So now that we know why we need to use a mask, why clay? There are a variety of different types of masks. When we developed the line of Teava Facial Treatment Masks we could have chosen multiple types of masks. There are gel masks, peel-off masks and a long list of other varieties. Clay masks, it turns out, are the least irritating and the most beneficial.

Clay masks are both gentle and effective for ANY skin type. This is possible because there are SO MANY different types of clays. You just have to be sure you choose the clay that is right for your skin type. For instance, kaolin clay (used in “rehydrate”) is very mild and gentle enough for sensitive skin. Unlike other clays, it does not strip the skin of its natural oil barrier, which makes it perfect in dry skin formulas. On the other side of the spectrum, clays like Bentonite (used in “reveal”) are excellent for oily and acne prone skin. It is partially composed of volcanic ash, which contributes to its ability to absorb excess oil, which will reduce shine and breakouts. It also contains natural antibacterial properties and tightens pores.

The most amazing thing about clay masks is their detoxifying and nourishing effects. As the clay mask dries on the face it exchanges nutrients in the clay for toxins in the skin. When resuspended in water, clay develops a negative charge. This negative charge attracts the positively charged toxins within the skin (universal scientific rule: negative charges attract positive charges a.k.a. opposites attract). Clay actually draws out and removes toxins that can damage the skin and leave the skin looking dull and lifeless. The nutrients that the clay deposits INTO the skin are various trace metals (like silica) that are hard to obtain through nutrition but are AMAZING for the skin.

Whether you do it at the spa or you do it at home, using a clay facial mask is a MUST for any complete skincare regimen. Be sure to use the mask that is right for your skin type and the results will make using a clay facial mask addicting!

“I am in love with it! I started having issues with my skin when I got home from the Navy, I couldn’t figure it out for the life of me, but my skin was breaking out like crazy and nothing was working. I even got some pricey products…I tried 4Voo products, which had good reviews, but they did nothing for me. It was really starting to mess with my self-esteem, which I hadn’t felt in so long…but I noticed within a week that my skin was healthy looking the way it used to.”

“Thank you for producing such good products…I just visited a friend out of state, and he seem impressed by it too when I let him try it. I had high hopes for your stuff, and you surpassed all my expectations!”

Jamie is using the Clarity Collection. Find it here: The Clarity Collection

It is important to be gentle to your sensitive skin, so know which skincare ingredients to stay away from and which will work for your skin type. Avoid harsh ingredients such as acids and bases, strong surfactants, synthetic fragrances (phthalates), benzoyl peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Ingredients that come from animal origin, like lanolin oil, should also be avoided, because they can easily result in an allergic reaction.

Instead, look for natural ingredients that are anti-inflammatory and calming. Ingredients like white tea, green tea, aloe, safflower oil and jojoba oil soothe and prevent irritation. Better yet, rooibos tea contains a compound that is anti-allergenic and has been shown to suppress allergic reactions! Also, look for ingredients that restore the lipid layer that protects and maintains moisture levels of the skin such as grapeseed oil.

Make sure you choose skincare products formulated specifically for your sensitive skin. Try the Teava Hydration Collection! The cleanser, toner and creams are loaded with rooibos tea, white tea, green tea and other ingredients that soothe and protect your sensitive skin!

Smog particles may further modified by the sun to form free radicals. When these free radicals encounter cells, they integrate into the structure of the cell and severely damage its machinery. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, found that skin cells exposed to low levels of ozone (0.3ppm, typical big cities range from 0.2-1.2ppm) exhibit signs of stress. They also showed that ozone activated enzymes in the cells that convert pollutants to even more toxic compounds.

So what does a person who works in an office within the city do? Protect yourself with a vitamin, mineral and antioxidant rich night cream like Teava Skincare’s “Preserve”. “Preserve” is formulated using matcha, rooibos tea and honeybush tea which are loaded with a variety of antioxidants that neutralize the 3 main types of free radicals. They also contain vitamins and minerals that are necessary to support healthy skin function in such stressful environments.

You can also purchase a charcoal air filtration system to remove ozone particles from the air. This can be especially useful for those who suffer from asthma. In a recent study (Aug 2009 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences), ozone was shown to react with skin oils and produce compounds that irritate the skin and lungs, potentially worsening asthma symptoms. **This little tidbit is on behalf of my loving mother, who suffers from asthma and is counting on me for a cure! ;-)

Benzoyl peroxide (BP) is a very popular acne solution, especially with the introduction of acne systems like “Proactive”. It works by opening up the pores and oxygenating the skin. This oxygen kills the acne causing bacteria clearing and preventing future breakouts. The benefit of BP is that it works and has been used for a very long time. The downside is that it is very drying to the skin, which ultimately results in an increase in sebum (oil) production in order for to maintain proper moisture levels. Next, it is often too harsh for sensitive skin types to use. Lastly and most concerning, is that the very process that allows BP to be so effective (oxygenation) also contributes to free radical production. This creates unstable molecules that reek havoc on skin cells and their DNA, which damages the skin and leads to premature aging.

Salicylic Acid (SA) is another popular acne solution and, bonus!!, it is a natural ingredient when derived from the bark of the willow tree! It works by exfoliating the pores and therefore preventing cellular debris and oil from clogging pores. People with acne generally have a lower rate of desquamation (cell turnover) which leads to clogged pores. SA corrects this. SA is gentle and nonirritating, which is perfect for acne sufferers with sensitive skin. Also, since SA can penetrate the top layer of skin, it will not be washed away and its effects will last throughout the day. It also improves the texture and tone of skin! Some things to be aware of are that SA is actually a derivative of aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin or are pregnant, you may want to avoid products with SA in them. One more thing to make clear is that SA does not kill troublesome bacteria; it keeps the pores clear preventing bacteria from becoming out of control and causing breakouts.

To get clear, even-toned skin without damage and irritation use products like those in Teava Skincare’s Clarity Collection . They contain a powerful 1-2 PUNCH of SA and white tea. This combination uses SA to removes dirt, oil and debris from the pores, as white tea kills acne-causing bacteria! White tea has potent anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties…all essential for clear, even, healthy skin!