The Benefits of Clay in Skincare

Natural clay has been used in beauty for centuries and has been gaining more and more mainstream popularity over the past few years.

So, why exactly is clay so amazing?

Clay can be used internally and externally but we will focus on all the benefits it provides when we incorporate it in our skincare routine. Cosmetic clay products come in many forms and formulations and all of them have countless benefits with the results depending on your skin type.

Topical application of clay promotes an increase in the number of collagen fibers. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that makes our skin appear more youthful and glowing because it promotes the renewal of cells. Collagen is also one of the main factors when it comes to skin elasticity and strength. Its essentially what keeps us looking youthful and wrinkle free.

Most clays also have amazing absorption properties and are a great choice for people with oily or acne-prone skin. They absorb the excess sebum and minimize your pores. Clay can also help with blemishes, discoloration, and hyper-pigmentation. Some clays stimulate blood circulation which promotes regeneration, restoration, and healing of skin. Blood carries oxygen and various nutrients that keep your skin looking fresh and glowing.

Clay skincare most commonly comes in the form of face masks but there are numerous other ways to incorporate clay into your beauty regime. You can use a clay based face wash, various soaps and even lotions, moisturizers, and serums. And of course, there is also a plethora of different clay based mineral makeup products.

Overuse of clay can lead to dryness so it's best to use it as an occasional treatment in the form of a mask and apply a nourishing moisturizer afterwards. On the other hand, products that contain clay in smaller amounts are completely fine to use daily even if your skin is on the dry side. With so many different formulas you are guaranteed to find something that suits your skin type.

Types of clay

There are many different clays available and each has a different mixture of various minerals. If you want to know more, keep reading, we have shared the benefits of three different types of clay below.

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite or volcanic clay is composed of volcanic ash sediments. It contains negatively charged ions that have powerful detoxifying and healing properties. It also helps with blackheads and blemishes.

Kaolin Clay

Products containing kaolin, that is also known as white clay, are a great option for most skin types. It is a perfect choice for everyone with dry and sensitive skin, because it's very gentle compared to other types of clay. White clay is also full of beneficial minerals and a mild exfoliant.

French Green Clay

French Green Clay is an amazing natural cleanser. Because it's one of the most absorbent types of clay, it's a great choice for everyone with oily and acne-prone skin. This clay removes sebum and debris from your skin and helps with inflammation caused by acne.