barrier.
You can apply a clay mask with a mask brush to reduce the mess, but finger application will suffice too. The mask is damp when just layered on, allowing the skin to absorb the nutrients from the clay. Then, when the dry stage begins, the mask tightens the skin, increasing blood flow to the face as it cools and contracts.
It is best to remove the mask at this point, before it gets too dry and crackly, to avoid over-drying the skin. We put together an edit of the best clay masks under Rs 1,500—from an ingenious stick formulation to a bright yellow one that is ideal for mask selfies—to help you prevent acne as much as possible during the humid monsoon season. #KhabarLive #hydnews
