Calming Kaolin Clay + White Tea Mask

Relax and reset with this calming mask. Different from the invigorating bentonite clay facial, this mask soothes and  detoxifies in a subdued, gentle manner, while toning down redness, and smoothing away rough spots and blemishes. The Kaolin Clay and White Tea combination gently draws out impurities, and passively tones down irritation. For this reason, the Kaolin Clay Mask is more suitable for sensitive skin that cannot handle the invigorating Bentonite. While this mask doesn't perform a full intensity, deep detox the way a bentonite mask does, it is great at helping remove toxins from the skin's surface, while banishing unwanted bacteria and microbes. It can also be effective at removing redness from the skin.

White Kaolin Clay has strong oil absorbing properties, so for very dry skin it may not be suitable. For semi-dry or combination skin, use a heavy moisturizer afterwards, like this homemade body butter. For oily skin, your regular face moisturizer will most likely be suitable to use after removing the mask.

Supplies:
A non metallic bowl
A non-metallic spoon (baby spoons work great!)
A clean foundation brush or even a soft paintbrush

Ingredients:
1/4 c. White Kaolin Clay
White Tea
Honey, Yogurt, or Oatmeal (blended smooth)

About the Ingredients
To start with, you'll need 1/4 cup of powdered White Kaolin Clay, which can be found at many health food stores, and even some beauty supply stores. I bought mine package-free in bulk, from World of Nutrition, in Nampa. It is very inexpensive and I believe I got about $2 worth last time, which was more than enough for one mask. You will also need some white tea. I use Chinese She Mea tea, because it is also available in bulk at the same store. You need about 2 tablespoons of loose leaves, or two teabags. The last thing I recommend adding to this mask, which is optional, is raw honey. You will need 1 teaspoon, and I suggest using it because of its wonderful antimicrobial and skin soothing properties. It also helps with the consistency of the mask, and makes application easier. If you do not want to use honey, or you don't have any, you can use one teaspoon of plain yogurt, or cooked oatmeal, pureed completely smooth in a blender to thicken the mask.

Directions:
-Once you have all of your ingredients gathered, steep the white tea. Do not make a full cup, rather, use only about 1/2 cup of water. Place the tea leaves in the mug or glass and add 1/2 cup of hot water. Let steep, covered. Set aside until it cooled to room temperature.

-In a small, non-metallic bowl, put 1/4 cup of Kaolin Clay.

-Slowly add the cooled, strained tea, one teaspoon full at a time, mixing with a non-metal spoon. Add the liquid SLOWLY. Start with 2-3 teaspoons and mix. Then add another, mix. Then another, mix. It's really easy to accidentally make this mixture too runny, and then it will drip all over while you apply it.

-If you make the mixture too runny, the only way to fix it is by adding more clay.

-Once your clay/tea mixture is smooth and consistent, add one teaspoon of honey (or honey substitute). Mix it all together. The consistency should resemble the texture of thick paint. (You will most likely have some unused tea leftover.  At the bottom of this blog post I will add a recipe for a toner you can make using the leftover tea.)

-Cleanse your face very well. Make sure there are no oil residues leftover from sweat, makeup, moisturizers, or makeup remover. Using a makeup removal wipe is not enough. You'll have to clean that residue off with soap and water, or use some witch hazel, or a 50/50 mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water. Oil residue on the skin will cause the mask to seperate on the skin, leaving spots that the mask will not stick to.

-Apply the mask mixture to your face, avoiding the eyebrows, under eye area, and mouth. It helps to use a clean makeup brush for this part if possible. Let the mask sit for 15-20 minutes, it will harden when it is dry. Rinse with lukewarm water, using a soft cloth to wipe the mask away.

-Pat your skin dry and apply your moisturizer.


Extra Tea leftover?? 
Mix the strained tea with an equal part of witch hazel. Add 2-3 drops of lavender oil if desired. Keep in a bottle in the fridge for a refreshing face toner! Shake before using. This toner helps even skin tone and reduce puffiness. It applies antioxidants from the tea directly to your skin. Apply it with reusable cotton rounds or cotton ball. It is lovely to apply before makeup, or to use at night as a light cleanser, followed by nighttime moisturizer. I love to use this toner on groggy mornings to help wake me up.

Disclaimer: I am not a healthcare or skincare professional. I have been usig natural and DIY skincare products on myself, my friends, and family for many years and I am simply sharing what I have learned from my experiences. Please use common sense and do not try products you may be sensitive or allergic to. It is always a good idea to do a test patch before trying new skin applications. 

View my Patreon