BeautyFriday: Beauty In Clay

Dear Reader,

Today, let’s talk clay!!

The properties of clay are nearly endless, and those benefits will serve you well. There is a specific kind for every skin-type, and used for both body and facial treatments. Spas use these goodies all of the time—and for good reason.

Some clays can be used alone dampened with water to pull toxins from your skin. Sometimes essential oils are used to enhance and add properties to the treatments. Including that of acne and other problem skins.

You can obtain most clays at health food stores, or online.

*** Please remember that not all facial masks and treatment recipes are for every skin type. Read through a recipe and decide if this is the facial mask for you based on your knowledge of your own skin type and problem areas.

*** When working with essential oils, ensure you don’t add more than what is called for. Always check for allergies. Some oils will aggravate some medical conditions and are not good for pregnancy. I highly recommend looking them up before use.

Here are some of the types:

Green clay:

Helps to draw toxins from the skin and can calm inflammations. It is particularly good for acne.

Red clay:

Suitable for dry and sensitive skins.

Pink clay:

Particularly useful for toning dull, tired, or devitalized skin. It also has excellent cleansing properties.

Bentonite clay:

This is a detoxifying agent like a sponge by attracting and absorbing toxins from the face and body—to be used in masks for both

Types of Kaolin Clay

French Clay:

It is effective in absorbing oil and toxins from skin.

Rose Clay:

It consists of iron oxides. It has cleansing properties that help in skin exfoliation and rejuvenating the skin.

White Clay:

Also known as china clay and it is ideal for sensitive skin .White kaolin clay mask does not absorbs oil and hence ideal for people with dry skin. The gentlest of all clays.

Yellow Clay:

It has the same properties as white clay and is ideal for people with sensitive, normal, and dry skin.

Rhassoul Clay:

This clay is found in mountains of the Atlas and widely used in beauty spas. It makes skin smooth and soft.

Fuller's Earth Clay:

It's regular application helps in lightening the skin tone. It also absorbs excessive oil from the skin and hence is ideal for oily skin types

Let’s get on with some excellent ways to use these clays, shall we? There are so many more ways to use them and recipes to create, but this is a brief overview...

Clay Facial Masks

Deep Cleansing Clay Mask

This clay mask recipe is most suitable for oily skin

1 ounce green clay

3 tablespoons distilled water

1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin

1 drop Geranium essential oil

2 drops Grapefruit essential oil

1 drop Juniper essential oil

Soothing Clay Mask

This clay mask recipe is most suitable for dry and sensitive skins. If the facial clay mask dries out too much while it is on you can spray your face with distilled or floral water

1 ounce red or white clay

3 tablespoons rose water

1 teaspoon jojoba

2 drops Chamomile essential oil

2 drop Rose essential oil

Revitalizing Clay Mask

This clay mask recipe is most suitable for dull and tired skins in need of a boost to reclaim that healthy glow

1 ounce pink clay

3 tablespoons orange flower water

1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin

1 drop Neroli essential oil

2 drops Orange essential oil

2 drops Petitgrain essential oil

Method for making Deep Cleansing, Soothing and Revitalizing masks:

Combine the clay and the floral or distilled water in a bowl and mix well until a good thick paste is formed.

Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

Spread the mixture over a clean, damp face and neck, avoid the eye area.

Relax for 15 minutes, preferably lying down.

Rinse off well with warm water before applying a toner and moisturizer.

Facial Clay Mask for Mature Skin

The oatmeal and avocado oil used in this recipe is perfect for mature skin along with the specially chosen essential oil blend

1 ounce red clay

2 teaspoons finely ground oatmeal

3 tablespoons rosewater

1 teaspoon avocado oil

1 drop Frankincense essential oil

1 drop Neroli essential oil

1 drop Rose essential oil

Method

Combine the clay and oatmeal in a bowl and mix well.

Next add the rosewater and avocado oil and mix again until a good thick paste is formed.

Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

Spread the mixture over a clean, damp face and neck, avoid the eye area.

Relax for 15 minutes, preferably lying down.

Rinse off well with warm water before applying a toner and moisturizer.

Facial Clay Mask for Acne

Green clay is excellent for drawing out impurities. Combine this with the wonderful healing properties of aloe vera and the combination of essential oils. This facial clay mask for acne is perfect for dealing with those unfortunate break-outs that can occur at the most inconvenient of times!

1 ounce green clay

3 tablespoons aloe vera gel

1 teaspoon orange flower water

2 drops Lavender essential oil

1 drop Orange essential oil

1 drop Ti-tree essential oil

Method

Combine the clay and aloe vera gel in a bowl and mix well.

Next add the orange flower water, mixing in well to form a thick paste.

Finally, add the essential oils and again mix well.

Spread the mixture over a clean, damp face and neck, avoid the eye area.

Relax for 15 minutes, preferably lying down.

Rinse off well with warm water before applying a toner and moisturizer.