Every time I post about a scrub or mask meant to treat acne, a commenter extols the virtues of Aztec Healing Clay, so I’m not sure why it took me so long to try it.  Because I am really sorry that I didn’t jump on the bandwagon sooner.

After years of trying to discover a routine that will keep my skin clear, I’ve developed one that keeps my skin 90% clear, 80% of the time.  But there are always a few days per month when my skin reverts, and becomes an unmitigated mess.  Last week, in the middle of this complete breakdown, I used the Aztec Healing Clay for the first time.  Within hours, my skin was noticeably clearer.  I was blown away.

When you order Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay ($10), what arrives is a jar of greyish powder.  This is dry calcium bentonite clay.  

To turn this product into a mask, you can mix it with water or apple cyder vinegar.  I recommend the vinegar.  To make one mask, you need about a teaspoon and a half of the clay.  Add the vinegar a little at a time until you stir it up into a thick paste.  

Once you spread the mask on your face, the advertisements on the package say that your face will pulsate as the mask dries.  All I experienced was a mild, barely noticeable tingling.  It took approximately 15 minutes for my mask to dry completely, but if you have really sensitive skin, I would advise a curing time of 10 minutes or less.

Removing the mask is by far the most challenging part of this process.  The package advises that you rinse.  Ha!  Funny joke.

Every time the mask comes in contact with water, it turns back into it’s paste-like state.  As a result, I was forced to use water to scrub as much of it from my face as possible before resorting to the nuclear option and breaking out an old washcloth.  (Don’t use a new one unless you want to ruin it.)

When the mask is removed, your skin will be slightly red.  (So apply it before bed or on a Sunday when you’re not planning to go anywhere.)  But the redness only lasted an hour or two, so not such a big deal.

Over the course of three days, I used the mask twice and my complexion cleared up rather quickly.  Next time, I may take this blogger’s advice and add a couple of drops of tea tree oil, which has natural anti-bacterial properties.

Without a doubt, I am happier with this mask than I have been with any of the previous masks that I’ve tried.  It is a bit drying, but not so drying that it makes your skin unbearably crisp.  And given the price, under $15 for a full pound, I don’t think it can be beat by any of the pricey masks in my medicine cabinet.