This healing Kaolin, Chamomile and Honey Mask is my favourite wind-down mask to use at the end of a crazy busy day.
Don’t get me wrong, life is good, yet it comes with a serve boring administrative detail. Stuff that just has to get done. Today was one of those day’s that was full of busywork, dashing from one task to the next.
We all have days like that right?
So on these days, I like to give myself something to look forward to! Even something small can feel like an indulgence. It’s so good to finish a draining day on a high note!
I draw a warm bath, pour myself a long glass of iced chamomile tea! Then, I relax as the healing Kaolin, Chamomile and Honey Mask soothes my tired skin. Finally, I pack myself off to bed for a good read and an early night!
Using Clay Masks
From my teens through to my 30’s my skin was always very oily. Now I’m a little older, it’s drier and as sensitive as ever.
Many people believe that you shouldn’t use clay-based masks on dry or more (ahem) mature skin. But that is simply not true.
Clay masks are cleansing, drawing impurities and absorbing excess oil from your skin.
Because clays are composed of crystals that don’t completely dissolve in water, they are also a mild exfoliant. Clay facial masks are much more gentle than a face scrub or chemical exfoliant and perfect for more sensitive skin.
The problem with many clay masks is that people leave them on for too long.
Waiting until your mask is completely dry
Most skin clinicians recommend that clay skin masks are used once to three times per week. Clay masks are not a daily treatment. Apply them to cleansed face, neck and decolletage and leave on for 15- 20 minutes.
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin is suitable for dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is calming to the skin while encouraging circulation to improve healing. Kaolin removes impurities and dead skin cells from the skin surface with its mild exfoliating action. It is reputed to have disinfectant properties which assist with healing blemishes while preventing new ones from forming.
Raw Honey
I love to use raw honey on my skin. If you don’t have a hive of your own, get to know a local beekeeper at your local farmers market! Seek out beekeepers who keep bees chemical-free, and practice sustainable hive management. Ask if their honey is cold processed. Heating raw honey can drastically affect the quality and enzyme activity of your honey.
Honey has been used since ancient times to accelerate wound healing. The healing properties of honey can be attributed to its antibacterial properties, which speed up the growth of new tissue to heal wounds. Plus, honey’s high viscosity helps to provide a protective barrier to prevent infection and creates a moist environment that promotes wound healing.
Raw honey is wonderful in this mask. It prevents the clay from drying out too quickly on your face, and the clay prevents the honey from simply sliding off your face!
Chamomile
Sweet apple-scented chamomile is an ancient herb. For thousands of years, it has been prized for its soothing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mild astringent and healing properties.
Chamomile’s traditional reputation has been confirmed by numerous studies that highlight chamomile’s wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. One study discovered that chamomile’s healing properties to be swifter than corticosteroids, yet without the nasty side effects.
If you don’t have your own chamomile growing in your garden, chamomile is easy to find in the tea section of your supermarket! To support sustainable farming practices and avoid pesticides, buy organic where possible.
Kaolin, Chamomile and Honey Mask
You will need
- 2 tablespoons of Kaolin clay powder
- 1 heaped teaspoon of ground chamomile flowers
- few drops of cooled boiled water
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
Preparation
Blend your kaolin and chamomile together in a clean bowl.
Add the honey and stir, until a paste has come together. A few drops of water will fix the mask if it is too dry or clumpy. If your mask is too runny, add more kaolin.
How to use
Apply the Kaolin, Chamomile and Honey Mask to cleansed skin.
Recline and relax if possible!
Do not let the mask dry out completely on your skin. If your skin at any time feels itchy or irritated, remove the mask immediately.
Remove the mask after 15-20 minutes with a warm (not hot!) facecloth.
Then, cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin.
All the ingredients I need to make this Healing Kaolin, Chamomile and Honey Mask are stocked in my Home Apothecary.
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The next time you are feeling a little frazzled, try this Kaolin, Chamomile and Honey Mask and give yourself some well-deserved me-time!
Have you tried this mask? I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
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