We love good masks, and we cannot lie!

Picking a face mask can be quite daunting for most, specifically if you're not 100% certain of what it is you're looking for, wondering if the ingredients will cause a reaction if the mask is going to target your skin concerns, and of course, will it work? We know the feeling, and we're here to put your mind and skin at ease. There is a handful of things you should consider when picking out any skincare products, be meticulous and take the time to get to understand your skin, that way deciding on products become more of an exciting activity instead of a dreaded one, sound good?

How do I know what I'm looking for?

For starters, you want to identify your skin type. There are 3 main categories of skin types:

1. Oily Skin
2. Dry Skin
3. Combination Skin 

Beyond these main categories, we have normal and sensitive skin which are not 'skin types' but definitely something to be considered.

     1. Oily Skin Characteristics

• The skin often feels greasy and appears shiny. This is due to an excess amount of sebum (an oily, waxy substance produced by the body, also found in the scalp) being produced.
• Skin is usually more oily around the T-Zone (Forehead, nose and chin)
• Pores appear much larger
• Usually prone to acne and/or breakouts

    2.   Dry Skin Characteristics

• Typically skin feels tight and dry
• Skin tends to become rough, flaky and irritated
• Skin appears more dull, tired and dehydrated 
• Prone to showing more visible lines

   3.  Combination Skin Characteristics

• Skin is usually both dry and oily in certain parts, usually, the T-Zone being oily and around the cheeks area more dry, dehydrated or normal. 

   4.  Normal Skin

• Balanced skin
• Skin is smooth and supple
• Pores are typically smaller and less visible
• Skin feels neither dry nor oily
• Has good elasticity

   5.  Sensitive Skin 

Sensitive skin is not a skin type per se, you can have oily and sensitive skin, dry and sensitive skin and even combination and sensitive skin. When identifying sensitive skin, a few things you should look out for:  

• Sensitivity to external stimulations, such as heat, exfoliations, (artificially) fragranced products
• More likely to have allergic reactions and irritations to certain products
• Can become swollen and red 

Activated Charcoal and Clay 

We've got a little treat for you, a gem of a product, and to top it all - it's the best of both worlds. 

Sure we've all heard of and probably tried some sort of activated charcoal mask, peels and something in between, right? Well, what about an activated charcoal and clay mask? Where your skin reaps the benefits of the historically used, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal - Bentonite Clay and the skincare superstar, Activated Charcoal.

Bentonite Clay is believed to have been discovered by Neanderthals that roamed the earth somewhat 300 000 years ago, they used the clay for mud baths which helped them detox, purify and clear the skin. Fast-forward +/- 300 years, Greek philosopher, Aristotle started writing about those who ingested bentonite clay for health reasons. 

What exactly is this bentonite clay?

Bentonite clay is made from volcanic ash, it is collected in large amounts after the ash settles and the bentonite clay is formed. Bentonite Clay, much like Activated Charcoal can be used both inside the body and outside, it is a very fine, smooth lightly ash-coloured powder that possesses a very large amount of vitamins and minerals. The clay is negatively charged, meaning that it is highly absorbent allowing it to extract negative properties much easier, such as toxins in the body, impurities, dirt and excess oils in the skin. Bentonite Clay is high in antibacterials and antioxidants, it is also known as a healing clay, used in most spa's for 'mud therapy', helping to alleviate skin ailments/diseases. Bentonite also helps with absorbing toxins from the body, improving blood circulation and regulating body temperature while gently exfoliating the skin and leaving you feeling fresh as a daisy. 

The effect of Activated Charcoal and Bentonite Clay

Combining these two genius ingredients is pretty much a recipe for miracles, both are highly absorbent ingredients, chock-a-block full of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, anti-bacterial and of course, essential healing properties. Using bentonite clay with activated charcoal face mask assists with:

1. Detoxing the skin
2. Absorbing and extracting toxins, dirt, excess oils (and sebum)
3. Deeply cleansing and shrinking pores
4. Gentle exfoliation
5. Improving blood circulation 
6. Known to heal skin diseases; eczema, psoriasis, and even ulcers (when orally ingested) 
7. Helps to manage and reduce acne and (spontaneous) breakouts
8. Delays premature signs of ageing
9. Regenerates skin cells, promotes collagen production and helps to keep skin supple, smooth, hydrated and youthful.
10.  Helps to even out skin tone and brighten the complexion

So what else, what more does it do? 

Over and above these two genius ingredients, we've paired it with a little more than your average mask, just to give you that extra oomph. 

We've specifically added; avocado butter, tea tree and baobab oil. 

These ingredients, paired together with our lovely, superfood mask, making sure that the skin cells are left deeply, cleansed, hydrated, nourished, protected and rejuvenated. 

Tea Tree; Anti-septic properties, combats oily skin, reduces inflammation and irritation

Avocado butter; Rich in vitamin E, easily absorbed, can be used as a natural moisturiser and sunscreen

Baobab Oil; Softens skin, commonly known for its regenerative abilities, high in omega 3's, Vitamin A, B and E, contains potassium and magnesium (which acts as a protective layer for the skin against the sun, and free radical damage) 

This mask is specifically crafted for those with acne-prone skin, oily skin or combination skin.

It is one of the most rewarding, refreshing and satisfying feeling ever to start seeing the results you desire. Take it from youtuber, and widely respected skin enthusiast, Nova Dunga, "I had a few problems a couple of weeks back with some blemishes on my face, but now they have all seemed to lighten and almost completely disappeared! My skin is glowing and it feels so smooth." 

Skincare is easier than A, B, C once you've got your skin figured out (that's the secret) , you are one step closer to the skin you deserve to love. 

What more are you waiting for? It's Clay Time!