When it comes to skincare, nature has many ingredients that are full of benefits for our skin. Clays have cleansing and purifying properties and have been used on the skin for centuries. Clay is a soft, earthy material found mainly below the earth's surface. They are composed of minerals. Most clay minerals are formed where rocks are in contact or have been in contact with water and air.
Clays are full of benefits - they exfoliate, absorb excess sebum, cleanse impurities, leaving the skin looking smooth and healthy and invigorate the skin. These different minerals can help revitalise dull, tired and congested skin.
To use natural clay, mix it with water to form a thick paste to use on the face as a mask. The mask should not be left to dry for too long as it may dry out your skin. Our advice is to apply the mask to the skin for a few minutes. If the mask dries too quickly you can spray your face with a water spray to keep the mask moist. You can then wash the mask off with lukewarm water.
There are different types of clays with varying composition and benefits depending on their origin. They are most often used in skin care because of their sebum absorbing and purifying properties. Clay is best suited to oily skin but there are clays suitable for dry skin as well. You just need to find the most suitable one for your type depending on what you are looking for. We will help you choose which type of clay is right for your skin by detailing the benefits of the main clays used in skincare.
How to choose the right clay?
French green clay is a dark green clay. It is a marine clay that comes from mud deposited under the sea millions of years ago. It is known to absorb sebum and impurities from the skin. It is ideal for oily, acne-prone and congested skin. It is the most used clay for normal to oily skin.
White kaolin clay is one of the gentlest clays due to its neutral pH. It absorbs excess sebum from the skin without irritating or drying it, leaving a soft, clean complexion. It is therefore perfectly suited to dry and sensitive skin.
French pink clay is a pink coloured clay which is very soft. Like other clays, it absorbs excess sebum and cleanses impurities, and gives a healthy glow thanks to its mixture of red and white clays. Thanks to its gentle properties it is best suited to mature, dry, sensitive skin and is recommended for skin prone to redness.
Bentonite clay is grey in colour and is created from volcanic ash. It’s a very potent and absorbent clay and it is even more powerful than green clay. It is the best choice for oily and acne prone skin.
Rhassoul clay is a clay that comes from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It is very rare and rich in minerals, both soft and absorbent, and purifies, eliminates imperfections and improves the complexion. They are mainly used in spas because they are suitable for all skin types.
Haircare and body care
You can use all types of clays on your body and also on your hair. On your hair the clay will purify the scalp and absorb sebum. To make a mask for your hair apply the clay paste for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. As for the skin, green clay is ideal for oily hair, while pink and white clay are ideal for dry hair.
Now you know most of the well known clays and their properties. Choose the clay that suits your skin the best.
And you? Which is your favourite clay?
Nawel
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