Have you heard about the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay mask? No? Well, you should probably buy it right now. I was pretty nervous about using it for the first time, if I’m being totally honest. I’d read horror stories from a few people who used it and will regret it for the rest of their lives. BUT. I also knew that I’d seen more success stories––and major ones at that. Since starting college three years ago, my skin and I just do not get along. I don’t know what the deal is, but I always feel like nothing helps. This mask was a last ditch effort on my part, and let me tell you, it’s worth all of the hassle and the pain. Wait, did I just say pain? Ah, yes I did.
I wrote down how I felt during the first masking session, and I decided to share it with all of you!
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask Day One:
My first thought is that it’s a pain in the ass to make. The mask comes in a container full of, you guessed it, powdered clay! You’ve got to mix it yourself. I kind of wish it came mixed already, because I hate having a dirty counter to deal with afterwards, but this does mean you get more in a container and it lasts for a lot longer. The instructions I found said to use water, but I used apple cider vinegar instead. You’re supposed to use equal amounts of clay and liquid and then mix it until it forms a smooth paste. (It smells horrible. I pushed through.)
After about 2-3 minutes on my face, I could feel it stiffening and burning a little bit, but I’ve got pretty sensitive skin, so this wasn’t a surprise. It took another 3-4 minutes for me to start feeling the pulsating everyone keeps talking about. And y’all… it’s weird as hell. But also I kind of like it because it makes me feel like it’s doing something. The container also says to keep it on for up to 20 minutes, but my skin probably would melt off, so we’re going to go for 10 minutes and see how it goes… *5 minutes later*
THIS IS THE LONGEST 10 MINUTES OF MY LIFE!!
OKAY. WHEW. It’s off. But my skin feels fabulous! I’ve definitely never done such an intense face mask, and while it is a pain to prepare, it’s totally worth it. I may even use it everyday if my skin can handle it (it was recommended to me for everyday use, don’t worry!)
Final thoughts about the mask: my face felt uncomfortably firm at first, but when I put my moisturizer on, that got better. As for the redness, it actually isn’t as bad as I expected. Since my skin is so sensitive, I fully expected to look like I’d spent all day on the beach with no sunscreen, and instead, I’ve just go a little redness on my chin and forehead. WIN! *The redness is normal!
Overall, I actually really like this mask. It’s a pretty high maintenance addition to the routine, but I have a feeling that small mess is going to be worth it.
One Month Update: Yep. I totally waited to post this article so that I could give you guys my initial reaction as well as my “old-pro” tips. You’re welcome.
So, it’s been a month since my first rendezvous with the famous pulsating mask and I feel more qualified to talk about it now. First of all, remember when I said I wasn’t sure it was worth the hassle? It totally is, and it doesn’t even feel like a hassle to me anymore… it’s just another part of my nightly (yes, nightly) routine. That’s another thing. I didn’t expect to use this every night, but I’ve actually found that my skin reacts better to using it every single night. I used to do 2-3 nights a week and use moisturizing sheet masks in between, but I don’t do that so much now. If my face is feeling extra dry, I’ll throw on a quick sheet mask in the morning and that usually takes care of it.
Here are some examples of when I choose NOT to use the clay mask:
- My skin feels super dry (as in hurts to even smile)
- If I’m taking a short trip (sheet masks are more practical for travel)
- If I’ve got a sunburn (this mask and sunburns definitely don’t mix!!!!!)
And that’s about it. Under all other circumstances, I grab the clay. And let me be clear about this: my skin is not perfect! This mask isn’t magic, you guys. But it is noticeably better than it has been. My skin tone has evened out, my acne is less obvious (I still get breakouts every now and then, but they’re smaller and easier to manage), and I’ve found that the more I used the mask, the longer I could wear it. I keep the mask on for 20 minutes now instead of just 10.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. I really didn’t think I’d stick with it––I’m one of those people who wants a 5-minute routine max, and this mask definitely requires more time than that. But my skin is used to it, and I can tell the next morning if I’ve skipped a night, so I just… don’t. The Aztec Secret and I? We’re old friends now.