Mud masks have been a go-to for many people looking to do a deeper and more thorough cleanse, but that also often comes with the worry that it might trigger redness or discomfort amongst those with sensitive skin.
As a person with skin sensitivities myself, this writer completely empathises with you on this conundrum. Fortunately, we’ve done some legwork in the mud and clay mask section of the beauty aisles.
The bad news is that in all of our masking trials over the years, the redness is unavoidable especially with those whose skin gets rashes easily. But if there are some things you can do to help mitigate how red your skin looks post-cleanse, it’s these three steps.
Firstly, do a patch test. Different sensitive skin types will react to different ingredients, so what may work for one person may not always deliver the same cleansing-sans-sensitivities experience to another.
Next, when rinsing off the mask, avoid going at it with plenty of force. The mud has hardened, which often triggers a subconscious action of using more pressure to break them up. Our best tip? Don’t do that. Instead, wet the mud with a soft and damp cloth, then work in slow and soft circular motions to get the mask softened and washed off. It takes a longer time, but think of it as your own spa time after a long day.
Lastly, always follow with a calming and hydrating serum and moisturiser immediately. Mud masks help to draw out the gunk but can also be drying, so combat that with nourishing products to restore balance.
Now that we’ve covered the basic, here are some of our fave mud and clay masks that are suitable for sensitive skin users too.
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