Indian Healing Clay, also known as bentonite clay, has been shown to act as a detoxifying agent and has been used for centuries as a face mask to beautify and refresh. Bentonite clay is a robust electrical conductor which can attract many toxins. It has negatively charged molecules; most toxins and heavy metals have positively charged molecules. When you mix the clay with water or apple cider vinegar (or any fluid), the clay produces an ionic pull that removes toxins from your skin, such as heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals. Now, how amazing is this?

Through this detoxification process, bentonite clay can help energise the body, heal acne-prone skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and create blood flow to the skin's surface. The result is brighter, softer, more even-toned skin.

I have been using apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay mask for over six years. Regular use of this mask has calmed my acne down (i only get occasional flare-ups with fried food and too much sugar), shrunk my pores, and improved my overall skin tone. I wish I had known about this mask in my younger years when I was suffering from random breakouts of acne. Nonetheless, I have not looked back since I stumbled upon this miracle magic combo, albeit late. 

To help clear acne, I highly recommend using a bentonite clay mask at night up to three times a week. However, some people can tolerate using this mask almost every day, so it depends! Since this recipe incorporates apple cider vinegar, applying it too often can end up a little drying depending on your skin type. You can apply it 2 to 3 times a week then gradually increase the frequency.

Some of the amazing benefits of apple cider vinegar and Indian clay mask include:

1. Draw impurities and toxins out of the skin
2. Heal and regenerate skin tissue
3. Unclog and reduce the look of pores
4. Exfoliate, prevent blackheads
5. Treat acne
6. Even out skin tone
7. Leave skin feeling soft and glowing

It's important to use the 'apple cider vinegar with the mother' and not any other filtered type for optimal benefits. The filtering process removes the vinegar 'mother' and any sediment, leaving a clear, amber-coloured vinegar. The unfiltered and unrefined vinegar with a cloudy and murky appearance is apple cider vinegar with 'mother'. It is easily available at Amazon and other online retailers. 

How to make a skin-detoxifying Indian Healing Clay mask

1. Do not use metal bowls or utensils! 

Interestingly, using metal removes the clay's healing powers by stripping out its electric charge, which is the thing that draws out toxins from your skin. I recommend a glass, wood, or plastic bowl. 

2. Mix 1 part clay to 2 parts water

• Put two tablespoons of water in a glass, wood, or plastic bowl. Add one tablespoon of clay. Use a wood or plastic fork to whisk the clay into the water until you get a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can dissolve the clay more efficiently than water and help reduce inflammation and breakouts. Remember that ACV makes the clay more potent in drawing out toxins and, therefore, harsher on your skin. For dry and sensitive skin, I suggest starting with water. 
•  If you want to try ACV, test with a small area of your skin before applying all over.

3. How to Apply 

Apply a thin layer to your face/neck with your hands or a synthetic makeup brush. Thicker layers take longer to dry and are more effective. When mixed with water or ACV, the resulting clay will be grey/brown to light olive green.

4. Wait 15-20 minutes for the clay to dry. During the drying process, the clay draws out toxins and impurities from the skin. This is a great time to read your favourite book, meditate, or rest your eyes.

5. Rinse: Use warm water and a washcloth to wipe the clay gently.

6. Moisturise: For best results, apply a gentle moisturiser after rinsing.

NOTE: After application, your skin may be red for 30-45 minutes, which is normal – but plan accordingly. For example, you may not want to do a mask right before going out for the night.