Facial Masks For Stressed Skin

How is your face doing?

Lately, I’ve been breaking out on my jawline and cheeks. I assume it’s from the food I’ve been eating, but I think it’s also from stress. With everything that’s going on with the pandemic, I have to say the unknown freaks me out a little bit. And when I start to feel this way, I reach for anything sweet. That’s brownies, cookies, candy, ice cream, etc. I still incorporate vegetables and fruits into my diet, but I’m definitely consuming a good portion of desserts. Let’s just say it’s a “healthy” balance (lies).

Since I can’t see my dermatologist at the moment, I decided to whip out my facial mask. Not a sheet mask, but a full on Mrs. Doubtfire mask (hello!).

But what exactly is stressed skin?

According to an article in Women’s Health, “it’s an outward symptom of internal stress. Whether you can’t stop obsessing over your boss’ late night email, trying to cram every social event into your packed-out calendar, your skin will be one of the first to bare the brunt of stress.“

My product of choice to combat this is the Rhassoul Clay by Poppy Austin. It’s a natural mineral clay from Morocco that pulls impurities out of your skin, unclogs pores and reduces dryness. I’ve been using it off and on for the past couple of years and absolutely love it.

Here are step-by-step directions on how I use it:

Mix 2 tablespoons of Rhassoul Clay with 1 tablespoon of water until you get a pasty consistency (you might have to add a little more water). NOTE: Don't use a metal spoon or bowl. I linked a few options you can buy at the bottom of this page. I've heard great things about the pink spatula at Sephora.
Use your fingers or a facial spatula to apply the mixture to your face. Avoid putting it on your eyebrows, eyes and mouth.
As the mask starts to harden, your face will start to get very stiff and you'll feel a pulsing sensation. It will turn a light brown color when it's completely dry.
Take a warm washcloth and slowly remove the clay from your face.
Pat dry with a towel and that's it!

Voila! A clean and smooth face. I recommend doing this once a week or biweekly. I think anything more than that would be too much.

If you want to try something else, give one of these Freeman clay masks a try.

Feeling Beautiful 4-in-1 Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Clay Mask

Feeling Beautiful Manuka Honey & Tea Tree Oil Foaming Clay

They were recommended by my friend who said:

"The apple cider one is great because it's a mask and scrub in one and it's not heavy. My face feels refreshed after using it."

Also, these are just recommendations. I’m not a dermatologist or esthetician so I’m just sharing what works for me and others. Here are a few more masks and accessories I’ve heard good things about, but haven’t tried yet. They’re on my wish list!