Aloe & White Clay Mask for Hormonal Acne

Aloe & White Clay Mask for Hormonal Acne

After many years of trying to figure out the cause of my acne and how to treat it, I’ve tried many remedies. Using Essential Oils to change my beauty routine helped me narrow down what causes my acne. Finally, I’ve narrowed it down to mostly hormonal acne. In an effort to reduce the severity of my hormonal breakouts, I researched and developed this Aloe & White Clay Mask for Hormonal Acne.

Hormonal acne is mostly found on your chin and around your mouth typically 7-10 days before menstruation. I really like WebMD’s explanation of the causes of hormonal acne found here. I don’t necessarily love their recommendations of taking hormone disrupting pills and antibiotics to treat it though. Especially not when there is an essential oil

for that! Ylang Ylang is a known hormone balancer. It also has antiseptic and calming properties when applied to skin. All these qualities make it the perfect oil for treatment of hormonal acne. I also added Lavender for an extra skin soothing boost. I used White Bentonite Clay to draw out skin impurities and Aloe Vera Gel to soothe and moisturize as the base of my mask. My plan is to use this mask right at the first sign of a breakout each month. After just one use, my skin looks clearer and my pores are smaller. Keep reading to find out how I made it.

Start with measuring out one tablespoon of the clay. I used Aztec Secrets 100% Pure Bentonite Clay (affiliate link). Make certain that your clay mixture never comes in contact with metal. Bentonite Clay draws out impurities (including metals) so contact with a metal utensil can leach impurities from the metal into the clay and make the clay less effective once applied to your own skin. Use a ceramic or wood utensil. Only have metal measuring spoons? Might I suggest these simple Porcelain Measuring Spoons or these lovely Beechwood Measuring Spoons (affiliate links).

Next, you add one tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel (affiliate link). I chose the brand by Lily of the Desert because of its purity. It is actually meant to be used as a nutritional supplement due to its purity. Which makes it even nicer to use for cosmetic purposes. Make sure you refrigerate it after opening.

Then add one tablespoon of plain distilled water. Not very exciting, I know. After you stir it all up, you may need to add more water for consistency.

Finally, add the essential oils. I added 3 drops of Ylang Ylang and 2 drops of Lavender.

If you have a question about the brand of essential oils I use, send me an inquiry here. Due to policy regulations, I am not allowed to tell you directly. I promise to only answer your questions and WILL NOT pester you with newsletters and sales gimmicks. I honestly don’t have the time to be a multi-level marketing guru.

Now stir, stir, stir. Unfortunately it is somewhat difficult to get a smooth consistency without using a metal whisk. I think I have finally found a legitimate reason to buy a Mortar and Pestle (affiliate link).

Finally just smooth it on your clean and slightly damp face. Sit back, relax and be still for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to dry. Because no blogger can post a face mask recipe without evidence of having actually used it, I must now show you the worst selfie ever. Boy, blogging has really taught me to try and get over embarrassing photos, but I’m still not quite there yet. Yep dark circles, unkempt hair, no lipstick and I even got a little in my hair. Oh yeah, and MUD ON MY FACE! You do NOT have my permission to use this photo of me for any reason. ; )

Once your skin feels cool and tight, rinse it off with a soft washcloth and warm water. Follow with a light moisturizer. Don’t you feel rejuvenated? My pores really were smaller along my nose and chin after just one use. I’m excited to see what long term use once a week will do to help regulate my hormonal acne.

So what about you- are you ready to try it? Do you suffer from different types of acne? Let me know your skin troubles in the comments below. I’d be happy to give you some recommendations to put you on the path to healthier skin!

Original article and pictures take http://www.bloominginbedlam.com/?p=1319 site