When you are as much of a skincare fanatic as we are, then you probably are already aware of mud masks and why they really matter. Even if you don’t, or you are someone who has just come across these masks, you don’t have to worry because we have just the right amount of information to help you out. Skincare is never complete without the application of some mud, so here we are, talking about mud masks to you and everything else you need to know about them.
What is a mud mask?
A mud mask is basically a hydrating agent for your skin. Unlike a clay mask which is a cosmetic skin-drying agent, mud is a skin healing agent. So while someone with oily skin or someone who has more acne and blemishes can give a try to clay masks, a mud mask should be worn by someone who has dry skin. Mud is, in fact, water-based.
Benefits of mud masks:
People often assume that if someone is using a mask, it is just to clean the skin of all the dirt and impurities. That is, only partly true because there are so many more reasons why mud mask can be used. Here are some of them:
- Mud masks improve blood circulation under the skin.
- Along with a skin cleanser, they also work as a moisturizer and refresh the tired skin. Your skin will appear brighter, softer and younger.
- They can also remove the dead skin cells and repair the skin tissues. This improves the skin’s natural elasticity.
- If these masks are used regularly, they can be used to remove the impurities hidden more profound in the skin, too!
- Mud masks are not all water-based. They also have a little clay in them, be it bentonite, kaolin or any other. This clay exfoliates the dead skin cells when you wash off the mask. The levels of this exfoliation vary depending on the type of clay used but more or less, it gives the skin a radiant look.
- The more natural your mud mask, the more benefits you have. So if your mud mask is a natural one then it can provide numerous nutrients and minerals to you to keep your skin clean and your skin cells healthy.
- All the mud masks that have a natural clay base in them also have a detox property. The best kind of detox happens when the clay used is bentonite. Generally, it varies upon the quantity of clay used and the quality of it, but no matter what, a certain amount of detoxifications happens nonetheless.
- Another benefit of having clay in a mud mask is that it seals all your pores and tightens your skin. This reverses many effects of aging on your skin. Isn’t that something to crave for all of us, though?
- They are better than seaweed masks as well. This is because although the seaweed masks focus on the same things as a mud mask, they are still a little milder. Seaweed masks are preferred when all you are looking for is a strengthened immune system and things like that. Mud masks, on the other hand, will provide a more dramatic effect. They take care of your skin’s immune system and also work through the other things already mentioned above. They take care of acne, blemishes and in some cases, even bug bites! So you can very well see why one would prefer that over the other one!
- It makes you feel beautiful! Yeah, it does. Every time you end up washing the mud off your face, you can feel the glow on your face yourself. Now, who doesn’t want to feel pretty? This is just one of the added bonuses of using mud masks or even any masks in general. You can be sure though, that if you are using a natural mask like a mud mask, then the results may not be instant and all at once. You will have to use more of it to make full use of it, but when those results arrive; you might just end up falling in love with yourself again!
How to use
For the best results, you should wash your face with water once. This cleans the face a little. Don’t forget to wipe it dry.
Once you’re done with the basics, take out your mud mask and spread a thin layer of it on your face. Use your fingers gently. Once you’re certain, you’ve applied it everywhere; leave it to dry for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Rinse your face with warm water after that and use a soft cloth to wipe out all the excess mud. Rub your face gently and do not apply too much pressure.
Since mud is a natural agent, for best results, try to use it for two or three times a week.
What are some of the types of clays used in mud masks?
Contrary to what the name suggests, mud masks are not…. well, made of mud or specifically dirt for that matter. So you can rest assured that you won’t be mixing a handful of dirt from your backyard with water and using it. No, instead what mud masks are made of is clay. Clay when mixed with water produces… well; it produces something that can only be described as mud. And that is how the name originates.
Now here is a list of all the popular clay types used in mud masks (in no specific order):
- Bentonite clay (Multanimitti)
- Fuller’s earth
- Dead Sea Clay
- Aztec healing clay
- French green clay
- Rose Clay (French pink clay)
- Rhassoul Clay (Moroccan lava clay)
- Cambrian Blue Clay
- Irish Moor Mud
- Kaolin clay
(It is also rumored that Cleopatra used Dead Sea Clay on her skin. And we all know how amazing Cleopatra was! So if she is okay with this, well, who are we to crib about it?)
All in all, mud masks are essential if you’re looking for skin care and something that we wouldn’t tire of recommending you!