Even the most devoted skincare enthusiast can sometimes get a little lazy. We’ve all had days when even the simplest of routines feels like a Herculean effort, especially when you only want to flop into bed and sink into blissful sleep.

My skin loves exfoliation. Be it chemical or physical, nothing makes my skin happier than getting rid of those dull surface cells and revealing the fresh, new skin underneath. And while I have fallen victim to the occasional bout of over-exfoliation and may have used some controversial products (Hello, St. Ives Apricot Scrub), I don’t think it’s possible to overemphasize the benefits of a good exfoliator.

Who doesn’t love a fresh start?

There’s no better way to get one than with a good clay mask. And with the new year in full swing, it’s the perfect time for a clean sweep. Because clay is porous, it absorbs excess oil, dirt, and other impurities from the surface, revealing cleaner, softer skin. It also gently exfoliates, making it an ideal treatment for nearly all skin types. In short, clay masks are the perfect way to give your skin the clean slate it deserves.