Should You Use a Konjac Sponge Before or After a Clay Face Mask?

Konjac sponges are so gentle that dermatologists confirm that they are safe for most people to use every day. So, if you’re wondering whether you should use an authentic Japanese konjac sponge before or after a clay face mask, you can rest easy knowing you can safely use it before or after your mask. 

Cleansing your face before a clay mask helps to increase effectiveness. Further, cleansing your face after a mask removes remaining fragments and leaves you feeling fully refreshed. 

What is a Clay Face Mask?

A clay face mask is a skincare treatment made from diverse types of clay such as bentonite or kaolin clay. To use a clay mask, you should follow these steps:

1. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face
2. Pat your face dry
3. Spread a thin layer of clay over your face and neck
4. Allow the clay to dry for approximately 15 minutes or as indicated on the packaging
5. Rinse the clay face mask off once it has completely hardened or tightened
6. Pat your skin dry

You may choose to use your konjac sponge to cleanse the skin before applying the clay face mask. You may also use the konjac sponge the same day you’ve done a facial mask, such as before going to bed at night. 

Benefits of Clay Face Masks

Clay has long been used to draw out impurities, by absorbing excess oil and dirt from the skin. People with extremely oily skin may therefore benefit from using a clay face mask once or twice a week.

Conversely, other clay masks may help the skin to form a thin film that traps moisture making it a potential treatment for extremely dry skin. 

Because it boasts a negative charge, clay may bind to positively charged free radicals, such as heavy metals and other toxins found in air pollution. This can help reduce the signs of aging. 

The absorbent nature of clay can help unclog pores, which leads to blackheads and acne. Moreover, there is some evidence that it can absorb dead skin cells leading to a more youthful, luminous appearance. 

Finally, some studies suggest that it can improve circulation, which can aid in treating sensitive skin. 

How to Use a Konjac Sponge

Konjac sponges are gentle enough that they are difficult to misuse on the face. However, using the sponge in a circular motion working outward from the center of the face is an especially effective way to use the sponge. 

After each use, it is important to care for your konjac sponge properly. Excess water should be squeezed from the sponge, and it should be allowed to dry in a well-ventilated area. If you intend to leave your sponge in the shower, be sure to open the shower curtain or door to reduce humidity.

Your konjac sponge will last 4 weeks with proper care. The sponge is biodegradable, so frequent replacement of your sponge will not harm the environment. Incidentally, konjac sponges grown near the Japanese Alps are 100% sustainable, using snow melt to water the plants. 

Where to buy Konjac Sponges

You can find information on where to buy our high-quality konjac sponges here.