Mud masks have been a go-to for many people looking to do a deeper and more thorough cleanse, but that also often comes with the worry that it might trigger redness or discomfort amongst those with sensitive skin.
As a person with skin sensitivities myself, this writer completely empathises with you on this conundrum. Fortunately, we’ve done some legwork in the mud and clay mask section of the beauty aisles.
The bad news is that in all of our masking trials over the years, the redness is unavoidable especially with those whose skin gets rashes easily. But if there are some things you can do to help mitigate how red your skin looks post-cleanse, it’s these three steps.
Firstly, do a patch test. Different sensitive skin types will react to different ingredients, so what may work for one person may not always deliver the same cleansing-sans-sensitivities experience to another.
Next, when rinsing off the mask, avoid going at it with plenty of force. The mud has hardened, which often triggers a subconscious action of using more pressure to break them up. Our best tip? Don’t do that. Instead, wet the mud with a soft and damp cloth, then work in slow and soft circular motions to get the mask softened and washed off. It takes a longer time, but think of it as your own spa time after a long day.
Lastly, always follow with a calming and hydrating serum and moisturiser immediately. Mud masks help to draw out the gunk but can also be drying, so combat that with nourishing products to restore balance.
Now that we’ve covered the basic, here are some of our fave mud and clay masks that are suitable for sensitive skin users too.
Made with French clay and infused with vitamins C and E to brighten and boost your glow, this mask helps to purge your skin of dirt and grime without the discomfort of tightness commonly associated with mud masks. Post-wash off, you’ll find that your skin looks brighter and your pores appear more minimized.
This California-based indie beauty brand’s clay mask is one of their bestsellers, and with good reason. Enriched with 2% niacinamide to minimise redness and reduce the appearance of pores, it also has salicylic acid to draw out the dirt. Kombucha is added to help balance skin as well.
This tube of pink goodness promises to draw out debris and refine your skin’s texture, giving you a brighter and smoother mien after using.
Offering a wallet-friendly clay mask to the mix is Innisfree, with their Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask. It is able to remove excess sebum without stripping the skin and triggering inflammation, and helps to improve your skin’s texture and regulate sebum.
This small-but-mighty jar from local brand Sigi Skin delivers on the promise of cleansed and healthy skin, thanks to its Camu Camu-infused Kaolin clay formula. Camu Camu extracts are a potent source of vitamin C, and this mask is made to purify skin without stripping its natural moisture barrier.
Caudalie’s pink clay mask not only helps purify skin and reduce the appearance of pores, it also leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft post-use.
Fair-trade Amazonian white clay forms the base of this mask, which helps draw up the dirt and debris in your skin for a more refined skin texture. Plus, it now comes in a limited edition festive look, making it the perfect stocking stuffer.
One of the reasons why we love Fresh’ Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask is that on top of its ability to deeply and thoroughly purge our pores of much, it also helps to regulate the production of sebum and oil after. Say goodbye to shiny skin!
This article was originally published in Singapore Women’s Weekly.