I don’t want to sound like an over-hyped infomercial, but seriously folks… this mask is magical and it’s probably going to change your life. Ok, maybe not your life, but it will definitely change your skin. At least it changed mine.

Now, I don’t usually share a lot of photos of myself in this space. You’re here for the recipes, and I try my best to keep the focus on mouth-watering shots of chocolate and kale chips. When it comes to beauty treatments, though, sometimes we want to see some results. I’m a huge believer in natural skincare and its effectiveness, and I hope to inspire you to try making your own skin treatments. As your personal DIY beauty guinea pig, I’m putting it all out there for you today. I’m sharing some un-retouched photos of mah face (even a couple without makeup) so you can see a little before-and-after action. It makes me a bit nervous to do so, but it’s for a good cause… your soon-to-be soft, glowing skin. OH boy, here we go!

I’ve been using this particular mask for about a month, once or twice a week. I noticed an improvement in my skin the first time I used it. I originally mixed up this concoction in an attempt to smooth out the little bumps and congested pores on my forehead, which I suspect resulted from running and sweating profusely during a long string of hot and humid days. In addition to clearing up the bumps and tightening my pores, I noticed several other surprises after using the mask. The fine lines around my eyes and between my brows were significantly reduced, my skin tone looked more even and bright, and my skin was softer… and dare I say, glowy.

  

The photo on the left is from about a month and a half ago, I’m wearing full makeup here: concealer, foundation, powder, blush, eye shadow… the whole shabang. This was not a planned “before” picture. I was trying to look my best, as I needed a head and shoulders shot to turn in for the cookbook I’m contributing to. The photo on the right was a selfie taken with my phone after the first time I used the mask. I’m wearing light makeup: no foundation, just a little concealer under my eyes and a light dusting of mineral powder (also some homemade beet powder lip and cheek stain – I hope to share that recipe soon!). It isn’t that the first photo is horrible, but in the second one I look just a tad more awake, and my skin is smoother. None of the photos I’m sharing today have been retouched or altered in any way.

     

Here’s a couple more photos. The first photo (on the left) was taken the same day as the first photo on the left in the set above, so full makeup. In the photo on the right, I’m wearing no makeup, not a smidge. Not the best lighting in either of these, I look slightly blue on the left (it also looks like maybe I’m topless in the second picture, and I assure you I have a tank top on in both of these!). Despite the crummy lighting, they still show a change in my skin texture. What you can’t see is how good it feels. My face feels so clean and fresh after using this mask, like it’s breathing deeply for the first time ever. An uncontrollable urge to stroke your face is a side effect of this mask. The bentonite clay acts as a “spongemagnet” (just made that up); the clay swells up when mixed with liquid, becoming highly porous and attracting toxins into it via electrical charge. If that isn’t magical, I don’t know what is.

The second major active ingredient in this mask is apple cider vinegar (or AVC). ACV is used in all kinds of homemade hair and skin goodies. The alpha hydroxy acids in ACV make it useful for clearing away dead skin cells, tightening skin, and evening out post-acne hyperpigmentation, acne scars, age spots, and sun damage. When combined with bentonite clay and natural emollient ingredients like pure aloe vera, vegetable glycerin, and jojoba oil, you’ve got a powerful anti-aging, acne-fighting, skin-smoothing mask.

If you’re looking for a multi-purpose mask that will improve your skin after just one use, I highly encourage you to give this a try! Compared to store-bought masks, this one is very inexpensive to put together once you have all the ingredients, and the ingredients required can be used in a multitude of homemade beauty treatments. As a woman quickly approaching a rather (ahem) significant mile-stone birthday, I’m elated to discover this magic youthful-glow-in-a-jar. I recommend using this before bed. It’s the closest thing to waking up to brand new skin!

Bentonite Clay Dream Skin Mask

**Please read all of the instructions and notes before beginning!**

• 1 Tbsp bentonite clay (powder)
• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar*
• 1 tsp 100% vegetable glycerin
• 1 1/2 tsp pure aloe vera gel
• 1/2 tsp jojoba oil
• filtered water
• *optional – plain, unsweetened coconut yogurt

Instructions:

1. Mix the clay, ACV, vegetable glycerin, aloe vera, and jojoba oil, and add water 1/2 tsp at a time until a thick paste is formed. Use plastic or wooden utensil to stir, as metal will reduce the effectiveness of the clay. Alternatively, you can use plain coconut yogurt instead of water.

2. Apply to freshly cleansed face in a thick even layer.Relax for about 15 minutes, do not let the mask get too dry, it shouldn’t be cracking or pulling at your skin, it should be just the slightest tacky when you rinse it. If your skin feels at all uncomfortable during use, immediately rinse with tepid water.

3. Use an old face cloth and hold it under hot running water and then hold it up to your face, letting the steam soften the mask. Repeat several times. Then use the cloth to remove the softened mask. Finish with several splashes of cold water. 

4. Pat skin dry and apply several drops of jojoba all over your face, massaging it in. I like to massage a few drops of rose hip oil or argan oil around my eyes or wherever fine lines are popping up.

5.There should be enough for two applications. Store the rest in a covered container in the refrigerator.

PRECAUTIONS (because this is your face we’re talking about here)

IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN: please do a patch test 24 hours before using. I would suggest leaving out the apple cider vinegar altogether if your skin is on the sensitive side or if you aren’t sure. Please do the patch test either way.

I do NOT have sensitive skin, and I’m also very accustomed to using homemade face masks with the ingredients listed. Know your skin, and what it can handle. I worked up to 1 tsp of ACV in this recipe, which does cause a slight tingle and warming. Definitely do not use more until after you’ve used the mask several times, and only increase by 1/4 tsp at a time. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments or email me directly at feedingyourbeauty @ gmail dot com.

Just a reminder, I’m not a doctor, dermatologist, or scientist. Recipes and suggestions are not meant to diagnose or treat any condition or disease.