One of the most basic ingredients in DIY skin care is clay.  Clay is simple to incorporate into your beauty routine and is extremely affordable.  Because there are so many different kinds of clays, all skin types can benefit. Today we’re going to find the perfect clay for your skin type.

Clays most commonly have a pulling ability so they are very effective when it comes to purging the pores of excess oil and dirt.  Most clays are also excellent at revving up blood circulation which helps brighten skin as well as accelerate healing.  The thing is  is that some clays are terrible for dry/aging skin types and should always be avoided.  Some clays are better suited for oily skin and can do wonders with reducing acne.  Today, let’s discuss the different types of clays and determine which clay is right for your skin type!

Benefits of Clay:

• Remove dirt from the skin
• Increase circulation
• Reduce inflammation
• Exfoliate
• Tone and tighten pores
• Soften and smooth the skin
• Hydrate and moisturize
• Absorb excess oil

Kaolin Clay is the best option for sensitive skin types.  It can be used not only as a mask but it is also great in homemade deodorant and baby powder.  Plus, it is a key ingredient in homemade mineral makeup because it helps absorb excess oil as well as aid in consistency and application.

Bentonite Clay is ideal for oily and acne prone skin types.  It is amazing at pulling oil and impurities out of the skin.  It actually has a negative electric charge which bonds to what is in your pores in the same way a magnet works.  It has been known to help shrink the appearance of pores.  It can be used internally for detox as well.  When using bentonite clay, because of it’s electrical charge, metal utensils should be avoided.

Rhassoul Clay is best for dry, aging skin types.  It has a great ability to remove blackheads but yet is hydrating and can calm inflammation and irritation.  It is an amazing skin softener and brings balance to dry skin.  It contains higher percentages of silica, magnesium, potassium, and calcium than other clays which all greatly nourish the skin.

French Green Clay is great for oily skin.  It is known for it’s powerful pulling quality which not only cleans out the pores, it also brings blood flow to the surface of the skin which promotes a brighter skin tone and added healing.  French Green Clay is also great at tightening pores.  After using french green clay, my skin is bright pink for at least 20 minutes.  Talk about a major boost in blood flow!  I wrote THIS post on French Green Clay if you want to know more.

Rose Clay is excellent for sensitive skin types as well as aging skin.  It tightens pores, evens skin tone and even encourages collagen and elastin production!  It is an excellent cleansing clay and even exfoliates the skin without leaving the skin overly sensitive.  For more details, I wrote THIS post on Rose Clay.

How to Use a Clay Mask:

Using a clay mask is simple.  Add water, hydrosol, aloe vera, witch hazel or even apple cider vinegar to about a tablespoon of clay until a thick paste is formed and apply to the skin.

The key with clay masks is that they are only active when wet.  Therefore, once a clay mask dries on your skin, it becomes inactive.  It also can dry your skin out too much if you allow it to dry.  I often mask in the bath and once I feel my mask drying I pat my face with wet hands.  You can also spray hydrosol, toner or water on your skin to keep it working.

Rinse the mask off with cool water and be sure to follow up with a toner and moisturizer to replenish the hydration the mask might have removed.

The Miracle Clay for Dry/Anti Aging Skin Types:

Rhassoul is amazing.  I’ve been experiencing a lot of hormonal acne.  I’ve been using Rhassoul clay and am absolutely LOVING what this clay is doing.  It really does hydrate the skin and somehow, it pulls crap out of the pores at the same time!  It can bring a zit to a head without stripping the skin of moisture.  I leave it on for about 15 minutes and use a toner or just water to keep it from drying out.  I also am liking it as a spot treatment.  It is very gentle and literally smooths my skin out in minutes!!  I highly recommend it if you are concerned with dry skin but experiencing adult acne.

I purchase most of my clays at Mountain Rose Herbs.  You can find them HERE.

 

Check out these recipes that include clay:

• Kaolin Clay Aloe & Vitamin C Mask
• Activated Charcoal Healing Salve
• Spirulina Probiotic Mask
• Dirt Magnet Mask
• Soothing Oatmeal Clay Mask
• Clay and Tamanu Oil Cleanser
• Activated Charcoal Peel Off Mask
• Rose Clay Cleanser/Mask

So there you have it-Clay is amazing for the skin!  Plus, it’s so super affordable.  One bag will last you forever and the DIY recipes are endless!  What is your favorite clay??

xx, Jenni

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