Our faces are exposed to free radicals, dirt and germs throughout the day and sometimes it just needs a good detox. This homemade herbal mask will help pull toxins and impurities from your pores while exfoliating skin, and increasingly blood flow for overall radiance.
The clay you use is up to you, some of my favorites are Bentonite Clay, Kanolin Clay, and French Green Clay, which is what I am using today. Bentonite is known to be a bit more absorbing and would be suited for oily skin, while Kanolin Clay is very mild and perfect for those with sensitive skin. French Green Clay falls somewhere in the middle; it has some amazing absorbing benefits, but still is gentle on skin, making it perfect for all skin types. Combining it with some of my other favorite things makes this face mask a perfect solution for congested skin.
The Ingredients
French Green Clay-is composed of iron oxide and ancient decomposed plant materials. It has amazing purifying, anti-inflamatory, and antiseptic properties while promoting cell regeneration to speed up healing. It also draws out impurities as it softens skin and shrinks pores but is gentle on skin and suitable for all skin types. It actually helps to remineralize skin cells with its high levels of calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Calendula- has impressive anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help speed up the healing process while protecting the skin from future infections.
Lavender- is another herb that is packed full of ant-fungal properties along with being know to help purify skin. It is also full of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help to heal skin, and soothe problem areas.
Witch Hazel-is a natural astringent that helps remove excess oil from skin because of its high level of tannins. It also a natural anti-inflammatory while providing high levels of antioxidants to help fight free radicals and protect against damage.
Aloe Vera- has been known as a healing plant since ancient times, and is still used today in a variety of skin care products. Aloe Vera is an all around amazing ingredient; its anti-inflammatory properties are higher than over the counter prescriptions while it moisturizes the skin and helps heal it as well. If that wasn’t enough it also is an anti-bacterial that helps to fight acne, and is rich in vitamins which provide some anti-aging qualities.
Putting It Together
The first thing we need to do is grind down our herbs into a fine powder. You can do this with a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.
We then combine our herbs with the French Green Clay…
Next mix the aloe with a bit of water and pour into the clay mixture, stirring to combine. You are left with some lovely looking mud ;)...
After cleansing, just apply liberally to face and neck avoiding your eyes and lips, leave on for 15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water while scrubbing in a circular motion to exfoliate skin. Follow with an Herbal Facial Toner and your Favorite Lotion. This mask can be applied as needed but I would recommend no more than 3x a week. This Herbal Face Mask leaves skin soft, smooth and clear. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
All photos and content are our own, please do not use any part of this post without our expressed permission. Thank you!
I use green clay sometimes but I have super sensitive skin, after I use it I'm always crab red, and It takes a few hours to go back to normal, but I think it is worth the "burning" while.
This does make me a bit red due to the increase in blood flow, but if you are having irritation w/redness you may try not leaving it on as long or switching to Kanolin instead.
This looks wonderful. Nothing like a relaxing mask. I noticed you mentioned using Mountain Rose Herbs, I love them, so nice to buy from them. Great products. I'll have to order the ingredients I don't have on hand from them! Great post!
Oh I never heard of french green clay, mostly use Multani mitti or fullers earth got some similar properties leaving some chemical components like iron out :)
Oh! I am sorry I missed this post. Looks like a great recipe. I am book marking it to try later. I know we're following you but while browsing your blog I couldn't help but think I'd missed so much! Looking forward to following along. -Aimee
Where do you get your French green clay?
Hey there! I get mine at Mountian Rose Herbs, along with most of my other ingredients. They are a really great company and I highly recommend them.
https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/french-green-clay/profile
Thank you!
I use green clay sometimes but I have super sensitive skin, after I use it I'm always crab red, and It takes a few hours to go back to normal, but I think it is worth the "burning" while.
This does make me a bit red due to the increase in blood flow, but if you are having irritation w/redness you may try not leaving it on as long or switching to Kanolin instead.
This looks wonderful. Nothing like a relaxing mask. I noticed you mentioned using Mountain Rose Herbs, I love them, so nice to buy from them. Great products. I'll have to order the ingredients I don't have on hand from them! Great post!
Thank you! I really love them, high quality ingredients and great customer service...they are the best.
Oh I never heard of french green clay, mostly use Multani mitti or fullers earth got some similar properties leaving some chemical components like iron out :)
Iron is a wonderful mineral for you Tanish! I love all clays, they are very dual purpose.
okay ... but this post doesn't tells me what ya you use instead of shampoo :(
This is nice, but wheres the chococake? <3 <3 <3
Hahaahahaha right?? I was told two desserts in a row was a bit much 😕. I'm gonna post it probably tomorrow ❤
Thanks i needed a new face mask recipe.
I'm glad I could help...that's some smooth skin you have there sir.
Oh! I am sorry I missed this post. Looks like a great recipe. I am book marking it to try later. I know we're following you but while browsing your blog I couldn't help but think I'd missed so much! Looking forward to following along. -Aimee