The best detoxifying mask ever is at your grocery store for less than $10
Chances are, this deep cleansing mask has always been in your grocery store without you even knowing it was there. In recent years, Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay has become a cult favorite, co-signed by everyone from popular beauty bloggers to Mindy Kaling. The product is made from bentonite, a type of medicinal clay, which is known for its healing benefits related to skin issues. While Aztec Secret is only marketed towards skin cleansing, similar products apparently also work as a digestion aid. What kind of sorcery IS this clay?
Aztec Secret claims it removes impurities from pores and this is exactly what I needed. While I hadn’t been breaking out (miraculously!), my skin was in need of a MAJOR detox and some deep cleansing — especially with all of the makeup experiments I was recently putting it through. It was time to join the masses and give this magical Aztec Clay a go. Exorcise the demonic impurities from my skin, PLEASE!
This is what you need
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, $9.79 on Amazon, but my angel co-worker got it from Whole Foods for about the same price.
Raw apple cider vinegar
Non metal mixing bowl
Non metal mixing spoon
Something to apply the mask like a brush (this $2 set looks pretty awesome).
1. Wash your face
First, I took a shower and made sure all of my makeup was removed and my face was squeaky clean.
2. Add clay into the bowl
I measured out ¼ cup of clay.
3. Add equal parts raw apple cider vinegar
The directions say you can also use water, but I preferred to do all ACV due to the added benefits, such as its anti-inflammatory, pore-tightening, and toning effects.
4. Stir the mixture until smooth
Before you mix it, you’ll notice it sizzle like Pop Rocks! Don’t be scared.
5. Apply it to your gorgeous mug
The label says to leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes for delicate skin and 15 to 20 for normal. I left it on for 20 minutes. The mask hardened and I felt it tighten, but not necessarily pulsate like the packaging states. The label also says “Men love it too,” so I convinced my boyfriend to try it.
6. Wash it off
Admittedly, taking off the mask was the most annoying part. Since my sink tends to clog easily, I removed the mask with a damp washcloth and threw the remains in the basura. It also got in my hair and got stuck to my headband.
The results
Immediately afterward I noticed some redness, which the product labeling does warn about. I took it as a good sign that the toxins were indeed leaving the building! I also saw a new small bump and was worried that it would cause a breakout, which is a thing that can happen with all that DIRT AND GRIME coming up to the surface. However, I noticed that my skin was incredibly soft like a baby’s. I decided to forgo my usual moisturizer and just used some rosewater and glycerin spray before bed. The next day, the bump was gone!
A few days later, my skin was still very smooth. As for frequency, the product packaging recommends using it once a week and “more often for problem skin.” Since this bentonite is some serious business, I’m going to use this baby once a week as a Sunday night ritual. What’s even cooler about the clay being less than 10 bucks? You can totally customize it to create other masks, like this cupcake-inspired one!