Cosmetic clays – which color will you choose?

Clay is a clay mineral whose effect on the skin works on a very simple principle. Because it has a negative charge, it attracts those molecules that have a positive charge, i.e. the one present in toxic substances. Clays, or kaolins, contain everything that the skin likes : calcium, silicon, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, selenium, copper and other macro- and microelements. They have a cleansing, antiseptic and mineralizing effect . They are also cheaper than drugstore cosmetics with complex compositions, hence their growing popularity. In addition, their effectiveness is confirmed not only by women's (and not only) word of mouth, but also clinically.

Do clays have proven effects on the skin?

According to research, the beneficial effects of clays on the skin are not anecdotal. Properly selected for the skin type, they have an effect on absorbing excess sebum and can prevent and treat light and moderate types of acne . Minerals, including clays, help cleanse the skin of blackheads and pimples ¹ . To achieve a therapeutic effect and take full advantage of the clay's potential, apply a mixture of clay and warm water to the skin. The heat helps release more impurities from the skin . The same action is used to clean clogged skin pores. Thanks to the fact that the clay "extracts" sebum, they become clean. Green clay is especially recommended for this purpose .

Masks and cosmetics with clay can also be used in certain skin inflammations . A study from 2017 shows: ² that cosmetics containing bentonite clay - a sedimentary rock in which the main composition is played by montmorillonite, a type of silicon - have this effect. This mineral may also alleviate the symptoms of diaper rash, which is common in diapers, not only in children. While there is no research on the effectiveness of clay in treating psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema, many people report that it is helpful in combating the symptoms of these conditions. From meta-research ³ shows that bentonite clay is helpful in the treatment of ulcers and other skin lesions . In animal studies ⁴ applying clay to the skin increased collagen production, which can improve skin firmness and have a positive effect on reducing wrinkles.

Clays to save dry skin.

Clay is also known as an excellent remedy for dry skin . When the clay mask hardens, it leaves a kind of protective film on the skin that helps the skin maintain the appropriate level of moisture ⁵ . However, it must be used in moderation. In the case of dry skin, it is recommended to use a clay mask at most once a week. In addition, using clay as a cosmetic helps protect the skin against negative factors related to environmental pollution . This is because it has a negative charge, which "pulls" toxins from the skin, including harmful mercury and lead.

Clays in hair care.

Clay is useful not only for skin care, but also for hair care . It helps fight common ailments such as dandruff, too dry hair (either naturally or due to drying when using a curling iron, straightener or hair dryer), moisturizes and protects. However, it must be remembered that clay must be used in moderation - too frequent use of skin or hair masks may cause excessive drying and even irritate the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to use this type of care no more than twice a week.

What should you pay attention to when choosing clay?

First of all, the content of the active substance. Those that are worth recommending contain 95-98% of the active substance in the finished product. You also need to check whether the product is really natural. So, have any emulsifiers, anti-caking agents or fragrance components been added to it? And, of course, color is important. Clays have different properties.

Green clay is recommended for combination and oily skin, prone to acne, as well as those with psoriasis or eczema - thanks to its cleansing, disinfecting and regenerating properties. It facilitates cleansing the skin because it has an antiseptic effect. Red clay has a similar effect , slightly milder than the first one. Yellow clay is recommended for the care of mature skin, and white clay - for the care of delicate, dry skin prone to wrinkles. It is so delicate that it is even used in cosmetics for babies. Blue clay - bentonite - is especially recommended for seborrheic skin, pimples, eczema and psoriasis. Its effect is not only superficial.

How to make a clay mask?

Simply mix the clay with water to the desired consistency (it should not be too liquid or thick) and apply to the skin. Remove it after it hardens. You can add egg yolk or olive oil. The paste can be used to lubricate skin lesions - eczema or inflammation.

Bibliography:

1. Fox L, Csongradi C, Aucamp M, du Plessis J, Gerber M. Treatment Modalities for Acne. Molecules . 2016;21(8):1063. Published 2016 Aug 13.
2. Moosavi M. Bentonite Clay as a Natural Remedy: A Brief Review. Iran J Public Health . 2017;46(9):1176-1183.
3. As above.
4. Velasco, Maria & Zague, Vivian & Dario, Michelli & Nishikawa, Deborah & Pinto, Claudineia & Almeida, Mariana & Trossini, Gustavo & Vieira-Coelho, Antonio & Baby, André. (2016). Characterization and Short-Term clinical study of clay facial mask. Revista de Ciencias Farmaceuticas Basica e Aplicada. 37.