Clays for Your Natural Beauty Regimen

There are many different clays that have been an important part of the spa menu for hundreds of years. Clays work very well together with aromatherapy and can be used for body packs. Clay may be used to smooth the skin, aid in elimination of toxins, and soothe aches and pains.


The mineral content  determines the properties of the clay.

Here are some of the most commonly used clays:

Kaolin: A fine-grained white clay used in masks for cleansing, tightening and toning the skin. It has astringent effects. 


Illite/Chlorite: These clays come from soils that are mostly made of marine sediments. When potassium is added to kaolin the illite is made. Chlorite is formed when magnesium is added. 


Smectites: These clays are mostly found in volcanic ash. Bentonite is primarily composed of smectite and is often used in skin care. There are two different kinds of bentonite - sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite.  Sodium absorbs water and swells, while calcium bentonite is a non - swelling clay that is used as an absorbent clay. Calcium bentonite is also known as Fuller's Earth.

Bentonite Clay (Mountain Rose Herbs)

Fuller's Earth is very stimulating and cleansing. It has desquamation action, that is, it removes dead skin cells.

Fuller's Earth (Mountain Rose Herbs)

The clay are mostly referred to by their color, and the colors commonly used are red, green, yellow, and white. 

Green Clay (Mountain Rose Herbs)

Green clay seems to be the most active. It is usually a smectite/chlorite or illite combination. According to Battaglia, it is used in masks for oily and congested skins. Worwood says it can be used for all kinds of skin conditions. She also says it can be used to balance combination skin, normalize oily skin, and revitalize dry skin. Worwood states that green clay gently stimulates and improves the lymph flow and circulation. 

Kaolin Clay (Mountain Rose Herbs)

White clay is usually kaolin and typically used for masks. Kaolin is best used on normal to oily skin.

Red clays are also a smectite combination and are used for dry, sensitive, mature and tired skin.

Yellow clay has similar characteristics as the red clay.


I usually buy my clay from Mountain Rose Herbs, but a good health food store should carry some.

Thanks for visiting!

 

Johanna is an aromatherapist and an independent distributor of Young Living Essential Oils.  She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.  
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