The skin typically needs 2 things: 1) Clay to draw toxins, tighten the skin and purify. 2) Oil to nourish, create a barrier from the harsh elements and a healthy glow. For more on oils check out my post about Kiss – Using Oils to Nourish your skin.
DIY
Purchase some clay or any combination of, get frisky!
A break down on the different clays, I am only covering the ones I have experience with. My source is Mountain Rose Herbs today for the descriptions and can be purchased directly through them or me if you want to purchase from me!
- The most versatile and easily applied clay that is commonly found in standard skincare preparations and cosmetics. White Cosmetic clay, also known as White Kaolin clay, is a very fine and light clay that has natural absorbency properties. It is the mildest of all clays and is suitable for people with sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. It does not draw oils from the skin, so it can be used on dry skin types without negative results.
- Bentonite is one of most popular clays and comes from naturally occurring volcanic ash sediments here in the United States. Bentonite clay has been traditionally used to assist in mineral deficiencies, and to help bind toxins making them more soluble. Bentonite, also referred to as Montmorillonite, is one of the most effective and powerful healing clays. Bentonite can be used externally as a clay poultice, mud pack, or in skin care recipes. A good quality Bentonite should be a grey/cream color, and anything bordering “pure white” is suspect.
- Rhassoul clay is truly exquisite spa quality clay from ancient deposits unearthed from the fertile Atlas Mountains in Morocco. This mineral rich clay blends extremely well with water making its application to the face and skin a smooth and delightful experience. This clay has been used for over 1400 years as a soap, shampoo, and skin conditioner, and the finest spas across the world currently utilize it for its therapeutic benefits. When first mined, Rhassoul clay appears as a polished brown, soap-like clay, which is chunky in appearance and resembling rocks. After further refinement and micronization, the end product is a smooth almost silken earth. Because Rhassoul can be used for a variety of professional applications, it is an invaluable enhancement for spa treatments and for personal use. As Rhassoul is considered to contain higher percentages of silica and magnesium than other clays, it is thought to be far more effective. Also, due to its greater ability to swell with the addition of water, Rhassoul achieves better results in skin treatment.
- French Green clay has enormous absorbent powers due to the constitution of its micro molecules. It literally “drinks” oils, toxic substances, and impurities from your skin. Its toning action stimulates the skin. French Green clay is great for helping to clear occasional skin blemishes. Use it daily on trouble spots, or weekly as part of a complete facial treatment. French Green Clay is sometimes called Sea Clay and is by far one of the most majestic, most effective, and most commonly used mineral skin clays found in the world. It contains a cornucopia of valuable elements. Green clay owes its coloration to two very important factors: iron oxide and decomposed plant matter. That’s right, the natural green tones found in this luxurious clay are from the very cycles of life that the earth uses to regenerate herself. Unlike other clays where key elements work in symbiosis off of each other, French Green clay contains several elements which act as their own “body,” meaning that each element is responsible for working the outer epidermis in its own way and in dispensing their biological constituents as best as possible.
OK, now to use the clay:
- Mix in a small dish:
- Tablespoon of dry clay
- teaspoon of water (or to desired consistency)
- Apply with a foundation brush, but a separate foundation brush for your masks, don’t use the same brush you would use for applying your foundation.
- Leave on until completely dry.
- Remove with a warm cloth or hop in the shower to rinse.
- Follow up with an blended oil serum, rosehip oil, tallow or coconut oil. (I have all of these for purchase if you need.)
- Wa-la, you have glowing skin!