.jpg)
“I normally like to keep my skin care routine simple but adding this clay mask has helped with blackheads around my nose and smoothing out my skin. It immediately tightens after applying and comes with a small applicator for easy application. TBH, I just use my hands since it’s not very messy. It only requires 3-5 minutes which is ideal, and it leaves me with baby-smooth skin afterwards,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle who has combination, oily skin.
- Pros: Non-comedogenic and helps address blackheads and whiteheads
- Cons: Pricey
Best for Dryskin: Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Mask
Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Mask
If you have dry skin, it’s understandable that you might think a clay mask is necessary, but the dermatologists say they can be beneficial for radiant skin. Kaolin clay, which is found in this mask, is considered gentle and suitable for dry skin types, according to Dr. Camp, and this pick also contains a blend of aloe and chamomile to soothe and help reduce redness.
“As someone with skin that skews more dry than oily, I liked that this face mask didn’t completely strip my face. Instead, the acids gently sloughed off the surface layer, leaving my skin looking brighter and feeling smoother. I also noticed shrinkage in the pores on my nose—the one place where I do tend to see some blackheads pop up,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley.
- Pros: Suitable for most skin types
- Cons: Expensive
Best for Sensitive Skin: Sonage Tulsi Soothing Tri Clay Mask
Original photo from Brittany Loggins testing Sonage Tulsi Soothing Tri Clay Mask
Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University loves this deep cleansing clay mask for oily and acne prone skin types because of its absorbent qualities. “This mask contains turmeric, holy basil and herbal ingredients to help unclog pores, reduce redness and inflammation and lessen oil production all together,” she says. It’s extremely gentle on skin and won’t leave your skin parched or dull-looking.
“This mask has a consistency that I would compare to acrylic paint. It spreads super thin and dries in about 10-minutes, however the instructions say that you should wash it off before it’s fully dry. I would definitely say it feels like the traditional clay mask that gets super dry and leaves your skin feeling pretty tight—I’m guessing this is why they advise you to rinse off before it fully sets. That said, it also felt very calming on my skin, and I think it would be a great option if you were experiencing any redness or discoloration. After rinsing it off, my skin felt super clean and looked brighter. I would definitely integrate this into my routine,” says Glamour contributor Brittany Loggins.
- Pros: Gentle enough for moody, sensitive and combination skin types
- Cons: May need to be used multiple times a week to see a difference in acne
Best for Glowing Skin: Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Original photo from Malia Griggs testing Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
This anti-aging warming mask is perfect for those who like to really feel their mask working. It has a warming sensation as it works to help exfoliate away dead skin and absorb sebum, and also changes in color after applied onto the face.
“Tatcha’s clay mask is the best I’ve tried (I love Innisfree’s too, but was really impressed with Tatcha’s). I applied it to damp skin with its included spoon. Its texture is thick, creamy, and slightly sandy, and it has a soft grey-green color that eventually warms as you use it. I wore it for about 5 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Its crucial ingredient is Okinawan kucha clay (I’m actually Okinawan, so this was exciting to read), and though I can’t actually speak to its benefits, I can tell you that after use, my skin looked noticeably tighter and brighter with less congestion and oil. I met a friend after using it and the first thing she said was, ‘Your skin looks really good! Did you do something’ I love this mask so much. What I don’t like? It’s price tag (sigh). But man is it good,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs.
Read the full article here
