The 'world's most powerful facial' reviewed
Honestly, my fixation on getting "good skin" is a curse, not just for my finances but my bathroom shelves and me getting anywhere on time, so it's no surprise I caved and bought the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. Not because my current collection of clay-based skincare was lacking (it most certainly is not, I have jars and jars of half-used clay masks. Come around and try!), but because this particular clay claims to be "the world's most powerful facial" and I desperately needed to see what the fuss was about.
A quick Google search of the clay generates a bunch of impressive before and afters and a firm position on Amazon's best selling beauty buys list – that's got to mean something, right?
Inside the jar is 100 per cent calcium bentonite clay, a substance formed from ancient volcanic ash that was once exposed to seawater. Research suggests that it was used in ancient civilisations to help relieve pain, so this form of clay is nothing new.
The absorbent properties in bentonite clay means it can work wonders on acne-prone or oily skin as it draws oil and dirt from the skin, along with any other impurities, leaving nothing behind. But this kind of clay also contains a bunch of minerals that work to soothe and protect the skin too. Making it unexpectedly great for minor skin irritations, like itchy bites.
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay AKA the "world's most powerful facial" or just a clever gimmick? Let's take a closer look...
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Initial thoughts on the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
For $12 (plus shipping) you get a lot of clay powder. For scale: I've used this about 14 times (on my face and the faces of friends) and the jar still looks full. Compared to other clay masks on the market it's very well priced.
How to use it
This isn't your typical slap-and-go mask, this one requires a bit of work before you get to enjoy any benefits, and as someone who doesn't like effort it's not too labour-intensive – another tick!
Using a non-reactive (not metal) spoon, take a scoop of the powder and match that with a scoop of either water or apple cider vinegar and mix it in a non-reactive bowl (again, not metal, plastic or ceramic is ideal).
What's the difference between the water and apple cider vinegar? Water is recommended for more sensitive skin, it makes for a gentler paste, while apple cider vinegar can help fight acne-causing bacteria and assist with balancing the skin's pH, basically, it gives the paste a bit more of a kick.
Mix it until all the bumps have disappeared, then you're good to go.
Now for the application...
There's not much to application, except paint it on as evenly as possible, and quickly before it starts to dry.
You'll want to avoid getting this in your hair or eyebrows, because once it dries it will become tough to remove (speaking from experience here).
If you've got sensitive skin, leave the mask on for no more than 10 minutes, if it starts to irritate, take the mask off immediately. For normal-oily skin types, you can leave it on for up to 20 minutes.
The package reassures that a pulling and pulsating feeling is normal. While I definitely felt my skin tightening and pulling as the mask began to dry, I didn't get the pulsating sensation that was promised, just a little niggle around my cheeks as the mask began to dry.
The removal process makes a mess, requires plenty of warm water and a face towel or muslin cloth to successfully get the mask off completely – you've been warned!
The end result
As soon as the mask is off, your skin will look red – like a tomato or severe sunburn – but don't stress, it will subside within 30 minutes. To touch, your skin will feel very clean and your pores will look smaller (win!).
The job of a clay mask, like this, is to remove any impurities from your skin, so feeling super dry post-mask is completely normal. Just be sure to replenish your skin with a hydrating serum or moisturiser... or both!
Tip: use this mask at night before bed and enjoy waking up with fresh, happy skin.
So, is it "the world's most powerful facial"?
In my time I've tried my fair share of skin treatments, but as far as at-home treatments are concerned this one has potential for great on-going results, with regular use. Besides fine lines and annoying pigmentation, blackheads across my T-zone are my primary skin concern and this mask definitely helped to minimise them.
While I don't have acne to treat, I've found that this also works well as an affordable spot treatment, when annoying red and angry blemishes appear. Just dab the mixture on your spots as you need – the clay helps to soothe them and reduce their redness. Same mixing and application rules apply when using it this way too.
As for being "the world's most powerful facial"? It definitely gets points for being an affordable way to help treat oily, blackhead- and acne-prone skin.