Do You Mix Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay With Apple Cider Vinegar Or Water?

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is a type of bentonite clay that comes from Death Valley, California. It has been used for centuries by indigenous people for its healing and detoxifying properties. The healing clay has gained popularity in recent years as an effective skin care treatment that can help with issues like acne, oily skin, and inflammation.

When using Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, there is an ongoing debate around whether to mix the clay with apple cider vinegar or water. Some argue that apple cider vinegar helps boost the clay’s effectiveness due to its antibacterial and pH balancing properties. However, others claim water is just as effective, and the clay’s healing powers come from the clay itself. This article will examine the benefits of both liquids to help determine which mixture ratio is best for different skin types.

What is Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay?

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is a facial mask product made from 100% natural calcium bentonite clay (Source). Bentonite clay has a strong negative ionic charge which allows it to absorb toxins, impurities, and dirt from the skin (Source). It has been used for centuries as a traditional beauty treatment for deep pore cleansing and to improve skin complexion.

Today, Aztec Secret clay is commonly used for facials, acne treatment, and deep pore cleansing. The clay mask deeply cleanses skin by drawing out impurities from pores while soothing skin. It can help remove dead skin cells, dirt, pollutants, and even metal from the skin’s surface. When applied topically, the clay mask helps improve skin clarity and texture.

The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has some beneficial properties for skin when used topically. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, apple cider vinegar contains acetic, citric, lactic and succinic acids that provide antibacterial and antifungal properties (https://health.unl.edu/apple-cider-vinegar-good-your-skin-and-hair). The acidic nature helps kill bacteria on the skin that cause acne and balance the skin’s pH. The antibacterial properties can also help treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

Apple cider vinegar helps restore the proper pH balance to skin. According to Nebraska Medicine, the outer layer of skin has an acidic pH between 4.5-6.5 (https://www.nebraskamed.com/dermatology/is-apple-cider-vinegar-good-for-your-skin-and-hair-a-dermatologist-weighs-in). Apple cider vinegar has a pH around 3, so it can help rebalance skin that has become too alkaline. This can improve the skin barrier function.

Apple cider vinegar contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can benefit skin health. It provides small amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, probiotics and polyphenols. The vitamins and minerals nourish skin, while the antioxidants help protect against damage from free radicals.

The Benefits of Water

Using water as the liquid to mix with Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay offers some unique benefits compared to apple cider vinegar:

Water is more gentle on sensitive skin. The acidic nature of ACV can cause irritation for some skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin. Water provides a more neutral pH that is less likely to cause redness or inflammation.

Water avoids negating the clay’s pH balancing effects. ACV is highly acidic with a pH around 2-3. This can counteract the alkalinity of the clay, which has a pH of 8-9.5. Mixing with water better allows the clay to help balance the skin’s pH.

Water is still effective for deep pore cleaning. The clay draws out impurities with or without ACV. Using water avoids overly drying out the skin in the process.

Overall, water provides a gentler yet still effective mixture for the Aztec Secret clay mask. It’s a good option for those with sensitivities who want to avoid potential irritation from apple cider vinegar.

Acne-Prone Skin

For those with acne-prone skin, mixing the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with apple cider vinegar is often recommended over water. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic, citric, lactic and succinic acids that help kill bacteria that contribute to acne (Source). The antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar make it effective at treating breakouts.

However, some find apple cider vinegar too harsh and drying for their skin. The high acidity can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier and cause irritation, especially if used too frequently. Those with very sensitive or dry skin may fare better mixing the healing clay with water instead of apple cider vinegar.

Dry/Sensitive Skin

If you have dry or sensitive skin, it’s best to mix the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with water instead of apple cider vinegar. The acidic ACV can be quite irritating and drying for those with sensitive skin types, as noted by Cosmopolitan (source). Water is a gentler option that will be less likely to strip your skin of its natural oils.

As recommended by RD.com (source), start with a small amount of clay mixed with water first. This allows you to assess how your skin reacts without over-drying. You can always mix up more if needed. Take care not to leave the mask on too long, no more than 5-10 minutes for sensitive skin. This prevents removing too many natural oils.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, mixing the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with apple cider vinegar is recommended. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps dissolve excess oil on the skin and deep clean pores (Source). The clay will further help draw out impurities without over-drying. Using only water may not detoxify as deeply for those with excess oil production.

Studies show that apple cider vinegar contains beneficial properties that make it great for oily skin. The acetic acid can regulate skin pH, control oil production, and prevent breakouts (Source). When mixed with Aztec Secret clay, the apple cider vinegar creates a powerful facial mask that penetrates deep into pores. Use a 1:1 ratio of clay powder to apple cider vinegar for best results.

Mixture Ratios

The standard mixing ratio for Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is equal parts clay powder and liquid (water or apple cider vinegar). This 50/50 mixture is commonly recommended on the product label and in most guides on how to use the clay mask.

However, some sources suggest adjusting the clay to liquid ratio based on your skin type and needs:

• For acne-prone or oily skin, use a thicker mask with more clay and less liquid. Try 1 tablespoon clay powder to 1 teaspoon liquid.
• For dry or sensitive skin, make a thinner mask with a bit more liquid. Use 1 tablespoon clay powder to 11⁄2 tablespoons liquid.
• Always start with equal parts, then adjust up or down to find the ideal consistency for your skin.

Regardless of ratios, only mix enough mask that you can use in one application. Don’t save any leftover mixed mask to use later [1].

Application Tips

When applying an Aztec clay mask, it’s important to follow some basic guidelines to get the best results:

Apply a thin, even layer of the clay mask to your face. You only need a 1/8-1/4 inch layer for the mask to be effective. Using too much clay can lead to drying and irritation.

Leave the clay mask on for 5-20 minutes. Start with 5 minutes if you have sensitive skin and work up to 20 minutes as your skin adjusts. Do not leave the mask on for longer than 20 minutes, as it can over-dry your skin.

Rinse the mask off thoroughly with warm water. Make sure to remove all traces of clay, as any residue left on the skin can cause further drying and irritation.

Moisturize after using the clay mask. Aztec clay is very absorbing and can dry out your skin. Apply a hydrating moisturizer immediately after rinsing off the mask.

Following these simple application tips will allow you to safely enjoy the deep cleansing benefits of an Aztec clay mask without over-drying your skin.

The Bottom Line

There are benefits to using both apple cider vinegar (ACV) and water as the liquid when mixing Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay masks. In general, those with acne-prone or oily skin may find better results using ACV, as it helps restore the skin’s natural pH levels and has antibacterial properties. On the other hand, those with dry or sensitive skin may prefer mixing the clay with water, as ACV can be drying and irritating.

However, it’s most important to listen to your skin’s unique needs. If your skin feels tight and dry after using an ACV-clay mask, try switching to water next time. If you aren’t seeing the results you want with a water-clay mask, consider trying ACV. Start with a 1:1 ratio of clay to liquid and adjust according to your preferences. Pay attention to how your skin looks and feels after rinsing off the mask.

While there are general recommendations, every person’s skin is different. Take some time to experiment to find the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay mixture that works best for your skin type and needs.