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The Beauty Benefits of Clay
Clays are nothing new in cosmetics industry, they’ve been used since the medieval times, where they were mixed with olive oil. As people have started to appreciate natural products in their beauty routine, it’s time to look at clays in a different light – if you know how to use them, your skin will love you for it. Let me introduce clays to you.
All of them are known for their curing properties – healing wounds, absorbing contaminations and smoothing skin – each clay has it’s speciality cure. White clay (kaolin) is the most delicate and suitable for every type of skin, including sensitive ones – aluminum, which is present in the clay, is perfect for refreshing, nourishing and smoothing your skin. Montmorillonite, a green clay, is the best for people will oily skin as it’s very absorbent and great at removing sebum.
Icelandic brand ANGAN knows how to utilise the benefits of montmorillonite clay. I tested their Deep Ocean Facial Mask, which smells like a calm ocean breeze due to the use of Icelandic seaweed, which I love. Anecdotally, seaweed is a perfect humectant that draw moisture from the environment, keeping your skin hydrated. This face mask contains everything you need to purify your skin without a single artificial ingredient in sight, and my skin is thankful for the vitamin c and niacinamide!
Red kaolinite, a type of red clay, is great for oily skin as it is extremely purifying, penetrating your pores to help your skin with acne breakouts. It will leave your skin brightened, but matte.
If you can see that your skin is starting to loose its elasticity, rhassoul clay will help. Originally from East Morocco, this brown clay is rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium, giving your complexion ultra revitalisation, as well as helping to retain moisture. A added benefit it that it’s also a great solution for tired muscles, so add it your bath after a long, busy day.
Photos by Iris Dögg Einars
ANGAN’s Black Lava Facial Mask, which is made from rhassoul clay, also contains volcanic ash and charcoal to maximise its anti-bactericidal effect. The volcanic zeolite minerals and vitamin c in the mask will release dead skin cells and instantly reveals smoother, more luminous skin. Win, win.
Now you know which clays are best for your skin, here’s how to get the most out of them. First and most importantly, you must add some oil or serum to the clay powder to prevent your mask from drying out. Don’t wait too long with your clay on – trust what’s written on the packaging of your clay mask, as keeping the mask on for too long on can be irritating for the skin. After your treatment, don’t forget to hydrate your skin well, as clays absorb sebum and can leave your skin a bit dry. Good luck and let us know what clay works for your skin!
Featured image by Kari Sverris