Did you know that clay has significant benefits for your skin and hair? In fact, people have been taking advantage of the cosmetic benefits of clay for centuries. green clay in particular, is rich in minerals that can suit different uses for the hair and the skin. The illite clay gets its green color from a combination of chlorophyll and iron oxide. Some other minerals that make the clay beneficial for skin and hair use include aluminum, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and silicone among others.
Would you like to know how clay can help treat rosacea and acne on your skin as well as dandruff and heat damage on your hair? Buckle up and keep reading to learn more.
Application of clay
There are two ways that you can use clay on your skin. As a plaster or as a face mask. While using the clay as a poultice plaster, follow these recommended steps:
- Apply it directly on your skin in a layer of about 1 to 2 cm thick.
- Leave the clay plaster on your skin for about 2 hours for maximum effect.
- After this, remove the clay gently from your face and discard it.
- Rinse your face and skin with look warm water.
Alternatively, you can place some clay paste (about 2 cm thick) inside a cloth and fold it. Proceed to apply the clay plaster on the desires areas of your skin. After about 1 to 2 hours, remove the clay and rinse your skin.
The best thing about clay is that it is reusable. So once you are done with the clay, you can moisten it to help preserve its minerals and store it for future use.
If you are more into face masks than plastering, then you will enjoy the soothing and relieving effects of the clay mask. Just follow the following simple steps during application:
- Apply a thick layer of the clay paste directly on your skin (the forehead, under the eyes, the cheeks, and chin).
- Leave it for about 10 minutes.
- After this, rinse of the paste with lukewarm water and wipe your face.
- Preferable, follow this up by applying a moisturizing cream on your skin.
Possible benefits of clay
Earlier, we mentioned that clay can be very significant in the treatment of rosacea, acne, and other skin conditions. This was confirmed by a study in 2008, which showed that clay prohibits bacterial growth on the skin.
Other benefits of clay include:
- Stimulating the circulation of blood
- Healing blemishes
- Exfoliation of dead skin cells
- Opening the pores by drawing out impurities
- Treat oily skin
- Soothing sore muscles, insect bites, and cuts
- Treat blackheads and acne spots
Clay may also help your hair with the following:
- Heat damage
- Dandruff
- Frizziness
- Damaged hair
The rich minerals in clay make it very useful in maintain healthy skin and hair. Whether you apply clay as a plaster or face mask, it will surely leave your skin better than it found it. If you have been struggling with dry skin, acne, rosacea or dandruffs, try out green clay and get the results you desire.
