Detox Mask: Healing Ingredients and How to Use It
Why Should You Use a Detox Mask?
The skin is the largest organ and everything that we put on it is absorbed into our tissues, blood stream, and lymphatic system. Unfortunately, many common deodorants and skincare products are filled with chemicals and toxic metals, like aluminum, that are absorbed and stored in the body.
When we learned of the increased risk of breast cancer and dangers associated with aluminum deodorant use, we began testing various natural deodorants but knew it would take a while for our bodies to adjust. We created our Detox Mask with healing Bentonite Clay and Activated Charcoal to facilitate this process and have been using it on our armpits and face ever since.
Benefits of Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is a natural clay that forms as volcanic ash ages. It has been used for healing external and internal ailments since ancient times. Bentonite clay is highly absorptive and when applied topically, it attracts and binds to heavy metals and toxins then removes them from the body. It is a common ingredient in skincare products, helping to not only absorb dirt and excess oils from skin but also providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. When used as a mask, it can help detoxify and calm inflamed skin and is often recommended for acne-prone skin.
The United States is the largest producer of bentonite clay. In our detox mask, we use a pure, bentonite clay mined in Utah. It is rich in beneficial trace minerals, calcium, and sodium and contains no additives, chemicals, preservatives, or fillers.
Benefits of Activated Charcoal
Charcoal is a natural compound produced when pulverized substances like coconut shells or hardwoods are heated with steam or hot air. This process erodes the substance's internal surface and creates air pockets which increases surface area and makes a powerful, absorbent activated charcoal. One teaspoon of activated charcoal has an absorptive surface area equivalent to a football field!
In modern emergency medicine, charcoal is sometimes used as an internal treatment in certain cases of drug intoxication or poisonings. The charcoal binds to the ingested toxins, prevents absorption into the bloodstream then excretes them from the body.
In skincare products, this absorptive action helps cleanse and unclog pores by drawing deeper impurities from the skin resulting in a smoother and more even skin tone. A recent study reported an improvement in skin texture and brightness after 1 month of use.
How to Use our Detox Mask
Our Detox Mask is most effective when mixed with apple cider vinegar which has powerful antimicrobial properties, soothes irritation, and restores natural pH balance of the skin. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to balance the smell of the vinegar. We like to add lavender essential oil because of its relaxing and soothing qualities for skin and senses.
When making the mask, it is important to avoid using metal utensils or a metal bowl because metal can deactivate the properties that make bentonite clay effective. We prefer using a spatula because it mixes the mask together well and also easily applies the mask to your skin without making a mess on your hands.
We recommend applying our Detox Mask after the shower, when your pores are expanded. Use once or twice a week depending on skin type.
Detox Mask Recipe
Mix approximately 1 tsp of Detox Mask powder with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (or water) in a small non-metal dish. Optionally, add a few drops of essential oil.
Apply the mask to clean skin and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. As the mask begins to dry, you may feel it causing a tightening effect on your skin. Remove immediately if irritation occurs. If you have sensitive skin and are new to this product, it is recommended to patch test before using it on a larger area.
Wash gently with warm water to remove.
Pat your skin dry and follow with a gentle facial moisturizer, our Lotion Bar, or your daily skincare routine.
By Glory Forrest, BSN, RN