The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask and the Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask
It’s been years since I last bought a clay face mask until picking up a few single-use packets of The Body Shop’s Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask a couple of months ago at Ulta. I also picked up a couple of other single-use masks while I was there. The Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask, pictured above, was intended for me, as my cheeks are flaking dry and the clay mask was for someone who mentioned to me that they were dealing with blackheads around their nose.
Upfront, I did like the Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask but forgot all about it once I saw what my friend’s pores looked like after using the Seaweed Iconic Clay Mask. The difference was visible; I couldn’t stop staring. After wearing the mask for 15 minutes (as directed on the packaging), my friend’s pores were significantly clearer to the naked eye– which made the pores themselves seem smaller than before applying the mask.
I couldn’t believe it. I still sort of don’t believe it.
Of course I ran out and bought myself a full-size tub right away from The Body Shop store in town, as another product I’ve been using caused a break out on my forehead. Ugh. So, I’ve been using the Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask twice a week for the last three weeks. While I haven’t had the dramatic results my friend had, as we have different skin types (I’m intermittently combination and she’s oily), the mask has helped me with the breakout. My pores aren’t all that large, though I do have some visible pores around my nose, but I still see a small difference after using the mask.
In the larger scheme of my skincare routine, I often use an AHA-based chemical exfoliant (M2 High Potency Skin Refinish 20% is my go-t0 alpha-hydroxy acid product) to help shed dead skin cells as well as clear impurities from my pores. As I’ve gotten older, my skin has gone through a lot of ups and downs but it is definitely oilier, and this is the first time I’d even thought to try out a clay mask again. In the end, I’m glad that I did. There are definitely times when my skin needs it.
I would also like to add that there have been a few occasions when I’ve experienced a slight burning after applying the Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask. When that happens, I take the hint and shorten the length of time I keep the mask on (10 minutes or less) but I suggest checking with a doctor to make sure you aren’t experiencing an allergic reaction (test patches can also help).
My only problem with the product is that the mask smells too nice, and I really do wish companies would stop adding fragrances to their skincare lines but that is another conversation. Bottom line, the product does what I expected it to do and for that I’m happy.
When I have the time, however, I do plan to try out making my own clay mask without fragrance additives or coloring agents; I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes!
The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask
