Author: Kadambari R.
Cosmetic clays are regularly being incorporated in skin care routine. However, most of us do not know the benefits they hold when it comes to skin and hair care. It should be noted that cosmetic clays are effective in removing excess sebum for hair and skin. They also potentially treat mild acne and also helps in removing blackheads and dirt from pores. There are different varieties of cosmetic clays with innumerable benefits. Let’s check out some benefits and uses of top clays for beautiful skin and hair.
TOP CLAYS FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN AND HAIR
BENEFITS AND BEST USES OF CLAYS FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN AND HAIR
BENTONITE CLAY
Bentonite clay is said to provide moisture to the skin and hair and also reduce excess sebum. It has numerous minerals including magnesium, potassium, iron and calcium. Bentonite clay tames frizz and also deeply moisturises the scalp. It provides relief to people suffering with dry and itchy scalp. It is to be noted that people in Iran used bentonite clay on their hair to soften and cleanse the hair. Bentonite clay also benefits the skin by providing protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays and helps with dry and flaky skin. Its anti-microbial properties aids in reducing any sorts of acne and other skin related issues.
Ways to use bentonite clay:
FOR HAIR:
Directions: To make bentonite clay mask, take 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay and add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Then add required amount of water to make it in to a thick paste like consistency and use it on your hair.
Usage: Apply this mask on a damp hair. Section your hair equally and apply this mask from roots to tips. Do not use bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar in excess. You can change the required amount of clay as per your hair length.
FOR SKIN:
Directions: Take 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay add 1 tablespoon of water. Mix them both and make a paste like consistency to apply it on face, armpits and elbows. If you feel that the paste is too thick, add some more water.
Usage:
Apply the mask evenly on the face and neck. Leave it for 7-10 minutes and rinse it off. Apply a moisturiser after that. Same goes for armpits and elbows.
KAOLIN CLAY
Kaolin clay helps in reducing inflammation on the scalp and reduces dandruff. It detoxifies the scalp and removes excess oil from the scalp and prevents it from getting any scalp infections. When applied on skin, it not only rejuvenates the skin by removing all the dirt, it also removes free radicals that are detrimental to the cells. Kaolin unclogs the pores and removes gunk from the skin and exfoliates the skin gently. Unlike bentonite clay, it doesn’t dry out the skin.
Ways to use kaolin clay:
FOR HAIR:
Directions: Take 2 tablespoons of kaolin clay in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of water. Then add 3 drops of rosemary essential to promote hair growth – adding rosemary essential oil is optional. Mix everything together and make a smooth paste to apply on damp hair. Add water if needed.
Usage: Apply this mask on damp hair from roots to tips. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes and then wash it off as usual. Use this mask twice a week to see better results.
FOR SKIN:
Directions: Take 2 tablespoons of kaolin clay in a bowl and mix it with water and 1 teaspoon honey. Make a smooth paste and use it. Add water if needed but do not make it runny.
Usage: Apply the mask evenly on the face and neck. After letting the mask to set on face for about 7-10 minutes, it can be washed off. Use a moisturiser later.
RHASSOUL CLAY
Rhassoul clay is found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. People in the North African region use this clay to cleanse their hair and skin. It is a gentle exfoliator. Also helps tighten the pores and deeply cleanses the skin without stripping away excess oil. It provides nourishment to hair and gently cleanses away impurities from the scalp. It also makes your hair lustrous. If you have curly hair, then this clay is a must for you. This conditions your hair and maintains or defines the curls.
Ways to use Rhassoul Clay:
FOR HAIR:
Directions: Take 2 tablespoons of rhassoul clay in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil. Then add 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water and mix everything together to form a smooth paste. The mask is ready to use.
Usage: Apply the mask on partially dry hair from roots to tips and leave it for 7-10 minutes and wash it off using a mild shampoo.
FOR SKIN:
Directions: Take 2 tablespoons of rhassoul clay and mix it using warm water. Add few drops of tea tree oil – optional. Mix it until it forms a smooth paste like consistency.
Usage: Apply this mask evenly on face and neck and leave it for 7-10 minutes and wash it off as usual.
