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
Next, you add one tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel
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!
I am wondering what your moisturizer recipe is using argan oil and helichrysum. Just finished the toner and am starting the eye cream! Will let you know how it all turns out.
Jodi
Hi…..I’m curious. When you initially start using this, is your skin worse for a while? Also, is it safe for teens?
Thanks.
Have you tried the mask with the apple cider vinegar like it says in the directions on the jar? I was wondering because I just received the clay & wanted to know what your thoughts were on using it that way.. love this aloe vera version even more though 🙂
I haven’t tried that. Mostly because a high concentration of acv sitting on my face for so long would be way too harsh for my skin. Love me some aloe vera, but I’ve also added full fat organic yogurt and raw local honey to this mask for a little more moisturizing boost and loved that.
Hi Cajun,
I love your post! And by the way, your mask selfie is way too better than mine haha! I like the fact that you used simple yet very effective products. I am an advocate of using Aloe Vera for almost any skin-related problems. I’ll try this mask out, but I’ll have to scrape the gel off the Aloe leaf because I grow a lot of them in my garden. Thanks for sharing!
I found this mask, and today I did it. But I have a question, Can I do without add water? Because I did it, and it was easy for me to combine the bentonite and aloe vera.. Thank you so much to share your knowledge ?
Sure if that works for you, go for it!
How often do you use this mask? And I know it’s a few years old, do you still use it?
Hi Becky! Yes I still use it once a month the week before I expect to have my monthly cycle.
I know this is a bit old but hope you can help. I am 35 and went off birth control for high blood pressure reasons and because i am trying to get rid off all non-essential pills/chemicals. I am having acne issues on my back, never had it there when i was younger, and occasionally on my chin/cheeks. Could i use this mask on my back? I have tea tree oil, could I use that? i am desperate to clear this up as summer is coming and I love to wear tank tops, especially when running or working out but i am just too embarrassed right now, not to mention the thought of putting on a swimsuit.
Tea tree oil aka Melaleuca is great for clearing up acne. I just put it directly on my spots.
Found you on Pinterest. I may give this mask a go. I believe I have hormonal acne too. Have always had little bumps/pimples on my forehead. Recently been getting large welting breakouts on my forehead and chin. Trying Proactive right now, but not happy with the harsh chemicals. may embrace oils soon =)
Sarah J recently posted…Wordless Wednesday – What’s So Funny?
Go for it Sarah! My skin had improved so much in the past year since I started oils! Thanks so much for clicking through from pinterest!
Hi Cajun! I wish I’d had your mask formula about 2 years ago. I was going through the “change” and all of a sudden I had breakouts galore on my chin. How embarrassing when you’re in your 50s! Well, I got beyond that and luckily, I’m blemish free right now but if they come back, I will try your mask!
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads recently posted…Using a Dremel is a Hoot!
Blemish free is an ever-evolving goal for me for sure! I’m really looking forward to seeing what continued use will do for me too. Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comment Jane!
Where can you get clay? From the Whole Foods Market?
Morgan you can try a whole foods market or you can buy it on amazon through the link in the post. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve been looking for natural methods to improve my skin. This recipe sounds like something I’d like to try.
Preslaysa recently posted…Love at First Sight? Let’s Talk About It.
Thank you Preslaysa! You should also check out my other EO posts on skincare. I am constantly researching and trying new things to make my skin look better. Nothing has ever worked as well as essential oils! Thanks for visiting and especially for commenting!