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Cathy Isom lets you know why you should create your own homemade potting mix. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.

Image credit: (feature) Potting mix/by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Why Create Your Own Homemade Potting Mix

Why Create Your Own Homemade Potting Mix

There are several reasons why it’s a good idea to make your own potting mix, including:  

You know exactly what’s inside your soil, you can save your hard-earned money, homemade mix lasts longer.  And, you can modify the mix to suit different plants.

Contrary to what you may think, the best potting mix doesn’t contain any soil or dirt. It’s actually a blend composed of peat moss or coconut coir, vermiculite, perlite, sand, and shredded bark or compost.

Remember safety first when working with potting mixes and soils. Always wear a face mask, protective clothing, and gloves. Avoid inhaling organic particles or getting dust from the mix in your eyes, and never work with the mix when the wind is heavy.

Soil and potting mix are often sold in large volumes at your local garden center, but when making your own mix, you need to know how much to expect each time you whip up a batch. Mixes are typically measured in quarts while containers are measured based on their diameter.

I’m Cathy Isom…

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Clay: Why It Should Be Part of Your Skincare Routine

With our skin being exposed to harmful toxins that can damage it as well as accelerate the aging process, it’s important for one to do all they can to protect it. Clay is a natural skin care ingredient that’s been used for centuries and is sure to leave you with healthy and glowing skin.

Extremely dense in skin-enriching minerals – particularly magnesium, iron, and copper. Magnesium helps to reduce acne, iron helps the skin to retain moisture and copper helps to encourage the production of collagen.

Regardless of whether you choose to use a mask or a beauty product that contains clay as an ingredient, you’re sure to be left with healthier skin in the end.

What is bentonite clay?

While there are many types, and colors, of clay to choose from, the most notable is bentonite clay.  

Believe it or not, all bentonite clay is the remnant of volcanic ash, making it as pure and natural as it can be. It has a strong negative electromagnetic charge. When activated by water, this charge acts like a magnet and it then draws toxins out of the body. According to a 2017 review published in the Iranian Journal of Public Health, it was found to effectively treat skin rashes (1). A separate study also found that it helped to reduce the appearance of acne.

That being said, read on to discover more of the skin benefits that come with using clay.

Benefits on the skin

Regenerates skin tissue

Free radicals can damage skin tissue and this can leave one with dull and aged skin, accompanied by wrinkles and fine lines. Fortunately, clay can help to encourage the regeneration of new skin cells and it can also heal the damaged ones.

In doing so, it serves to ease the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines all while encouraging proper blood circulation. The result is a youthful and fresher appearance.

Regulates the production of sebum

For those with oily skin, sebum may appear to be the one hurdle preventing them from having flawless skin. However, it is important to remember that sebum is not the enemy.

The body produces sebum so that it can protect and moisturize the skin. Unfortunately, external factors such as stress, a buildup of toxins or even an infection can result in the overproduction of sebum. Too much sebum in the skin breeds bacteria and this then results in an oily complexion as well as acne and blackheads.

The application of clay on the skin soaks up the excess sebum, cleans out the pores and leaves you with clearer and softer skin.

Remove impurities from the skin

Our surroundings can be extremely toxic to the skin and the buildup of dirt, oil, sweat, and pollution over an average day can leave one with dull skin and enlarged pores.

If you were wondering why clay masks had risen in popularity, this is why. As mentioned, bentonite clay has a strong negative electromagnetic charge. A lot of the toxins that find their way onto the skin have a positive charge therefore when used on the skin, the toxins bind to it and this also refines and unclogs your pores. One is then left with glowing and even-toned skin.

Softens skin

Silica is a trace mineral found in bentonite clay. It also happens to be the most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust.

Found in the body, silica is responsible for the manufacturing of collagen, muscles, and ligaments. By using clay on your skin, silica helps to your appearance by softening and smoothing out your skin.

Which clay is right for me?

While bentonite clay is the most popular type of clay in skincare, there are other types that can cater to specific skin type concerns.

Green clay is perfect for those with oily skin as it helps to remove oil and other impurities from the skin’s surface. Kaolin clay, often referred to as white clay, contains the ingredient kaolin. It helps to repair both skin and hair health and it is gentle on the skin thus it is perfect for sensitive skin. Red clay is extremely rich in iron oxide and is best suited for congested and tired skin as it stimulates blood circulation which then brightens and wakes up the skin.

Using clay in your skincare routine

If you’re looking to start using a clay mask, the best way to do so would be by layering it with only your skin and leaving it for no more than 15 minutes before rinsing it off. Try to use the mask 2 to 3 times a week for the best results.

Furthermore, clay can be drying on the skin so be sure to follow up the masking session with a serum and moisturizer.

Want to know more?

You can also go the DIY route and create your own clay mask. Try out this homemade recipe from StyleCraze and enjoy your flawless and fresh skin.

What You Will Need

1 teaspoon bentonite clay1 teaspoon of water or ACVWooden or ceramic bowl – for fixing wooden spatula – to blend and apply

What You Need To Do

Mix apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay in a bowl. If you have sensitive skin, skip this and just use water. You can also use rose water. Blend it until you achieve a smooth consistency – with no lumps. Apply the mask all over your face and neck evenly. Leave it on for about 25-30 minutes or until it dries up. Clean your face with cold water (use a sponge first). Pat it dry and finish with a moisturizer.

