Combat Acne Effectively – A DIY Acne Attack Herbal Clay Face Mask

I don't know if you know this about me, but I am a huge fan of herbal clay face masks. As you may have read previously, my friends and I love face masks so much that we pair them with mimosa's and call it a party, just for fun! I have made herbal clay face masks for all sorts of conditions, but the mask I make most commonly is this Acne Attack facemask! High-end spas sell facials with these same ingredients for $180+, but by doing it yourself, in the comfort of your own home, you will be able to make MANY more masks for WAY cheaper!

French green clay will make your friends green with envy

The star ingredient in this recipe is the French green clay! French green clay is one of my favorite clays because it is just a tad bit more special than most other clays. Like other clays, it's very rich in minerals, but it is also made up of decomposed plant matter (the reason that it is green!) that is rich in chlorophyll.  French Green Clay is one of nature's strongest antiseptics, it has a strong anti-inflammatory property, it is hemostatic (stops the flow of blood), it speeds up the process of cellular knitting (draws tissue together), it remineralizes the system, deep cleanses and draws impurities and toxins out of our systems due to its highly absorptive properties. Used extensively for its extremely absorbent powers, French Green Clay is great for use on acne/oily skin types, helping to tighten pores and soak up oils while healing skin infections.

According to a study done at Arizona State University, researchers found French green clay to be effective at inhibiting several strains of bacteria including; Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium marinum. These bacterial pathogens can cause serious and sometimes drug-resistant skin infections.

Acne Attack Herbal Clay Face Mask

Just like my cleansing grains, I love to use coconut milk powder, honey powder, and ground oats in my facemasks. They are ingredients that are very healing for each skin type and that is no exception for this recipe and acne! Oats are very soothing and will help to soothe and heal breakouts and lessen irritation and swelling. Coconut milk is very soothing and has great anti-inflammatory properties to it as well ultra moisturizing. Honey, naturally antibacterial, is one of the leading remedies for acne and is also great for MANY skin conditions.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup French Green Clay
• 1 Tbsp. bee pollen powder
• 1 Tbsp. coconut milk powder
• 1 Tbsp. oats, finely ground
• 1 Tbsp. chamomile flowers, finely ground
• 1 Tbsp. lavender buds, finely ground
• 1 Tbsp. green tea, finely ground
• ¼ tsp. cinnamon powder
• 1 Tbsp. lemon balm, finely ground
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops lemongrass essential oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl. Mix together until completely combined. I find that it is easiest to work essential oils into the clay by using my fingers. Store in a cool dry location when not in use.

TO USE

Combine 1-2 tsp. of the powdered mud mask with 2-4 tsp. water or hydrosol. (For an extra treat, you can use herbal tea, honey, yogurt, milk, or even fresh squeezed juice, instead of water.) Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes to “steep” the herbs before applying to your face. Allow the mud mask to sit for 15-20 minutes, spraying your face gently with water, toner, or hydrosol, whenever the mask starts to feel itchy, dry, or tight. Rinse your face clean, using a washcloth and gently exfoliating your face in the process. After rinsing clean, always follow with a toner and moisturizer to close your pores and lock in moisture.