Clay is a mineral originated from rocks and composed of fine grains of aluminum silicate. The different combinations of grains with oxides allow different shades and clay properties; these types are formed from a set of chemical and physical processes that transform the rock.
The main use of clay is industrial, to produce ceramics, tableware, decorative and domestic objects. In addition, there is also the medicinal and aesthetic use, which has grown a lot. One of the possibilities is to be used as a treatment for muscle pain, inflammation, infections and other physical discomforts.
If you want to take care of your skin naturally and replenish some of the nutrients it needs, using clay is also recommended, as it can give your face a more youthful appearance. It is able to absorb impurities and regenerate skin tissue. It is necessary to know each type of clay to choose the one that best suits your purpose.
Where to find clay to buy?
Medicinal clay can be easily found on websites or, in person, in natural products stores, cosmetic and organic stores, supermarkets and compounding pharmacies.
Which clay is medicinal?
Medicinal clay is powerful for treating physical discomforts and also for the skin. Its components have specific characteristics, depending on the purpose of using it, check them out below:
– Aluminum: acts on skin tonicity, is healing and acts against bacteria that can cause diseases;
– Iron: it is important to treat the lack of it in the skin; improves dry, thin and low elasticity skin;
– Silicon: helps to rebuild skin tissues and the defense of connective tissue; moisturizes the skin, acts against sagging and reduces inflammation. In addition, it has hemostatic, astringent and purifying action;
– Sodium and potassium: helps in the hydration and ionic balance of cells;
– Magnesium: helps hydration and synthesis of collagen fibers;
– Manganese: anti-infective, healing and anti-allergic.
What is each color of clay for?
Each color of clay has a different function, according to the composition and minerals contained. See the main uses of green, white, black, red and yellow clays.
Green clay
Indicated for oily skin, with acne and stretch marks treatment, it is rich in silicon and aluminum. As a face mask, it has a drying, astringent, toning, healing, bactericidal and stimulating action.
In addition, it can be used to combat hair oil, seborrhea and dandruff, by cleaning and detoxifying the scalp, cleaning the pores and helping the growth of new wires.
black clay
Also known as volcanic mud, as it is extracted from depths greater than 5 meters, it is rich in aluminum and silicon. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory action.
It can be a good option to improve skin blemishes, sagging and expression lines.
white clay
Recommended for those with sensitive and dehydrated skin. It has a pH close to that of the skin. With healing and astringent action, it can smooth wrinkles and expression lines on the face, even relieve light burns.
If used on hair, it strengthens chemically treated strands, giving hair shine and softness. It can also reduce inflammation.
red clay
It can be suitable for all skin types, especially for pink and sensitive skin. It is rich in silicon, iron oxide and copper. It can prevent premature aging, as it has a regenerating, antioxidant and moisturizing action.
In cases of minor injuries, scaling and skin lesions, it can be used, as well as in lymphatic drainage.
yellow clay
Very potent for rejuvenation and helps to remove sunspots. It is rich in silicon. In addition, it can be used for tendinitis, arthritis and rheumatic pain.
gray clay
Suitable for blemished and oily skin. It is rich in titanium. Effective as an exfoliant and antioxidant, it also improves skin aging. It helps to reduce measures and even treat seborrhea.
What is the best clay to lighten the skin?
The most suitable type of clay to lighten the skin is white clay, but yellow clay is also capable of removing blemishes in the case of sunspots.
How to use clays on skin and hair?
To use clay as a face mask, first the skin must be clean and without makeup. Clay powder must be dissolved with water or chamomile tea, making it a thick, non-liquid paste. After that, just go over your face, avoiding touching your eyes and mouth.
The time to keep the mask depends on the purpose of each person, but in general it takes at least 15 minutes, then just remove it by washing gently with soap and water.
Clay can make some skin reddened, but it's normal, as it activates blood circulation. After taking off the mask, just leave it without makeup or creams for at least two hours, to breathe.
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To use clay on your hair, you need to wash it with a neutral shampoo beforehand. Then mix 4 tablespoons of dry clay with water until it has a consistency that is neither thick nor thin.
If you prefer, you can mix the clay with a hair mask, then just apply the mixture to the scalp with a brush and let the product act for less than an hour. After the time, rinse your hair with water and apply conditioner.
With so much information about clay and its different uses, now you just have to choose the one that makes the most sense, according to your needs, and enjoy the benefits it contains!
