- earthessencebyjana
Benefits of Clay
Clays are known for their amazing cleansing and purifying properties and have been used on the skin and hair for many years. Depending on your skin type, one clay may be better suited for you than another.
Bentonite clay is created from volcanic ash, much of it coming from the state of Wyoming. Bentonite clay is able to absorb more than its mass in water, so it's a really good cleansing option for oily skin.
Kaolin clay is very fine and comes in a variety of colors - the most common is off-white. It's a great choice for those with dry or sensitive skin. it doesn't absorb as much liquid as other clays, so it provides cleansing benefits of clay without drying out your skin and/or hair.
Rose Clay is a type of kaolin clay. It has a fine texture and it's suitable for dry skin. This clay is a light to medium pink shade, which comes from a naturally-occurring iron oxide.
French Green Clay
This clay is known for its terrific absorption properties. It's best for those with oily skin. The light green color comes from plant matter and iron oxides.
Green Zeolite Clay
Zeolites are minerals that form when volcanic rocks and ash react with alkaline groundwater. Green zeolite clay has a slightly larger texture than most clays, so it gently exfoliates the skin. It’s best suited for normal to oily skin.
Sea Clay
Sea clay originates from mud from under the sea. It has a green, grayish color. Sea clay works well for normal to oily skin.
Brazilian Clays are a type of kaolin clay, and come in a wide variety of hues (Natural, Dark Red, Pink, Purple, Yellow). They are naturally colored and do not contain any dyes or pigments. The various shades are achieved by variations in the minerals found in the soil in the different regions of Brazil. Brazilian clays have an “average” amount of absorption, making them suitable for any skin type.
Dry/normal skin – Rose clay, Kaolin clay, Brazilian clay
Normal/oily skin – Sea clay, Green Zeolite clay, French green clay, Bentonite clay, Brazilian clay
Properties of Clay by Color
Red Clay - Balances, Tones and Purifies
This natural mineral owes its colour to a high concentration of iron oxide. Naturally rich in trace elements, it stimulates microcirculation in the blood vessels to really wake up the skin.
Red clay is suitable for all skin types. Anyone with skin that is sensitive, irritated or prone to redness will find it beneficial.
THE BENEFITS:
Revives and brightens the complexion
Reduces redness and soothes discomfort caused by irritations
Mattifies and unifies the complexion
Absorbs excess sebum from the skin and hair
Restores body, silkiness and shine to hair
PURPLE CLAY - Smoothens and Purifies
Purple clay is perfect for people with dull or tired skin. With a low concentration of minerals salts, purple clay is perfect for dry and sensitive skin.
THE BENEFITS:
Detoxifies the skin
Restores softness to the skin
Boosts the complexion’s radiance
YELLOW CLAY - tones, oxygenates and exfoliates
Yellow clay has less iron oxide than green clay and is suitable for combination skin. It is idea for dry, sensitive and mature skin due to its gentleness.
THE BENEFITS:
Cleanses while absorbing impurities
Stimulates the production of collagen
Oxygenates the cells
Revitalizes the hair
Strengthens fragile hair
Has natural anti-wrinkle properties
WHITE CLAY - soothes, heals and revitalizes
White clay is rich in mineral salts and contains kaolin, an ingredient that helps repair skin and hair. It is one of the gentlest types of clay. White clay is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive, dry or mature skin. White Clay masks also help to restore radiance to dry, fragile hair.
THE BENEFITS:
Antiseptic
Anti-inflammatory
Helps skin to heal
Softens and purifies the skin
Hydrates the hair
PINK CLAY - regenerates and soothes
Pink Clay is a mixture of red and white clay and enjoys the benefits of both, resulting in a glowing complexion!
Since pink clay cleanses the skin deeply with little to no irritation, it is beneficial for sensitive or reactive skin. It is also recommended for sensitive scalps when used as hair masks.
THE BENEFITS:
Restores radiance to the skin
Softens and hydrates the skin
Treats damaged skin
Eliminates redness
Smoothens the skin’s texture
Revitalizes the scalp
BLUE CLAY - hydrates and oxygenates
While this type of clay is quite rare, it’s a serious antipollution ally. Blue clay is renowned for its gentleness and invigorating virtues, restoring vitality to both your hair and skin. It is particularly beneficial for mature or oily skin and also for dry or colored hair.
THE BENEFITS:
Removes impurities, pollution and dead skin
Oxygenates the skin
Restores radiance and brightness to hair and skin
Nourishes the hair
Repairs and protects the hair from external aggressors
GREEN CLAY - purifies and detoxifies
This volcanic rock contains more minerals than white clay, making it more absorbent and able to remove more toxins and impurities.
Green clay is the perfect remedy for hair that is oily or dull. Used as a mask, it is beneficial for oily, combination or acne-prone skin as it removes dirt from the skin in addition to absorbing excess sebum.
THE BENEFITS:
Regulates sebum production
Helps Fight acne
Reduces the appearance of blackheads and tightens pores
Mattifies the skin
Helps skin to heal
Fights dandruff
Purifies and balances the scalp
Please feel free to leave any comments and/or questions below.
I would love for you to share your experience with using clays!
*** A note regarding product medical claims and the FDA - The information provided in my blogs is to share info I have gained from both personal experience and research. In order to remain compliant with the FDA, I do not state medical properties regarding my products. Please use the information shared in these blogs (along with your own personal research) to determine which products are best suited for your personal use.