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Using Different Types OF Clay For The Skin.

Have you noticed the ever increasing skincare products that include clay in the ingredient list. The most obvious of course being clay masks. I was in the skin care isle the other day and clay was everywhere.  But what does it do exactly and what type of clay works best for what type of skin?

First of all the basics about clay.
When clay becomes hydrated and then drys on your skin (as in the case of a face mask) it pulls out all those toxins and bacteria. All those nasty things we encounter in every day life like chemicals and environmental toxins. By drawing all of this "stuff"out of the skin it allow it all to be simply rinsed away. This helps with skin inflammation, infections, dermatitis, eczema, and even psoriasis. And unlike an antibiotic it doesn't completely remove all the bacteria but will actually leave some of those friendly good bacteria behind.

Now the breakdown of the different clays that are used in skincare.
Bentonite clay is one of the most popular medicinal clays. It has a high percentage of soft mineral content.  This means that it's perfect for absorbing oil, unclogging pores and detoxify the skin, so it's especially good for acne or oil prone skin. This clay is known for it's ability to draw out impurities, promote blood circulation and counter bacterial infections
There is some debate in weather this type of clay is gentle enough for sensitive skin (some recommend White Kaolin Clay stay instead) while other suggest Bentonite clay is beneficial for both psoriasis and eczema. 
The cool thing about this clay is that when water is added it swell and  produces a negative charge which draws out the positively charged toxins.
You can find this clay in masks and other skin care products, as well as hair care and toothpaste.

Kaolin - is also a medicinal clay available in several colours. It's known for being the most gentle of the clays, so it is perfect for sensitive skin types. The deeper the colour the better the toxin absorption. This type of clay is used in both skincare and cosmetics. 
White Kaolin Clay -  is the most versatile and it can be used on all skin types.
Pink Kaolin Clay - is a mix of the white and red clays making it the best option for normal skin types. 

Yellow Kaolin Clay - is also a better option for normal skin types. It's a mild defoliator as well as a circulation booster and cleanser. 
Red Kaolin Clay  - is loaded with copper and iron oxids. It's also an anti-inflammatory and the most absorbent of the kaolin clays, making it most suitable for oilier skin types.

French Green Clay - absorbs excess oil, evens skin tone, reduces inflammation, tightens pores and boosts circulation. 

Specifically french green illite clay is composed of trace minerals, iron oxides, and decomposed plants (mostly kelp and algae). It's well known for it's detoxifying, toning and clarifying abilities. 
While french green montmorillonite clay has a high mineral concentration and is a swelling clay (like the Bentonite clay listed above). It's perfect for oily skin because of it's absorbing and pore-tightening abilities.
French pink clay is actually a mixture of white and red clay. It has a super soft texture that makes it ideal for cleansing and exfoliating mature and sensitive skin.


Rhassoul - This rare and ancient mineral rich Moroccan clay is known for it's ability to remove debris and impurities from the skin (think blackheads, sebum plugs and bacteria). Its good for dry sensitive skin (it's said to not be as drying as Bentonite clay) its calming and mildly hydrating but it improves skin tone, texture and elasticity.
This type of clay is used for both skin and hair.

Cambrian Blue Clay is another rare clay. It's extremely absorbent and detoxifying as well helping circulation and lymphatic drainage. You can often find this in bath soaks.

Umbia Clay is a mineral rich clay from Italy. It's known for it's anti-inflammatory benefits (great for blemishes and irritation) as well as it's ability to help unclog pores and reduce breakouts.











Sources:
skincare.com/article/how-clay-benefits-skin-find-the-best-clay-for-your-skin-type
alituranaturals.com/the-benefits-of-clay-masks/
healthline.com/health/calcium-bentonite-clay#2
organicauthority.com/5-types-of-clay-mask-benefits-the-dirty-skincare-superstars/
rd.com/health/beauty/skin-care-clays/
oureverydaylife.com/188123-types-of-clay-for-skin-care.html
.sakara.com/blogs/mag/the-dirt-on-muds-clays-for-your-skin

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