WHY DOES YOUR SKIN LOVE CLAY MASKS

Clay is a naturally occurring earthy material rich in electrically charged minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, and silica. It can be found in volcanic deposits, weathered rock formations, geothermal fields, soil horizons, and continental and marine sediments.

Clay has a long history in skincare.  As early as an ancient civilization, men and women have been using clay masks as a skincare ritual for their amazing skin benefits.  Nearly 5000 years ago in ancient India, Ubtan, the first face mask was used by women during religious rituals to take care of their hair and skin.  Although their ingredients changed with the seasons, the basics always included fresh herbs, aloe vera plants, turmeric roots, and flowers.  The women of the Ayurvedic culture continue to use the same ingredients today.

Like India, Egyptians have used different clay masks as part of their beauty regimen since the dawn of civilization. In fact, the first Egyptian face mask was made of clay. Cleopatra was known to cleanse her face twice a week with a Dead Sea mud mask.

Yang Guifei, another ancient trendsetter, used a ground powder face mask to brighten her complexion.  Meanwhile, in ancient Rome, women used various concoctions in their facemasks which they believed had healing properties.

Today, clay face masks have continued their trend as a beauty care ritual in modern society and are increasing in popularity.  Many people are currently suffering from a variety of skin issues due to exposure to a wide range of toxins and environmental pollutants.  Many of these concerns come down to inflammation, toxicity, and bacterial imbalances.  Fortunately, with the application of natural clay masks, many of these imbalances can be remedied.  Clay face masks can cleanse, nourish, moisturize, and tone the skin while also providing essential active ingredients for skincare.

However, it’s not the only way clay works to improve the skin’s integrity. Clay is also rich in minerals like sodium, copper, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and silica providing essential nutrients necessary for healthy skin.

Clay is like a magnet and because of its negatively charged particles, it can pull out the positively charged toxins from your pores.

Clay masks, especially ones made with bentonite clay can help boost blood circulation beneath your skin, and oxygen circulation to your skin cells. This helps your skin heal and regenerate, improves collagen production, and gives it a brighter more youthful appearance.

As the clay detoxifies your pores, it removes bacteria to help prevent future breakouts while removing it from your skin’s surface to prevent it from entering. Whether you struggle with acne or the occasional blemish, clay masks can help you see clearer skin in the future days ahead.

While clay masks are beneficial to all skin types, they are especially helpful for oily and acne-prone skin due to their oil-absorbing properties. Sebum is the oil our skin naturally produces to protect and moisturize it. If our immune system becomes over-activated by stress, infection, or toxic overload the skin can overproduce sebum leading to acne, oily skin, blackheads, or other skin blemishes. Clay masks can help soak up excess oil and clean out clogged pores resulting from the excess oil.

Everyone has pores and when they are clogged with oil and dirt, they appear larger than usual.  Clay masks can tone and refine pores leaving a smoother, softer, and more even skin tone.

When dead skin cells pile on your skin’s surface it can give a dull, uneven appearance to your complexion. Clay masks remove dead skin cells from your face. The result? A more even and brighter complexion.

Collagen is a protein that is found abundantly in the body, vital for skin structure, musculoskeletal health, and wound healing. As we age, we have declining levels of collagen. Clays contain minerals that promote collagen synthesis thereby increasing the number of collagen fibers. They promote regeneration of the skin resulting in the reduction of irritation and inflammation.

Clay not only pulls toxins out of the skin but also hydrogen from the cells allowing for oxygen to benefit the skin tissues and rejuvenate them. This boosts circulation and overall healthier skin.

Clay is loaded with silica, an important beautifying nutrient.  This mineral is one of the most abundant in the body, however, most people do not get enough in their diets.  Silica is responsible for producing connective tissue like collagen, skin, muscle, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone.  When using clay masks, the additional silica supports the connective tissue resulting in soft, smooth radiant skin.

Clay face masks are suitable for all skin types.  There are many different types of clays used to create face masks, each with its color, texture, unique mineral composition, and benefits.  The clays you choose will depend on the overall results you hope to achieve.  Some clays are more suitable for certain skin types than others.  From mild and sensitive to oily and mature, there are many types of clay that are beneficial to the skin.  Let’s look at the different types of clays and see which one is right for your skin type.

White kaolin clay is the mildest and gentlest. It’s a great exfoliator and does not tend to over-dry skin.

Rose clay, also known as pink clay, is a combination of red and white kaolin and is rich in minerals. It helps to restore and rejuvenate skin with moisture while drawing out impurities with light exfoliating properties. It is mildly absorbent and promotes circulation. Rose clay keeps the skin balanced and comfortable instead of removing its natural oils. Other benefits include reducing irritation and inflammation while promoting healthy cell turnover.

Yellow kaolin is slightly more absorbent than white kaolin with gentle exfoliating properties.

Red kaolin has the strongest absorbent properties of all kaolin clays. Thus, red kaolin is best suited for oily skin and acne-prone skin.

Bentonite has a strong negative charge and when activated by water it can effectively bind to heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, lead, and benzene as well as other environmental pollutants and eliminate them from the body’s tissues. The powerful deep cleansing ability can help unclog pores and tighten skin.

• Try bentonite clay which draws out impurities and tightens skin.

• Try Moroccan red clay or white kaolin clay which unclogs and absorbs excess oil.

• Try French green clay which detoxifies and heals.

• Try fuller’s earth clay which draws out excess sebum and lightens complexion.

• Try Rhassoul clay which hydrates and revitalizes.

No matter your skin type, there is a clay out there just for you!

Remember, take a moment for self today!