There is a huge variety of clays and, given so many possibilities, it is common to have doubts about how to use each type.
Of the most varied colors and properties, it has been associated with body care since ancient times, with reports of its use by Egyptians and peoples of the Amazon.
Clay treatments, known as geotherapy, are widely used in cosmetic clinics and can also be done at home.
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What are the benefits of clay?
The use of clay has many benefits, being commonly used in skin and hair. Its properties vary according to the type and by virtue of its components and source of extraction.
Below are some common benefits of different clays:
- Softens expression marks, by nourishing skin tissue;
- Relief of tension, stimulating the flow of blood in the area;
- It reduces poor circulation, the iron present in some clays increases blood flow in the application area;
- Elimination of toxins, is done through the exchange of minerals from the clay with the skin, removing toxins and depositing minerals in the tissue;
- Cellular skin renewal, through antioxidant effect;
- Regulates the sebaceous secretion of the skin, through the astringent action;
- Healing action of silicon, a mineral that is present in some clays;
- Increases blood flow, promoting regeneration;
- Smoothes epilation spots (in areas such as armpits and groin), stimulating cell renewal.
What is the most moisturizing clay?
Among the variety of clays, those that contain greater hydration due to their components are yellow , white and pink clay .
These three types may contain: sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper and titanium, elements that maintain cellular respiration and the balance of electrons in the skin cells, leaving the skin hydrated.
For sensitive, oily, or mature skin, the use of white clay is recommended. Those with red or sensitive skin can use pink clay. Finally, yellow clay is indicated for normal, dry or mature skin.
It is important to remember that after applying the clay, it is necessary to spray normal water, saline, thermal water or hydrolates in the application area, so that the clay does not dry on the skin, losing hydration properties.
What is the best clay to remove wrinkles?
The clays that promote skin rejuvenation are yellow , black , red clay . This is because it contains silicon, aluminum, copper oxide and iron oxide, minerals that can assist in the construction of collagen, increasing elasticity and renewing skin cells.
For normal, dry or mature skin it is recommended to use yellow clay, which may increase the elasticity of the fabric.
Black clay should be used with caution in oily skin – that is, without exaggeration, as it removes a large amount of oil from the dermis, which can cause a rebound effect.
The indication of this clay is for normal or mature skin, as it renews the cells through the detox effect. It is worth remembering that it is important to use moisturizer after removing the clay.
Those with sensitive skin, on the other hand, can use red clay, which through the antioxidant action fights aging.
What is each type of clay for?
There are different colors and types of clay, the pigmentation is determined according to the main element of the composition.
For example, yellow and red clays are rich in ferro-ferric, brown, black and purple clays are rich in iodine. So, each type contains different components and purposes – check out how to use each one below:
Verde
Green clay has a sebum production regulating action and can be considered an excellent antiseptic, so it is indicated for oily and acne- prone skin .
It contains iodine and ferrous iron, actives that make ionic exchanges with the skin, improving areas that are producing sebum in quantities above normal, iron also promotes cell renewal.
This clay can be used on normal, oily or oily skins only in the T region (forehead, nose and chin). The application can be done on the entire face, for normal and oily skins, and only in the T region on skins that oil production is greater in this area.
Yellow
Yellow clay has silicon as its main element, which can increase the formation of collagen in the skin, in addition to promoting elasticity by stimulating the production of elastin.
White
The white clay has moisturizing and healing properties, which is due to aluminum and magnesium (main components). It is also noteworthy that it has the pH closest to the skin, close to 4.7 to 5.75 pH.
Therefore, its use is indicated for facial moisturizing or application in areas where there is dry skin, such as cheeks and jaw.
Still, white and green clay can be combined for use in post-surgical care, as they act to lighten, moisturize, heal and decrease the inflammation process in the surgical scar.
But this use should be done only with medical recommendation, because without the correct guidance, it can cause damage and hinder the delicate healing process.
Brown
Brown clay can be used in treatment of pimples and blackheads , and as a hair mask . It is commonly used to make crafts and the manufacture of vases, but its greatest use is in the aesthetic area.
In its composition there are silicon, aluminum and titanium, these minerals promote blood circulation in the applied area, remove the oil accumulated in the pores, and act in an antiseptic way on the skin, on the hair help the treatment against dandruff.
Black
Black clay can also be found under the name “volcanic mud”, and is indicated for detox treatments on the skin and hair.
It contains a high concentration of aluminum, silicon and titanium, which act in an anti-inflammatory manner and provide the reconstruction of skin tissues and wires. It also has a calming effect and can help in the treatment of wrinkles.
Red
This clay is rich in iron, an element that participates in cellular respiration and gives a reddish color due to the high concentration of the mineral.
Red clay is commonly used in several areas of the body, such as cellulite treatments, preventing stretch marks or reducing sun marks and signs of aging on the face.
Also, it can be used on hair to help remove hair residues.
Rosa
Pink clay is a mixture of white and red, combining the benefits of these two clays. In this sense, hydration through the action of silicon and the treatment of cellulite by increasing blood circulation, caused by iron, are the two main benefits.
It is indicated for sensitive and dehydrated skin, as it acts in a healing and soothing way, moisturizing without damaging the skin or clogging pores. And it can be used on the face, body and hair, with the same moisturizing action for the hair.
Gray
This clay is rich in titanium, silicon and aluminum, it also has a more alkaline pH (it can cause dryness), so it is not suitable for use on hair, except in cases of too much oil in the wires.
Thus, if used on hair without this problem, it can cause more dryness.
On the face, gray clay can treat inflamed skin lesions, such as those caused by blackheads and pimples. In addition, it can smooth out blemishes and serve as an exfoliating scrub and / or face mask.
Purple
Purple clay is indicated for use on skins with fine lines and wrinkles, as it has a moisturizing and invigorating action, it can help in reducing the signs of skin age.
Through the minerals magnesium and silicon, this clay acts to hydrate, soothe and invigorate the skin. In addition to absorbing impurities and sebum from the skin pores.
Can be used on the face area.
How to apply clay on the skin?
The application of clay is simple and quick, and can be done in a few minutes, its general use is once a week. To know how to use and choose properly, and to clarify possible doubts, it is important to consult a dermatologist, who will evaluate the skin and indicate the best use. Check out the application step by step:
- Start by cleaning the application area, wash with soap appropriate for the region. Removing makeup, residue and oil;
- Add mineral water to the clay, in the case of powdered clay, to form a paste. The amount will vary according to the size of the application area, start with 1 tablespoon of clay to 1 teaspoon of water;
- Do not use metal containers or utensils to mix the clay, as it can negatively interfere with its properties;
- Apply the clay with the help of a brush or with your fingers, always with clean hands or brush, so as not to get dirt on the skin;
- Avoid sensitive areas, such as around the eyes and mouth. After finishing the application, wait 15 minutes or according to the time suggested on the package (in the case of clays ready for application);
- Do not let the clay dry on your skin, spray water (or thermal water, hydrolates and saline) when it starts to dry out. Remove after the suggested time, just wash with water.
- You can finish by moisturizing the area with the cream / serum of your choice after removal.
The skin may be a little red after applying the mask, which is normal due to increased blood circulation in the region. Remembering that for greater safety and effectiveness in care, it is necessary to seek professional guidance.
Using natural products, such as clay, is a great option for the health of your skin. In addition to being a moment of self-care and well-being, doing a “mini spa” at home and relaxing.
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