FRENCH PINK CLAY
French pink clay is one of the varieties of Bentonite clay. It is a combination of kaolinite, calcite, montmorillonite which is nothing but bentonite. French pink clay rejuvenates the skin and removes all the dead cells. It removes toxins from the skin. It also protects the skin from sun damage. It’s also widely being used in the cosmetic industry. It helps in removing excess oil on the scalp and greatly removes grime and clarifies the scalp.
Ways to use French pink clay:
FOR HAIR:
Directions: Take 2 tablespoons of French pink clay and mix it with 2 tablespoons of water. Add essential oils of your choice to make it a potent paste and combine everything together and use it.
Usage: Section your hair evenly and apply this mask from roots to ends. Do not let the mask dry. Wash it after 10 minutes. Use this mask regularly to see best results.
FOR SKIN:
Directions: Take 2 tablespoons of French pink clay and add 1 tablespoon water. Then add 1 tablespoon honey. Mix everything together and it ready to use.
Usage:Before applying this paste, cleanse your face using a mild cleanser. Apply an even layer of the paste on the face and neck. Leave it for about 10 minutes and wash your face as usual then use a moisturiser to lock the moisture.
FULLER’S EARTH OR MULTANI MITTI
We all would have come across fuller’s earth if not the other above mentioned clays. It is nothing but a non-activated form of calcium bentonite. It is also known as Multani Mitti. Fuller’s earth immediately brightens up the face and cleanses skin. It removes all the excess oil from the skin by absorbing it immediately and unclogs the pores and removes the dirt. This improves the elasticity of the skin and fights acne and pimples. When applied on the scalp, this conditions the scalp and also removes any sort of build ups on the scalp. This helps in removing excess oil from the scalp and cleanses it.
Ways to use Fuller’s earth:
FOR HAIR:
Directions: Two tablespoons of fuller’s earth can be mixed with 2 tablespoon of rosewater and a tablespoon of honey and can be used on hair for cleansing.
Usage: Apply the fuller’s earth hair mask evenly on all sections of hair. Make sure your hair is not too damp before applying this mask. Don’t leave it to dry. Rinse it off after 7-10 minutes and follow it with a mild cleanser.
FOR SKIN:
Directions: To make fuller’s earth mask, take 2 tablespoons of fuller’s earth in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon curd and 1 tablespoon honey to it. Combine everything together to make a smooth paste. Add water if needed.
Usage: Apply this mask evenly on the face and neck. Leave it for 10 minutes and then wash it off. Do not use fuller’s earth excessively as it might dry out the skin.
FRENCH GREEN CLAY
French green clay is said to be found mostly on the montmorillonite region. It includes the composition of kaolinite, illite and so on. French green clay removes impurities from the skin and also removes dead skin cells. It helps in the diminishing the scars and blemishes. Unlike many other cosmetic clays, this stimulates circulation on skin and hair. It promotes healthy hair growth by removing any product build up on the scalp and also helps in reducing dandruff.
Ways to use French green clay:
FOR HAIR:
Directions: Take 2 tablespoons of French green clay and mix it with 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil of your choice. Then add few drops of essential oil and mix everything well and use it on your hair.
Usage: Apply the hair mask evenly on all sections of hair. Do not focus on one area. The hair should not be too damp or too dry. After applying the mask, let it soak for 7-10 minutes. Then wash it off using a mild cleanser. This can be used twice a week.
FOR SKIN:
Directions: Take 2 tablespoons of French green clay and mix it with 1 tablespoon curd and add a tablespoon of honey (optional) before mixing everything together.
Usage: Apply the paste evenly on face and neck. Let it work its magic for 10 minutes. Then wash it off and use a moisturiser to seal the moisture.
NOTE:
- Make sure to use only glass or wooden bowl to mix the clay. This will avoid any unnecessary reactions in the clay.
- They can be used to remove darkness on elbows too. Do not use the clays in excess.
- Clays are enriched with minerals. So make sure to perform a patch test before using it to avoid any reactions.
- Be consistent in using the mask to see better results. You can try all the above mentioned recipes and choose the one which suits you best.
- Consult a doctor if you have any skin and scalp related issues.
