DIY Rose Water & Bentonite Clay Mask

We all deserve a little spa treatment once in a while. But most of us find that with time and money restraints, a trip to the spa is just out of the question. So why not treat yourself to this simple, but highly effective, facial at home?


I try to take care of my skin but I have never been one to buy expensive cleansers and creams. I do enjoy a facial and since I already had everything I needed I decided to make one. I researched several and chose a DIY formula that is simple, quick, and easy, with only 3 ingredients. I found that recipe plus an excellent article on bentonite clay, at Hug A Tree With Me.

But before I get into how to make it, and how it worked, I want to talk about the ingredients and why I chose this formula.

Rose Water

Rose water is an herbal distillate which is a co-product in the process of making Rose essential oil so it has many of the great beneficial properties of rose essential oil. So why not just get the essential oil? Glad you asked. Rose essential oil is one of the more expensive essential oils, worth every penny if you can afford it, but if not then rose water may be your answer.

Rose water has been used for generations in beauty products (and even in food). It can be used straight from the bottle as a moisturizer, linen spray, facial toner, and makeup remover.

Its benefits include

• Improves skin tone and elasticity
• Moisturizer, but still very light
• Organic rose water is rich in flavonoids, minerals and vitamins A,C,D,E and B3.
• Contains antibiotic and antiseptic properties.
• Helps to reduces inflammation.
• Can help deter feelings of stress, depression and anxiety.
• Promotes alkalinity.
• Remedies fatigue.
• Can help shrink blackheads and acne.
• Aids in detox.
• Natural aphrodisiac
• Rich source of antioxidants

Click here to see the high quality Rose Water from Spark Naturals that I used.

Bentonite Clay.  

Bentonite clay in mined from the earth. Bentonite clay absorbs moisture more than other types of clay. It is formed from aged and weathered volcanic ash. Once activated by water it has a strong negative electromagnetic charge so it pulls positively charged toxins to it. It draws in heavy metals, chemicals, and toxins and releases its minerals for the body to use.

You will find this clay in several colors, depending on the concentration of different elements in the clay. These are also the minerals that will be released in your body. You will find clays in green, white, gray, yellow, red, blue, black, and pink.

Bentonites are classified as Sodium Bentonites, Potassium Bentonites, and Calcium Bentonites. Sodium bentonite is best for detoxing because it has a stronger negative charge and therefore pulls more toxins into it. Calcium bentonite is a better remineralizing clay delivering calcium into the body. Potassium bentonite contains a high percentage of Illite Clay and is less absorbent.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when choosing your clay. Where the clay comes from and how it is mined. 

Pay close attention to where your clay comes from and what testing is done. Since it acts as a magnet it can actually absorb toxins from nearby sources. You don't want to purchase a clay that may already be full of harmful toxins.

I admit I hadn't thought about how it was mined, guessing they were all pretty much mined in the same way. That was until I read this article from Empowered Sustenance. Remember that stuff I wrote earlier about the magnetic properties of bentonite clay? Well, the same magnetic properties that draw out metals and toxins from your body will also cause metal from the mining equipment to leach into the clay making it pretty much useless because it is already full of heavy metal. I understand that stainless steel mining equipment is good because it doesn't cause heavy metal leaching into the clay. This is also why you want to make sure all the utensils used when making clay formulas are nonmetal.

I recommend Redmond Bentonite Clay, it is a mixuture of sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite, and I love the overall quality of their product. You can order yours here: Redmond Trading Company Clay -- 10 oz

Almond Oil

Almonds are not only healthy for eating, their oil is wonderful for your skin. Attributes include:

• Rich in vitamins including E and D
• Contains minerals including magnesium and calcium
• Great moisturizer
• Absorbs quickly, not sticky or greasy

I get mine here. Sweet Almond Oil Organic Carrier Cold Pressed Refined 100% Pure 4 oz

Essential Oils

If you really want to kick this up a notch, add essential oil. But make sure it's of the purest quality and comes from a reputable supplier. I purchase mine from Spark Naturals. If you place an order with them you can use my discount code ENJOY, you will receive 10% off your order and I will receive a small compensation. I recommend frankincense, lavender, geranium and/or melaleuca (tee tree). 

Now lets make the mask...

begin by assembling your ingredients

Measure clay into a clean dry non-metal bowl

Add rose water and let sit for a few minutes before mixing.
This will help prevent clumps. Add oil and mix with nonmetal utensil.

This isn't quite as smooth as it should be...

My review! After removing the mask my face felt smooth, soft, and toned. The pores around my nose looked smaller. There was some discoloration, sort of a pink blotchiness, on my neck that went away within an hour or so. Overall I was very pleased and plan to make and use this facial often. ♥

DIY Rose Water & Bentonite Clay Mask

Ingredients and Equipment:

• 3 tsp bentonite clay (You may want to start with 2 tsp and add more if needed)
• 3 tsp rose water
• 1 tsp almond oil
• Small nonmetal whisk, spatula, or plastic spoon
• Glass bowl
• For extra benefit apply 2 or 3 drops of essential oil. I recommend frankincense, lavender, geranium and or melaleuca (tee tree). 

Directions:

• Mix bentonite clay and rose water together in the bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to help avoid clumps. Stir with a nonmetal utensil, adding more rose water (or mineral or distilled water) if mixture is too thick and add more clay if it is too thin. Add almond oil and mix.

How to Use:

• Apply the mask onto your clean neck and face in an upward motion. You want a nice thick layer keeping away from eyes and lips.
• Allow to dry and leave on face for 20 minutes for oily skin or at least 10 minutes for dryer skin.
• Gently wash mask off using a warm wet cloth and water then pat dry.
• Follow with moisturizer.
• Use 1 to 2 times a week for dryer skin and up to 4 times a week for oily skin.

Your mixture should be thick but not so much that you can't apply it evenly. The consistency of yogurt or smooth guacamole sounds right. 

Storing: If you accidentally make too much you can try storing it in a small glass canning jar applying a layer of plastic over the top before putting on the lid. This keeps it from touching the metal lid.

DISCLAIMER

I am not a doctor and the statements on this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your doctor or health care practitioner before using herbs, essential oils or other natural remedies.

Spark Naturals Rose Water
Use code ENJOY for 10% off