Cosmetic clays are natural cosmetic wonders: they cleanse, invigorate and heal. Each of the 5 kinds has different properties and is meant for a different kind of skin.
Their absorbing properties let them draw out impurities and toxins from every tiny fold and line in the skin. The clays gently exfoliate the skin, and get rid of debris and dead skin cells.
They are very rich in trace minerals, and they invigorate and brighten the skin by stimulating circulation.
They are inexpensive, natural and safe !
Cosmetic clays can be eaten (yes !), used in baths, poultices, they are common ingredients is most cosmetics. Today we´ll focus on using them as facial masks.
How to use clay masks:
- Make a thick paste, 2 tbs of clay to 1 tbs water (preferably spring water or mineral -- uncarbonated !) For more sensitive skin, make the paste with yoghurt, or try adding a few drops of extra virgin olive oil. You can also add essential oils or herb infusions (Salvia tightens, Camomile & St John´s Wort soothe).
- Put on a thick layer on the face. Avoid dryer parts of the face, unless using the white clay.
- Leave on for 20 mins (or 10-15, for more sensitive skin).
- Don´t let it dry up. To prevent drying up, apply a thick layer, and mist with water !
- Gently wash off, then moisturise skin.
- Use once a week.
Are clay masks drying ?
That depends which kind of lay you are using, and how. Remember to never let the mask dry on your face: spritz it with water as needed.
Which clay to use ?
Yellow and red are both cleansing and revitalising, with red being on the gentler side. If you need something extra cleansing for impurities or acne, use green clay. If you need something very gentle, try pink clay. The white is the gentlest, and is perfect for dry, sensitive and spider-veined skin. Other than the pink clay (which is made by mixing red & white) DO NOT MIX CLAYS WITH EACH OTHER !
MOST COMMON KAOLIN COSMETIC CLAYS:
GREEN:
Very absorbent, disinfects and heals the skin by drawing out toxins and impurities. It cleanses the skin, dries up breakouts. Revitalises skin and tightens pores. Also helps against wrinkles. Often marketed as Aztec clay.
For: oily, impure skin, prone to breakouts.
Also for mature & tired skin.
Not for dry, sensitive or fragile capillaries.
How to use: Apply on oily parts of the skin only. Can be drying.
For acne, apply on spots every day.
YELLOW
Cleansing, but gentler than the green clay. Has more iron than any other clay. Mineral-rich, revitalises and tones.
For oily and mixed skin, tired & dull skin, and for mature skin.
RED
Red clay is cleansing, but more gentle than the green and yellow. Heals breaking capillaries.
For normal and dry skin, un-firm or dull skin, delicate skin and fragile capillaries (rosacea).
WHITE: White Cosmetic clay or Kaolin Clay
The lightest an most delicate clay. Does not draw out oils. Can be used as baby powder, calms and soothes skin.
For all types of skin. Especially recommended for sensitive or dry skin, or one with spider veins.
PINK
A mixture of 2/3 red and 1/3 white clay (you can DIY it). It has the cleansing properties of the red clay, but gentler, thanks to the white clay. It strengthens the skin by stimulating circulation, at the same time soothing it.
For sensitive and delicate skin, rough skin, and spider veined-skin.
Very absorbent, disinfects and heals the skin by drawing out toxins and impurities. It cleanses the skin, dries up breakouts. Revitalises skin and tightens pores. Also helps against wrinkles. Often marketed as Aztec clay.
For: oily, impure skin, prone to breakouts.
Also for mature & tired skin.
Not for dry, sensitive or fragile capillaries.
How to use: Apply on oily parts of the skin only. Can be drying.
For acne, apply on spots every day.
YELLOW
Cleansing, but gentler than the green clay. Has more iron than any other clay. Mineral-rich, revitalises and tones.
For oily and mixed skin, tired & dull skin, and for mature skin.
RED
Red clay is cleansing, but more gentle than the green and yellow. Heals breaking capillaries.
For normal and dry skin, un-firm or dull skin, delicate skin and fragile capillaries (rosacea).
WHITE: White Cosmetic clay or Kaolin Clay
The lightest an most delicate clay. Does not draw out oils. Can be used as baby powder, calms and soothes skin.
For all types of skin. Especially recommended for sensitive or dry skin, or one with spider veins.
PINK
A mixture of 2/3 red and 1/3 white clay (you can DIY it). It has the cleansing properties of the red clay, but gentler, thanks to the white clay. It strengthens the skin by stimulating circulation, at the same time soothing it.
For sensitive and delicate skin, rough skin, and spider veined-skin.
Where to buy cosmetic clays ?
Your apothecary (drug store) is a good place to try, or a cosmetic store or even a health food store. You can also try online.
What to look for:
Be sure to buy cosmetic-grade clay that is pure, without additives. Sun dried clay is the best, as it retains 100% of it´s trace elements. I recommend clays in powder form: I don´t recommend masks in a packet since it´s full of additives which you have no control over.
Sources: Esentia.pl
Have you ever tried a facial clay mask ? What did you think of the results ? What did you mix your´s with : water, yoghurt or do you have your own secret formula ?
Photo by Elena Oganesyan