Deep Cleansing Mud Mask Recipe

Writing a book is stressful! It caused my first autoimmune flare in months and the first time I’ve had a skin breakout in years. I’m back on the autoimmune reset diet and my symptoms are all fading quickly, but to help speed up the skin healing, I’ve been doing my deep cleansing mud mask recipe (in fact, I have one on my face as I type this!).

I got a natural facial as a gift one time and it was so relaxing and my skin felt great for days. My budget doesn’t allow regular facials, so I wanted to find a good at-home option instead. This mask has been great for clearing up my stress-induced breakout and getting my skin back to normal.

Ingredients Needed

• Bentonite Clay: I like to use this Essential Living Clay for external uses like facials. I’ve written before about the many benefits of healing clays, and bentonite is especially good at firming and detoxing the skin. It is also great for detoxing the hair and restoring natural volume and shine.
• Honey: Another facial ingredient I love, honey is naturally soothing and cleansing. I often use honey alone to cleanse my face in the evening (I use the oil cleansing method in the morning) with great results. Raw honey is naturally antibacterial and is great for skin healing. It also adds a smooth and silky texture to the mask.
• Herbs and Essential Oils: I put some chamomile flowers and calendula flowers in the blender to make a fine powder and add to the clay before mixing with the honey and water to add some extra skin nourishment. I also like to add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil for scent and skin health. If I don’t feel like powdering the herbs first, I just make a strong tea with them instead and use the liquid in place of water in the recipe below.

Mud Mask Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of bentonite clay
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 1 teaspoon of water (or more if needed)
• 1/2 tsp of powdered calendula and chamomile flowers (optional)
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)

Mud Mask Instructions

1. Mix the bentonite clay with the powdered herbs (if using) in a small bowl.
2. Add honey and mix to form a thick paste.
3. Add enough warm water to form a thin paste. Add lavender essential oil (if using).
4. Immediately apply to face and neck in a circular motion, avoiding the eyes.
5. Leave on 10-15 minutes or until it has hardened.
6. Wash off with a (dark colored) wash cloth soaked in hot water (really hot water helps to steam off the mask without having to rub the skin).
7. Pat skin dry and enjoy your smooth skin!

Ever made a mud mask at home? What did you use? Tell me below!