All About the Uses And Benefits of Clay Masks

Clay masks are the one skin care product that most forget to include in their routine. While most people remember to cleanse, tone and moisturize; some, are puzzled on where clay masks fit it.  While there are a variety of clay masks offered for every skin care concern, its main purpose is to absorb. These super multi-taskers are the one product you'll want to add to your arsenal to fight adult acne!

What Does A Clay Mask Do?

For starters, clay masks are traditionally used in internal and eastern medicine for their healing properties. Some go as far as to ingest clay orally as part of a daily dietary supplement. Clay is packed with minerals that detoxify harmful substances and free radicals. Consider the fact that almost all blemishes can be attributed to

• PH Imbalance
• Bacteria
• Free Radicals

Clay works to purify pores from the inside out; as it acts as a magnet to draw out impurities. The minerals in clay have the capability of binding to pollutants to draw them out with ease.

Commonly Found Minerals In Clay

• Calcium
• Magnesim
• Silica
• Copper
• Iron

Benefits

Removes Bacteria

When clay moves contact with the surface of skin, it binds to bacteria molecules that sit on the surface. The ideal PH level for skin is slightly acidic with a level hovering over 5. Bacteria can stem from excess sebum; as well, as from free radicals that latch onto the surface. When this bacteria becomes trapped and combines with oil, this leads to painful pus filled whiteheads. Clay masks work as a natural antibacterial treatment that breaks down these molecular bounds by drying them out.

Detoxifies

When free radicals come in contact with skin, they become fused with the pores of the surface of skin. This fusion then causes inflammation that can lead to rash like symptoms. Clay carries a charge that pulls out substances deep within the dermal layers. In most cases clay carries an negative charge that is seeking an opposite charge to complete its electron balance. In this case, opposites attract. Most harmful substances carry a positive charge, which makes them a perfect match for clay.

Matifies

Anyone with oily skin knows full well the struggle of trying to reduce a shiny complexion. Oily skin has a waxy, greasy like surface which is an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Clay draws out excess sebum and engulfs these oils like a sponge. When applied wet, the clay soaks up the oil and then when dry, pores will shrink. This shrinkage then makes it more difficult for oil to become trapped underneath.

Unclogs Pores

The regular use of clay masks will lead to the shrinkage and visible appearance of pores. As clays sit on skin and “dry” up large pores, they halt overactive sebum follicles. Clays can be naturally moisturizing, so this “drying” mechanism will not counteract with a hyper production of sebum in response.

Restores

The use of clay masks can restore skin ph and remove dull skin cells to reveal glowing and healthful skin. The minerals contain properties that jump start collagen production and elastin to strength skin tissue. As is well known, the loss of collagen and elastin leads to mature looking skin that is composed of wrinkles and fine lines.

Types of Clays

Bentonite

This clay is probably one of the most commonly found in clay masks/ scrubs. This clay has a fine, gentle texture that makes it great to slough off skin without too much tugging. It also happens to be the most potent, of the popular varieties out there due to its strong detoxifying qualities. It has been shown to increase blood circulation and healing properties. This clay mixes well with cider and water when making a DIY masks.

Kaolin

This type of clay is seen as the most gentle while having terrific exfoliation properties that remove dead skin cells. This clay is seen more for exfoliating properties; as opposed to detoxification. One interesting feature of this clay is the variety of colors it comes available in.  The hues range from white, rust, red, yellow and pink. Depending on the need of your skin, a deeper hue carries stronger exfoliation properties. If you land on the sensitive skin spectrum, a white clay would be the most benefical.

Rhassoul

This high quality clay is fairly inexpensive when compared to other clays. The great thing about this clay is that a little goes a long when it comes to skin and hair care. It is not recommended to use ingest this clay due the high mineral content. This clay hails from a mountain range in Morocco that is formed from the nearby volcanic activity. When used as a facial scrub, this clay's negative charge helps to draw out impurities that can lead to blackheads and cystic acne.

In addition to drawing out impurities, this variety of clay can also even out skin tone and replenish moisture. It also makes for a perfect makeup remover due to its ability to draw out impurities without stripping skin of essential oils.

Product Recommendations

The following products are great to serve all skin types and skin needs

• Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing 
• Molivera Organics Bentonite Clay for Detoxifying and Rejuvenating Skin and Hair
• Kaolin Clay 1 Pound 
• NOW Red Clay Powder Moroccan