How often to use a clay mask, and for how long

How often to use a clay mask comes down to two things: how oily your skin is, and how your skin feels the day after. Most people land on once or twice a week. Here is how to find your number, how long to leave the mask on, and what to do when you rinse it off.

How often to use a clay mask, by skin type

Clay absorbs oil. That is the whole point of it, and it is also why more is not better: skin that has had too much oil taken away feels tight and dry. A good starting point for each skin type:

These match the general guidance: once or twice a week for oily skin, no more than once a week for dry skin, and a ceiling of twice a week for everyone. Our own Clay Mask says the same on its directions: 1 to 2 times a week.

How long to leave a clay mask on

Follow your pack, because formulas differ. General guides often say about 15 minutes. Ours is shorter: 5 to 10 minutes, until the clay starts to set, then rinse well with lukewarm water.

"Starts to set" is the thing to watch for. The mask goes from wet and glossy to matte and slightly firm at the edges. That is your cue. You do not need to wait until it is pale, hard and cracking when you move your face.

What happens if you leave it on too long, or use it too often

A clay mask left on too long, or used too often, can leave skin dry or irritated. The signs are easy to read: skin feels tight after rinsing, looks flaky the next day, or stings when you put on your usual serum.

If that happens, do two things. Cut back to once a week, and take the mask off at the earlier end of the time range. If your skin still feels tight, a clay mask may simply not be what it needs right now.

What is in our Clay Mask

Ours is a creamy mask built on two clays. Kaolin, a white clay, absorbs excess oil. Montmorillonite, a green clay, is there for refined-looking pores, and charcoal powder for a clean feel. The first ingredient on the list is organic aloe leaf juice, which keeps the mask feeling comfortable on skin while it sits.

The formula is 100% natural origin and 16% organic, with a pH of 5.2 to 5.3. It has no parabens and no silicones, and its color comes from mineral pigments only. There is no added fragrance and no essential oil, so it has just a faint clay note. It is made for all skin types and comes in a 3.04 fl oz (90 mL) jar.

How to use a clay mask, step by step

1. Cleanse first. A mask goes on clean skin, so it meets your skin and not your sunscreen. If you wear makeup, see our guide to double cleansing.
2. Dry your face. Our directions say clean, dry skin.
3. Spread an even layer with clean fingers. Keep it away from the eye area.
4. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, until the clay starts to set. Set a timer if you tend to wander off.
5. Rinse well with lukewarm water. Take your time around the nose and hairline, where clay likes to hide.
6. Hydrate straight away. See the next section.

What to put on after a clay mask

The mask takes oil away, so the next steps put water back. On mask nights we keep it to three:

• Toner. Our Hydrating Toner is a water-light rose flower water toner with hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA and glycerin. Sweep it on with a cotton pad or press it in with your hands. It has no added fragrance, only the faint scent of the rose water itself.
• Serum. Press a few drops of Hydrating Serum onto skin that is still slightly damp from the toner. It is 75.74% aloe leaf juice with jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid, and it leaves a dewy finish. It does contain fragrance (a soft cotton-and-flowers scent), so skip it if you avoid scented skincare.
• Moisturizer. Finish with your usual cream to seal the hydration in.

For where a weekly mask sits among your daily steps, see skincare routine steps in the right order. If shine is your main reason for masking, our guide on how to use a niacinamide serum covers the daily side.

Common clay mask mistakes

• Masking every day. Twice a week is the ceiling for most skin.
• Waiting for it to crack. Rinse when it starts to set.
• Rinsing with hot water. Our directions say lukewarm, and it is enough to lift the clay.
• Going to bed with nothing on after. Always follow with hydration.
• Masking over irritated or broken skin. Wait until it has settled.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a clay mask every day?

It is not a good idea. Clay absorbs oil, and daily use can leave skin dry or irritated. Once or twice a week is enough, even for oily skin.

Are clay face masks good for pores?

A clay mask absorbs excess oil from the skin's surface, so pores look more refined and skin feels clean and smooth. We describe that as pores that look refined, not as smaller pores.

Do clay masks pull out blackheads?

Clay absorbs oil, which can leave the nose and chin looking cleaner. We do not claim our mask removes blackheads. If they bother you, ask a dermatologist what suits your skin.

Should a clay mask dry completely?

No. Rinse it when the clay starts to set, which for our mask is after 5 to 10 minutes. Leaving a mask until it is hard and cracking only makes skin feel tighter.

Should I moisturize after a clay mask?

Yes. Follow with a hydrating toner or serum and then your moisturizer, while skin is still slightly damp.

Can I use a clay mask if I have dry skin?

Yes, but keep it to once a week at most and to the shorter end of the timing. Our Clay Mask is made for all skin types and has an aloe leaf juice base for a comfortable feel.

Sources

Yetman D. Clay Mask Benefits for Your Skin and Hair, and How to Use Them. Healthline, medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN; 4 June 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/clay-mask-benefits
Product details are taken from the exokiss Clay Mask, Hydrating Toner and Hydrating Serum pages. This article is general information, not medical advice.