The DIY Body Mask: A New Year’s Ritual That Tones, Soothes + Detoxifies

Wrap yourself in a cocoon of coconut oil, vitamin C, and french clay to take your self-care rituals to a whole new level this year. 

While the symbolism of "jump starting" routines on January 1 has some significance, most of us find it hard to make it happen fresh out of the holiday break. The Northern hemisphere is mostly cold, the sun still sets early, and with winter still here, it’s okay to not feel super motivated. This year, it is perhaps even more difficult to find that fresh pep.

I say… relax, pull back, and step into the cocoon that feels best for you. We don’t have to start the new year in a sprint.

This year I’m incorporating more self-soothing and nurturing rituals into my life like this DIY body mask that I’ve made with my own product, Nucifera – a blend of skin-loving oils with an addictive natural scent.

It may sound like some extravagant New Age luxury, but body masking can easily be done anywhere you have access to a shower. Wrapping yourself in a body mask forces you to slow down, touch your own skin, and participate in a beautifying, healing ritual that people have participated in for centuries.

 What is body masking?

A detoxing body wrap feels like the ultimate in cocooning. You will create a mask involving clay, oil, herbs and other soothing ingredients aimed at nourishing and detoxifying the skin, improving circulation, and decreasing bloating or water retention.

This can be done in a bathtub or shower. If you’re brave, and have access to sunshine -- doing this outdoors feels uniquely wonderful.

Although a body mask feels amazing, this is not something that you need to do on a daily basis. Once a week is enough for most people.

Before you get started: Be sure to hydrate throughout the day. A full-body clay mask can be seriously detoxifying and you want to be sure you’re drinking enough water. Consider taking a good warm herbal tea to the bathroom with you!

Gather a towel and washcloth that you won’t mind getting muddy, plus a small bowl and whisk. Note: Clay masks can clog drains. Cover your drain with a paper coffee filter before rinsing off to catch the majority of the hard pieces of clay before you wash completely! 

The DIY Body Mask Formula

Ingredients: The clay is your base ingredient. Everything else can be thought of as a booster! Pick and choose from these beautifying ingredients. See below for the benefits of each!

2 tbsp french green clay
2 tbsp bentonite clay
2 tbsp carrier oil - like Nucifera The Balm, or The Oil
1 tablespoon aloe leaf powder
1 tablespoon seaweed powder
2 tsp L-absorbic acid powder
2 tsp dandelion root powder

Mix dry ingredients until well combined.

In a bowl, add 1/2 cup warm water to the dry ingredients to make a paste.

Whisk in 2 tbsp The Oil or The Balm

You can add more water as needed to smooth out the paste.

Makes enough for one full body wrap, or several face masks. If using as a face mask, use 2 tbsp of the dry mix, combined with ¼ cup water and a few teaspoons of carrier oil.

Application

Cover yourself from head to toe in the mask, avoiding any private areas. Focus on the face, chest, back, arms and legs. Allow to dry, and leave on for 15-20 minutes.

Part of this experience is in the application process. By gently applying the healing clay, herbs, and oils onto your skin you're giving yourself the most gentle self massage and connecting with some of the most foundational elements in nature. I like to use my hands, or a skin brush and gently wrap myself in a warm towel while the herbs dry.

DIY Body Mask: The Beauty Benefits

Clay | French Green Clay or Bentonite Clay are great to use alone, or in combination. Clays are known for their detoxifying properties, as well as providing a deeply nourishing mineral infusion. Clay is high in calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, and iron. Think of this as the ultimate skin vitamin.

Carrier Oil | My favorite way to use a body mask is by combining the ingredients with an oil or body butter. I am partial to Nucifera The Balm or The Oil, which provides a nutrient dense foundation for your mask that helps lock in moisture. It also adds aromatherapy to the combination. Yes, oil and water don’t easily mix- but when they are whisked together and applied on the skin they provide both the hydrating and moisturizing properties that most of us need.

Aloe Leaf | In addition to the clay I like to mix in Aloe leaf powder, which nourishes and soothes the skin. As someone who is prone to dry skin, I find that the aloe helps make the body mask less drying. Clay on its own can be a bit drying, so aloe leaf powder (which is easy to find in health food stores or online) makes a great addition.

Seaweed Powder | Uniquely mineral rich, and detoxifying- if you can find a kelp powder to use I highly recommend it. Kelp powder is also highly anti-inflammatory, which makes it great for skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis.

L-Absorbic Acid Powder | Vitamin C is a hero skin ingredient, protecting from free radicals, and providing anti-aging protection like no other. This ingredient isn’t necessary, but it provides a nutrient dense boost. This is great to add before spending time in the sun. Consider patch testing if you have sensitive skin.

Dandelion Root Powder | Dandelion is the unsung hero of skincare. Not only may it help boost collagen production, and increase the regeneration of new skin cells, it is also said to help balance energy, reduce bloating, and improve circulation.

Want to cheat? Skip all that mixing and use Alitura's Clay Mask instead. Simply combine with Nucifera Body Oil for an easier experience that's still full of benefits!

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