Aztec Indian healing clay has been used for centuries to beautify and refresh when used as a facial mask.
Cleopatra used clay from the Nile River and the Arabian Desert over 1800 years ago, as part of her beauty ritual. German and Roman spas have been using clay packs and treatments in the spas they built 4,000 years ago. Aztec secret Indian healing clay is bentonite clay from Death Valley, California, where it is sun- dried for up to six months in temperatures that sometimes reach 134 degrees. Facials, acne, body wraps, clay baths, foot soaks, chilled clay for knee packs and insect bites. The benefits of this clay can go on and on.
How to:
First, gather your tools: ceramic bowl, plastic spoon (never metal), apple cider vinegar (preferably raw – Bragg’s), and a brush to apply. Be sure to tie your back and you’re ready to go!
Mix 1 spoon full of clay to equal amount of vinegar.
Add water if you have sensitive skin and adjust clay amount if the mix is too watery.
The mixture starts to fizz up, begin mixing until thick enough to begin painting on to your face.
Paint about a 1/4 inch on your face, enough to cover your entire face and neck, if you’d like.
From the Aztec label: “Mix clay with equal parts of raw apple cider vinegar and/or water. Stir the mixture well to a smooth paste. Apply ¼ to ½ inches to the face or other area. Let it dry for 5-10 minutes for delicate skin and 15-20 minutes for normal skin.”
After you’ve completely covered your face in the mask let dry for about 15-20 minutes depending on the sensitivity of your skin. As the mask dries your face will not only begin to tighten but PULSATE. It’s a bizarre feeling but it’s totally normal. It feels almost as if the dirt in your face is being pulled out.
Remove clay by washing with warm water and a washcloth (be gentle). A slight redness is normal after you remove the mask, as circulation has increased at the surface of your skin.
The final step is crucial since the Bentonite clay and vinegar dries out the skin its important to moisturize throughly. If you use toner in your daily routine I suggest toning before moisturizing. I’ve used both coconut oil and vitamin E and my face soaked it up with no grease because the clay had dried my face out that much.
( Blue Green Algae Toner, Michael Todd – Ulta.com )
( Malin + Goetz, Vitamin E Moisturizer – MALIN + GOETZ.com )
Once the redness fades in 30 minutes, it will leave your face feeling soft and smooth. Clay is packed full of minerals and will help detoxify while nourishing your skin.
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