The Only Clay Mask I’ll Ever Use

I thought Korean skincare had revolutionised clay masks when it made them bubble.

Boy was I wrong!

That was just a gimmick. Those bubbling clay masks do their usual basic job – you know, remove excess oil from skin – but with foaming special effects (truth bomb: just because you can see it doing something, it doesn’t mean it’s doing something good for your skin).

The true disruptor of clay masks is Niod (who else?). Niod Flavanone Mud takes clay masks on a whole new level. It decongests skin in three phases: it purifies skin, protects it from  environmental aggressors and reduces inflammation.

At least on paper. Let’s take a look at what the science says and how it performs in real life. Ready?

Phase One: Purifying Phase

A.k.a. the basic job of a clay mask.

This phase uses clays like montmorillonite and kaolin to absorb excess oils and surface impurities (clays can’t detoxify pores!) from your skin.

Absorbing excess oil makes skin less shiny and prevents the clogged pores that inevitably lead to breakouts.

P.S. The mask also has its fair share of humectants (think glycerin & co) to hydrate skin, preventing it from getting too dry during the oil absorbing process.

Phase Two: Protective Phase

A.k.a. the pollution fighter.

This phase is all about decongesting skin by shielding it from external environmental buildup. It features:

• Alteromonas Ferment Extract: a polysaccharide from microorganisms living in the Polynesian coral reef, it’s involved in responses to environmental stress and reduces inflammation.
• Resveratrol: a powerful antioxidant that destroys the free radicals that cause wrinkles and dark spots.
• Bisabobol: the thing that gives chamomile its anti-inflammatory properties, it soothes red and irritated skin

I rarely see antioxidants and soothing ingredients in clay masks so I’m thrilled Niod chose to supercharge the mask with them.

Phase Three: Responsive Phase

A.k.a. the workhorse.

Niod says this is the most important phase (that’s why it’s named after the star ingredient here). It detoxifies skin and reduces inflammation. Here’s how:

• Flavanone: listed as Naringenin on the ingredient list, it’s a powerful antioxidant derived from citrus fruits that fights wrinkles and reduces inflammation.
• Modified oleic acid: an acid naturally produced by your skin that helps it to keep it moisturised and soothes inflammation.

New Dispersion Technology (Aka Less Mess In The Bathroom)

I hate using clay masks.

There, I said it. You always have to use A LOT of product to cover your entire face. As that thick layer of mud dries, your skin feels SO tight and uncomfortable. And don’t get me started on removal. SO. MESSY.

Masks are a pampering evening ritual for me. Cleaning the sink afterwards is NOT pampering. Unless my skin is way oilier than usual, I just can’t be bothered.

That’s in the past. Phew!

Niod uses a new dispersion mechanism that allows you to apply way less product. You only need a very thin layer to cover your entire face. No joke.

It feels way more comfortable on the skin. It’s way less messy to remove. And you don’t waste so much product every time you use the mask.

The best part? Because the mask dries much faster, all those goodies above that need to penetrate the skin to perform their magic have the time to get into your skin before you take the mask off.
Why had no one come up with this technology before? I can’t think of going back to using a normal clay mask ever again.

How To Use Niod Flavanone Mud

1. Cleanse skin and towel dry it.
2. Apply a think layer Flavanone Mud on clean, dry skin.
3. Wait 10 minutes.
4. Rinse it off. Warning: you may experience stinging. This is normal.

Once a week is enough even for oily skin.

Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion

Niod Flavanone Mud is a dark terracotta shade with a smooth texture that applies like a dream. You really need very little and, as it dries, it never feels uncomfortable or dry.

I also kinda like the spicy cacao scent but it doesn’t linger long. That’s how the ingredients smell like, by the way. Niod didn’t add any fragrance to the mask.

My skin rarely tingles, even when I use high doses of vitamin C. But when I took this off, I did feel the tingling sensation Niod warns you about. It wasn’t painful and lasted only a few seconds. But if you’re experiencing it too, don’t freak out. It’s totally normal.

The first time I used it, I didn’t see much of an improvement. My skin looked like it looks after any clay masks: less oil, less shine, smooth skin texture. You know the drill.

It’s with regular use that this mask truly shines. After the second use a week later, I noticed my skin looked a bit brighter and overall healthier. 

By the fourth use, I noticed a much bigger difference. My skin was softer and brighter and blemish-free. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a huge transformation straight away. This needs time and commitment to improve the look and health of your skin.

Clay masks used to be a necessary evil whenever my skin single-handedly decided to pump out too much oil. Now they’re a true pampering ritual (finally!). I can’t wait to use it again.

Available at: £29.00 at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty and Sephora

SHOP THE POST

Have you tried Niod Flavanone Mud? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Montmorillonite, Kaolin, Bisabolol, Silica Cetyl Silylate, Isodecyl neopentanoate, Panthenyl Triacetate, Glucosyl Hesperidin, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Argilla, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Resveratrol, Naringenin, Arginine, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Perfluorodecalin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Glycosphingolipids, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Acacia Senegal Gum, Mica, Quartz, Sucrose Palmitate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin

PR Sample. Affiliate links.