Known and used since Antiquity for its virtues, clay is a natural beauty product that takes care of our skin.
Clay is a sedimentary rock that turns into mud when it is in contact with water. Clay is full of trace elements and minerals. There are several kinds, the best known being green clay, red clay, white clay and yellow clay.
When you think of 'clay mask', what color do you imagine?
Most of the time, what comes automatically to mind is the color green, right?
Yet green clay, while super effective, is not necessarily the one that would be recommended for your skin type.
In fact, do you know that depending on your completion the clay to use can change?
The different types of clay
First of all, one thing that all clays have in common is their absorbent and adsorbent properties. These enable the clay to act both as a sponge and also as a magnet for toxins present on the surface of our skin. Cleaning effect guaranteed !
Now let's take a closer look at some different types of clays.
GREEN CLAY
The most popular of the clays! Part of the illites family, it cleanses and purifies oily skin and skin with imperfections. Green clay is detoxifying, purifying and decongesting. It is also very effective in regulating the amount of sebum. It is suitable for normal to oily skin and acne-prone skin because it is also antiseptic and antibacterial. It cleanses, purifies and sanitizes your skin.
Properties:
-Detoxifying,
-Cleaning,
-Purifying,
-Healing,
-Anti-inflammatory.
RED CLAY
Rich in iron oxide, this clay has been used for a very long time by women around the world. It is the ultimate healthy glow clay ! It is even said that Cleopatra used it every day.
Cleansing, purifying and with healing properties, it is very suitable for sensitive and fragile, reactive or dull skin. It softens, gently purifies and restores radiance to your skin. Very soft, it cleans and mattifies your skin without attacking it.
Properties:
-Cleaning,
-Matifying,
-Purifying,
-Tonifying,
-Decongestant.
WHITE CLAY
Also called Kaolin, this clay is very rich in silica. Its name comes from the Chinese city of Kao-Ling (the land of high hills), where it was discovered.
Softening, it is ideal for dry or even very dry and delicate skin. Soft with healing properties, it cleanses your skin and reduces irritation and redness.
Properties:
-Purifying,
-Softening,
-Healing,
-Matifying,
YELLOW CLAY
Less rich in iron oxide than green and red clays, its yellow color is due to the ocher pigment from mineral origin which gives an healthy glow to your skin.
Non-irritant, it is recommended for mature and sensitive skin. Rich in minerals, it is invigorating, stimulating and enables to gently detox your skin.
With its exfoliating action, it helps reduce skin spots and fight rosacea.
A real boost of youth that will illuminate your face.
Properties:
-Purifying,
-Stimulating,
-Matifying,
-Exfoliating.
So to sum up:
For oily and acne-prone skin, green clay is the most suitable.
For fragile and sensitive skin, red or yellow clay is recommended.
For dry and delicate skin, it will be white clay.
For mature skin, the best is to use yellow clay.
Normal skin can use all clays !
Personally, I have a sensitive skin and I really like using pink clay. Pink clay is a mix of white and red clay. You can make it yourself or buy ready-made pink clay. I find it great because I can enjoy the benefits of the 2 clays, red and white, while protecting my skin!
A little mask recipe to pamper your skin!
Here is a clay mask recipe with variations depending on your skin type.
Of course, you can take this recipe as a base and mix clays or add essential oils if you would like to.
As a general rule, essential oils are prohibited for pregnant or breastfeeding women as well as for children under 6 years old.
Clay mask for oily skin and combination skin
-1 tbs of green clay
-1 tsp of aloe vera gel
-1 tsp of lavender floral water, astringent and antibacterial or tea trea floral water, purifying and toning.
-Optional: you can add a drop of tea tree essential oil (antiseptic and antibacterial) or peppermint (astringent and purifying)
-Mix all the ingredients well in a small bowl.
-Make sure your skin is cleansed and dry. Apply the mask all over your face, avoiding the eyes' area and the mouth.
Note: If you have a brush, I recommend using it to blend and apply the mask. I find the application easier this way 😊.
-Wait for the clay to dry completely (about 15 - 20 min)
-Rinse off with lukewarm water, dry your face and apply your usual skin care products.
Clay mask for sensitive skin
-1 tbs of pink or red clay
-1 tsp of aloe vera gel
-1 tsp of rose floral water, anti-aging and soothing or chamomile floral water, calming and anti-inflammatory.
-Optional: you can add to 1 drop of Roman chamomile essential oil (anti-inflammatory and soothing) or fine lavender (against itching)
-Mix all the ingredients well in a small bowl.
-Make sure your skin is cleansed and dry. Apply the mask all over your face, avoiding the eyes' area and the mouth.
Note: If you have a brush, I recommend using it to blend and apply the mask. I find the application easier this way 😊.
-Wait for the clay to dry completely (about 15 - 20 min)
-Rinse off with lukewarm water, dry your face and apply your usual skin care products.
Clay mask for dry skin
-1 tbs of white clay
-1 tsp of aloe vera gel
-1 tsp rose floral water, anti-aging and soothing or orange blossom water, regenerating and softening
-Optional: you can add 1 drop of lavender cistus essential oil (healing and toning) or fine lavender (against itching)
-Mix all the ingredients well in a small bowl.
-Make sure your skin is cleansed and dry. Apply the mask all over your face, avoiding the eyes' area and the mouth.
Note: If you have a brush, I recommend using it to blend and apply the mask. I find the application easier this way 😊.
-Wait for the clay to dry completely (about 15 - 20 min)
-Rinse off with lukewarm water, dry your face and apply your usual skin care products.
Clay mask for normal skin
-1 tbs of your favorite clay
-1 tsp of aloe vera gel
-1 tsp rose floral water, anti-aging and soothing, or witch hazel floral water, firming and purifying
-Optional: you can add a drop of essential oil of chamomile (soothing), ylang-ylang (invigorating) or petitgrain (relaxing)
-Mix all the ingredients well in a small bowl.
-Make sure your skin is cleansed and dry. Apply the mask all over your face, avoiding the eyes' area and the mouth.
Note: If you have a brush, I recommend using it to blend and apply the mask. I find the application easier this way 😊.
-Wait for the clay to dry completely (about 15 - 20 min)
-Rinse off with lukewarm water, dry your face and apply your usual skin care products.
Clay mask for mature skin -1 tbs of yellow clay
-1 tsp of aloe vera gel
-1 tsp rose floral water, anti-aging and soothing, or cistus ladanifer floral water, anti-aging and firming
-Optional: you can add 1 drop of carrot essential oil (revitalizing and anti-wrinkle) or Damascus rose (anti-aging and regenerating)
-Mix all the ingredients well in a small bowl.
-Make sure your skin is cleansed and dry. Apply the mask all over your face, avoiding the eyes' area and the mouth.
Note: If you have a brush, I recommend using it to blend and apply the mask. I find the application easier this way 😊.
-Wait for the clay to dry completely (about 15 - 20 min)
-Rinse off with lukewarm water, dry your face and apply your usual skin care products.
You are not 100% sure about your skin type?
You do not know which beauty products are the best for your skin and your age?
Visit my website to discover my special coaching "First steps towards my Natural Beauty" in which I guide you to take good care of your skin on a daily basis.
Bisous Bisous
Marie