Deep Pore Cleansing With Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Blackheads, be gone! If you’re looking for a natural and inexpensive way to make DIY spa facials a regular occurrence, look no further than deep pore cleansing. Clearing debris, environmental pollutants, and oil from skin is a great way to keep it looking its best, and we’ve got one ancient beauty secret you have to try. Spoiler: It’s the oh-so-popular Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay.

What Is Healing Clay?

Used in beauty rituals for centuries, healing clay was popular in Egyptian times—Cleopatra is believed to have included it in her beauty rituals. If that’s not enough of an endorsement, ancient Roman spas offered clay pack treatments thousands of years ago, and clay is also used medicinally in Ayurvedic practices.

Bentonite clay is one type of healing clay that’s especially beneficial. It’s made from aged volcanic ash and named from one of the largest known deposits found in Fort Benton, Montana. It’s powdery soft in texture, light gray in color with hints of green, odorless, doesn’t stain, and brimming with natural minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and iron. But what bentonite clay is best known for absorbing and removing toxins—including chemicals, impurities, and heavy metals—from the body. Talk about a detox powerhouse!

Benefits of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

How do we love Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay? Let us count the ways! Here are some benefits of the product that has achieved cult status among beauty insiders.

• Helps absorb and remove toxins from the body
• Minimizes the appearance of pores
• Contains natural minerals that are good for skin
• Inspired by ancient beauty secrets
• Affordable and non-toxic

How to Use Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is bentonite clay that hails from Death Valley, California, where it’s sun-dried for up to six months in temps that can reach 134°F! The recommended use is as follows:

1. Mix equal parts clay and apple cider vinegar or water to form a paste.
2. Smooth onto your face and neck.
3. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Wipe off with a damp, warm washcloth.

Does Deep Pore Cleansing Work?

Sometimes when something sounds too good to be true, it is. But as for deep pore cleansing, this is one beauty ritual that really gets the job done. As one of our beauty editors, Michelle, a self-proclaimed all-natural beauty junkie, put it: “You’ll know it’s working because your face will start tingle a little bit, and the mask starts to tighten and harden.” She admitted to some sensitivity when washing the mask off and encourages everyone to be extra gentle while using a damp washcloth. “Redness aside, my skin felt smooth and bright, and [I] noticed that [my] pores were smaller. The next morning, my skin looked really clear and all of the irritation had disappeared overnight,” Michelle wrote, adding a pro tip for sensitive types. “Use a soothing moisturizer or facial oil after to make sure your skin doesn’t become overly dry.”

Homemade Deep Pore Cleansing Face Masks

Beyond bentonite clay, there are some other DIY face masks that can help reduce the appearance of pores.

Brightening Spirulina and Honey Mask

Ingredients
3 tablespoons spirulina powder
3 tablespoons organic honey
Optional: cucumber slices, for eyes

Instructions
Start by washing your face. In a small bowl, whisk spirulina powder and honey together until combined. The mixture will have a paste-like consistency. Smooth all over your complexion. For the full spa experience, lie back, close your eyes, and place cucumber slices over your eyelids. After 20 minutes, gently remove with a damp washcloth, and rinse with water. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer or facial oil.

Probiotic Face Mask

Ingredients
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
1 teaspoon raw honey
2 to 3 capsules probiotics

Instructions
In a small bowl, combine jojoba oil and raw honey. Open probiotic capsules, empty contents into bowl, and mix well. Apply all over face, leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse. Moisturize with a skin-balancing oil like rosehip seed immediately afterwards.

The Best Deep Pore Cleansing Products

When it comes to deep cleansing your pores, go with the beloved O.G. product our members rave about.

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

Made from bentonite clay harvested in Death Valley, California, the clay is sun-dried for six months in high temps (that sometimes reach more than 130°F). This face mask is made with more than 50 natural minerals, and sinks deep into skin to help remove blackheads and dry up pimples without stripping your face of its natural moisture. But don’t take our word for it …

“The clay is amazing on my skin and hair! It makes your hair and skin soooooo soft!”
—Sarai

“This product is so inexpensive and effective. I’ve been doing weekly masks using ACV and the clay. My skin has never been better! Highly recommend.”
—Capri

“I’m so happy I bought this! It is so wonderful, [non-smelly], non-greasy, strong, and dries fast. I had a nasty bug bite and this saved my life and skin! I highly recommend having this as a staple.”
—Tina

“I will always keep this mask in rotation. I do this once or twice a week and it keeps my skin clearer for sure.”
—April