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The 8 Best Aloe Vera Face Masks For Glowing Skin

Aloe vera has long been a standby ingredient to deal with sunburns and other irritation, but because it's packed full of vitamins and high in water content, it's also great for adding glow to your skin. Add to that antibacterial and antiseptic properties to unclog pores and tackle acne, and enzymes that help with hyperpigmentation, and you’ve got a true multitasker. No matter what you'd like to target in your routine, the best aloe vera face masks for glowing skin will help you reach your skin-care goals.

However, since aloe has become such a buzzy ingredient, it is frequently coupled in less-than-ideal formulations including ones with drying alcohols and irritation-causing dyes. Those experiencing redness should consider a recipe with calming ingredients like chamomile and cucumber, while those with oily skin or clogged pores should consider choosing clay as a costar. And for those who've done the research to make their own masks at home, aloe is a fantastic base ingredient because its vitamins and minerals, including magnesium and zinc, improve skin in so many different ways.

Whether you're looking to this desert plant for moisture or to provide a dose of zit-busting power, here are the best aloe vera masks for all of your needs.

1. The Overall Best Aloe Vera Mask For Glowing Skin

Bliss Triple Oxygen Self-Activating Facial Mask, 1.7 Fl. Oz.

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While aloe vera does a lot of work, Bliss has boosted its glow-giving powers with brightening vitamins C and E, calming green tea extract, moisturizing rice bran, and revitalizing oxygen. And mask in the comfort of knowing that this product doesn't include parabens, phthalates, or sulfates, and is cruelty-free to boot. However, while the bubbling formula is a fun treat, it might be too intense for those with, particularly sensitive skin.

2. The Best Aloe Mask For Redness And Puffiness

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask, 5 Fl. Oz.

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Anti-inflammatory cucumber is a perfect partner for aloe for those struggling with redness and irritation. Add the silky gel texture, brightening fruit extracts, and hydrating glycerin, and you have a great combo for skin that could use a little relief from the elements. "This product is nearly a miracle! Reduces inflammation and redness like nothing else I've used before," says one customer with sensitive skin. Others found it effective and gentle enough to use under the eyes to get rid of puffiness.

3. The Best Aloe Mud Mask For Oily Or Congested Skin

Hebei Green Tea Matcha Mud Mask, 3.5 Fl. Oz.

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One of the most impressive traits of aloe is that it provides hydration without being greasy, something those with oily skin is sure to enjoy. Mud masks are a great option for soaking up excess oils and helping dislodge clogged pores, and this formulation featuring matcha's powerful revitalizing abilities will help thoroughly clean skin and make your skin glow without looking like an oil slick. "It works great on me for cleaning and rejuvenation use," one Amazon reviewer reports. Others noted the pleasant smell of tea, but since there is a large dose of matcha in the jar, be careful to remove it after the instructed five or 10 minutes, some users said they noticed a little staining.

4. The Best Aloe Sleep Mask For Dry Skin

Innisfree Aloe Revital Sleeping Pack, 3.4 Fl. Oz.

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This rich, creamy mask that can be used overnight will provide plenty of moisture to thirsty skin. With more than 75 percent aloe vera from Jeju Island in South Korea, a dose of antioxidant-rich madecassoside, and plant extracts, it's definitely not skimping on beneficial ingredients. "My skin is acne-prone but tends to get dehydrated. . . . This product [is] perfect for the days when your skin could use a little extra love and care," says one reviewer. While most reported no irritation after use, the ingredients include a small number of silicones so this might not be the top choice for those avoiding them.

5. The Best Aloe Vera Sheet Mask For Glowing Skin

My Beauty Diary Aloe Vera Mask (10-Pack)

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It's hard to beat the convenience of a sheet mask, and My Beauty Diary's ones are a cult-favorite for good reason. This aloe-based formula is boosted with mulberry, kiwi, and bearberry leaf extracts to calm, soothe, and brighten even more. "Very soft, hydrated but not oily," one customer who'd recommend the product says. And while some other brands can get pricey very quickly, this set of 10 comes out to less than $2 each.

6. The Best Celebrity-Favorite Splurge

Joanna Vargas Euphoria Face Mask (5-Pack)

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Moisturizing sodium hyaluronate and healing allantoin complement aloe vera for a great hydrating and soothing mask from celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas, whose clients include Rachel Brosnahan, Constance Wu, Chrissy Metz, and Julianne Moore. And it's not just hype, according to the Amazon reviewers who rave: "If you’re on the fence, get off. These sheet masks are everything. That is all. Mic drop." Another writes: "The ingredients in this mask are very soothing. They helped to calm my redness and didn't cause any new irritation."

7. The Best Aloe Mask For Under Eyes

Safina Aloe Vera Collagen Eye Patches (10-Pack)

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The maker of these hydrogel patches with aloe and bamboo charcoal says they will help lighten dark circles, add shine, and reduce puffiness. While the one to eight hours recommended wear time is a bit of a commitment, Amazon reviewers seem happy with the results, giving the line a 4.6-star overall rating. For even more cooling action, consider storing these in the fridge.

8. A Value-Size Bottle Of Aloe Gel For DIY Masks

Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel, 12 Fl. Oz

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Aloe's multitasking abilities make it a fantastic base for homemade masks. Plus, it's great to keep on hand in case of sunburns or if your existing lotions and masks need a little something extra.

This value-size bottle of aloe vera gel is almost entirely pure, and doesn't use drying alcohol as a stabilizer or preservative like some other brands — no wonder it's a best-seller on Amazon with a 4.6 rating after more than 3,000 reviews. However, a few customers reported having reactions to the product, so patch test first, especially if your skin is sensitive.

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