Clay is a popular ingredient found in nature.
And although they all work on a similar principle, they have their own special properties, which – like their color – depend on the content of elements and minerals. The more common ones are green, red and white clay. Today I want to explore the different colors and let’s see which one you will choose.
Clay is a natural mineral classified as a group of peloids (Greek pelos – mud). It is obtained from under a depth of 20-70 meters. The most valuable and cleanest clay comes from even deeper depths. They are ready for use after crushing and mixing with water. They are used in the form of bath salts, scrubs, wraps, mud baths, soaps and masks.
Clay is rich in micro and macro elements and mineral salts, which are easily absorbed by the body. They also have magnetic abilities – they attract and bind contaminants, toxins and heavy metals. They easily absorb excess sebum.
They work antiseptically, by preventing the growth of bacteria. They regulate skin pH and strengthen its immunity. Clay also balances the skin, narrows the pores, firms and shapes the skin, which promotes the reduction of wrinkles and prevents the formation of cellulite.
Facial skin varies widely from person to person. From dry and flaky to oily and shiny, everybody’s skin is a little bit different. Skin type determines which products and ingredients are the best for you.
Not sure what type of skin you have? Think about how your skin would feel midday without a moisturizer. If your skin feels tight and uncomfortable, you have dry skin. If your skin is comfortable without a moisturizer, you are on the oilier side. If areas of your skin feel comfortable, while other areas feel dry, you have combination skin. Another good test is to run your finger across your T-zone (chin, nose and forehead) midday. Do you see oil on your finger? If so, you most likely have combination to oily skin. Keep in mind that skin type can change during the year depending on the season. You may be dry during the winter, and oily during the summer.
The different clay colors:
Green clay
Green clay is the strongest clay and owes its color mainly to iron and copper compounds. It is intended for oily and combination skin prone to the formation of blackheads and acne. It pulls the extended pores of the skin and soothes irritations.
Red clay
Red clay is rich in silicon, iron, manganese, potassium and titanium. It works perfectly for normal combination skin. Its action is much more delicate than green clay. Its action is not limited to the outer layers of the skin, but also penetrates deeper, where it accelerates the metabolism and stimulates blood circulation. It prevents redness, seals and shrinks blood vessels, improving the condition of the skin with dilated capillaries and rosacea.
White clay
White clay is the most delicate, rich in aluminum silicate (kaolinite). It is sometimes called kaolin or porcelain clay. It has regenerative and soothing properties. Koi calms the skin. It smooths, promotes healing and soothes inflammation. That is why it is recommended especially for dry and sensitive skin as well as for mature skin.
Clays are the perfect natural detoxifier, acting as a natural magnet to remove toxins. Clays also mildly exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells. Our skin replenishes it’s cells on average every 27 days or so. Chock full of nutrients, clay replenishes skin giving the good and taking away the bad.
Has anyone tried a clay mask? How did it go for you? Do people still do masks? Our most popular mask is also known as the Bubble Mask from AA Cosmetics. To know more about the Bubble masks go have a read here is the Bubble Blog Post.
Have a brilliant week. Tons of blessings.
Gael
