There was a time when my extra-organized self got obsessed searching for products that I could use in my complete skincare routine. I had to find a specific product for cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and exfoliating. The variety of moisturizing and exfoliating products alone overwhelmed me: creams, masks, clays, etc. With all of these options, I have always been drawn to clays because they are natural! When I finally decided to go for clays, I realized that there are a whole lot of decisions to make. What should I get? Bentonite, Kaolin, Fuller’s Earth, and Rhassoul… And what about colored clays: green, purple, pink, yellow, blue?
I know you’re here researching clays and clay benefits for skin, and may be facing the same dilemma as me. So let me easily break down some natural clay benefits for the skin. In this blog, I’ll also show you some all-natural clay beauty recipe recommendations that are tested and well loved by our Earthies! Read on!
Clay Benefits for the Skin
Manages Oily Skin
Oil or sebum is naturally produced by our skin to help protect and moisturize it. However, due to some factors like stress, genes, and lifestyle, some skin types produce excessive oil. (Hence, oily skin.) Natural clay masks have exemplary oil-absorbing properties that can get rid of excess oil from your pores. Regular application of clay masks will definitely help you achieve that shine-free, matte-looking skin!
Note: do not overuse clays even when you have oily skin. If your skin is TOO DRY, it might overcompensate and produce even more sebum. Stick to regular use once or twice a week, and don’t let the clay sit on your skin for too long.
Try this Rose and Clay Mask Recipe that uses Rose Hydrosol and French Green Clay for a gentle mask that can help balance oil production.
Unclogs and Refines Pores
Every day, your skin encounters a lot of aggressors from pollution, dirt, dust, grime, oil, dead skin cells, and many other impurities that can accumulate, or worse, get stuck in your pores! As a result, this can enlarge your pores (oh, we don’t like that), make your skin feel rough and look dull, and can even lead to future breakouts.
Clay to the rescue! Clays are made of negatively-charged molecules that can bind themselves to deep-seated toxins and lift them away from your pores. With regular use of clay masks, your skin will feel and look healthy, clean, and pure, with pores that are toned and refined.
A quick tip: don’t skip your moisturizer post-mask. Check out this Skin Renewing Face Mask Recipe.
Brightens Skin
As we discussed above, impurities gather in your pores daily. Add to that melanin production, liver toxicity, and even poor skincare and exfoliation, and you’ll have dull and uneven skin tone. Clay masks get rid of that gunk leaving your skin clean, and regular use of clay also helps brighten and smooth your complexion.
Clay also has the ability to heal and rebuild skin tissue, promote circulation, and enhance collagen synthesis. All these properties contribute to reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making your skin more youthful, healthy, and beautiful.
Another very effective natural ingredient that works wonders in fighting skin dullness is activated charcoal. You should take a look at this Charcoal Face Mask Recipe if you want to have that extra glow!
Fights and Treats Acne
Once again, different kinds of dirt and debris build-up and get stuck in our pores making them larger. With excessive dirt and enlarged pores, sebum can accumulate, making a perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria to grow. With clay’s ability to unclog pores and manage your skin’s oil production, it can also help treat acne and prevent future breakouts. Natural clays also have anti-inflammatory properties that work well in reducing skin inflammation.
Say goodbye to redness and irritation! Clay masks can work wonders in clearing your skin naturally. Kaolin Clay, for example, is excellent in drawing out impurities and balancing oil. This DIY Mud Mask Recipe with Bentonite Clay and Angelica Root and Bergamot Essential Oil is amazing. This clay mask recipe will not only soothe and make your skin glow, but it will also make you feel relaxed as you pamper.
Soothes and Calms
Clay masks are generally calming to the skin AND your mood. With all our overwhelming responsibilities, things can get pretty hard at times. While I want to go on a full spa day, time and resources do not permit it. Preparing a DIY clay mask at home is something I always look forward to when I want to destress and wind down in the comforts of my home. These natural clays paired with calming essential oils are always my go-to recipes. This Relaxing Clay Scrub Recipe with Kaolin Clay and Lime Essential Oil is perfect!
Try to up the ante on your relaxation sesh with this Cucumber Soothing Eye Mask Recipe.
Completely Organic
Clays are all-natural and completely organic. You can be sure that no chemical is lurking in your skincare product that may cause irritation or harm to your skin or body. Skincare products and even cosmetics are usually filled with nasty chemicals you and I can’t even pronounce. To learn more about these chemicals hiding in plain sight in our homes, read this blog.
Chemicals such as BPAs, parabens, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, and more are linked to various health problems ranging from skin irritation to cancer. I don’t think beauty is worth that risk. Choose clays! They are an amazing natural alternative to beautify and make your skin healthy, minus the scary side effects.
Don’t Know How to Start Your All-Natural Journey?
Now that you know a lot about clay benefits for skin, subscribe to our Monthly Recipe Box today and get helpful materials! We will provide you with four pure essential oils and six recipes to help you start your all-natural journey! ‘Cuz darling, you deserve nothing but the best! For our February box, we have two clay recipes that we’re so excited about! Check them out:
- Detox Dry Scrub Recipe with Sea Clay and Geranium Essential Oil and Happy Joy Essential Oil Blend
- Mermaid Mud Mask Recipe with Sea Clay and Geranium and Basil Essential Oils
Want more easy-to-follow and fun recipes? Check out our Toxin-free Magazine!