This article originally appeared on eHow: http://www.ehow.com/how_7825078_make-bentonite-clay-mask.html

Bentonite clay is used as a detoxifier both in and outside the body. When ingested it is used to suck up impurities in the body, and when it is used as a face mask it helps pull toxins from the skin and clear up blemishes or acne. You can make your own bentonite clay mask at home, and depending on your skin care needs, you can enhance the clay mask with other ingredients.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bentonite clay
• Water
• Green tea
• Cucumber
• Oatmeal
• Honey
• Crushed almonds

1.      Mix 3 tbsp. bentonite clay powder with 2 tbsp. water and continue to add teaspoons of water until the mask is a smooth consistency that sits well on your face. Apply to your face and allow it to dry, then rinse thoroughly. This mask will soothe blemishes and acne.

2.      Brew a cup of green tea and add it to your bentonite clay powder rather than water. This will reduce redness and puffiness and green tea also serves as a mild astringent to reduce oil.

3.      Chop up an inch long section of cucumber and add it to your mask along with a tablespoon of oatmeal. The oatmeal will reduce oil in the skin and the cucumber will soothe and moisturize along with the clay.

4.      Create a scrubbing mask by adding a tablespoon of crushed almonds to your clay. Also add a tablespoon of honey for its moisturizing properties. Put in enough water to make the mask smooth enough to stick to the skin. When the mask is dry and you rinse it off, gently scrub it on your skin to remove dead skin cells.