Spa-day at our home. Woot-woot. Though my hubby was a little hesitant for the past few years, I finally got him into weekly clay masks to brighten, refresh, and soften our skin.

So today I want to share with you one of my weekly natural skincare routines. Though the basic recipe stays the same - clay and water - other ingredients might vary.

ALOE VERA FACIAL CLAY MASK RECIPE

BASIC RECIPE:

Mix 2 parts liquid (ex. water, aloe vera gel, oils, etc.) to 1 part clay.

TODAY’S FACIAL MASK (for 2 people)

2-3 T green clay
1-2 T fresh aloe vera gel
6 drops tea tree essential oil
Water as needed

To obtain the aloe vera gel, cut the bigger leaves from your plants, and carefully cut open with and knife and scrape out the gel-like substance.

Mix all ingredients to a smooth, easy-to-spread paste. If the mixture is too dry, add some more liquid.if to liquid add more green clay.

Clean your face with water and [at dry. Apply the mask and keep it on for 10 to 15 minutes.

Then remove the mask with running water and/or with a washcloth.

MOISTURIZE

To finish and provide extra nourishment for your skin apply your favorite facial cream or moisturizer.

Mine is a homemade balm-like salve made by a friend. It mainly consists of coconut oil and turmeric.

This is my go-to daily face cream. Let me see if my friend cares to share the recipe. I can’t promise anything as it is a little side-business of her. So I am totally fine with her not sharing her secrets…. As long as she keeps providing me with her golden skin wonder.

SKIN BENEFITS OF THE CLAY MASK AND TURMERIC SALVE

GREEN CLAY - can be used for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin to restore balance, energize the skin, and soak up the excess oils that clog the pores - this may lead to acne and imperfections. It doubles as a powerful deep cleanser to balance pH levels. Furthermore, green clay stimulates cell regeneration to leave you with a glowing complexion.

ALOE VERA - contains antioxidants, enzymes, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties and can help treat burns, acne, and dry skin. It helps to smooth and moisturize the skin. Though it doesn’t reverse the aging process of your skin it can help prevent you from getting deeper wrinkles and lines.

TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL - thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties tea tree is one of the go-to essential oils to treat and prevent acne. Furthermore, it is said to calm redness, swelling, and inflammation. According to some, it may even help to prevent and reduce the appearance of acne scars, leaving you with smooth and clear skin.

TURMERIC - one of the most powerful spices known for brightening your skin. Thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, turmeric works wonders on your skin. It can help reduce redness from blemishes and calm skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. Furthermore, turmeric stimulates circulation, which can help reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes. Also, moisturizing turmeric-based cream or salve can improve the appearance of fine lines and brown spots caused by overexposure to the sun.

COCONUT OIL - another skincare wonder. Coconut oil hydrates the skin for 24 hours while improving skin elasticity and collagen production. Coconut oil has antioxidants - such as vitamin E and vitamin A - which help to slow down the aging process and prevent damage from free radicals and the sun.