THE CLAYS & THEIR PROPERTIES
The healing and beneficial properties of clay are known and internationally recognized. They are due to the presence of various metals and the wide variety of colors is due to their content in iron and magnesium oxides.
Clay is a mineral cosmetic that offers unrivaled results to the skin. A clay mask can and cleans, rejuvenates and smoothes the skin making it more radiant. Depending on the skin we choose the appropriate type.
Clay is "famous" for its absorbent and detoxifying properties due to the ability to exchange ions with the body.
- It has hemostatic, antiseptic and soothing properties, as well as the ability to help significantly in cell regeneration, helping to heal wounds and prevent scarring.
- Stimulates blood circulation, trapping heat and creating hyperemia.
- Its antioxidant properties act against aging, while with the very first application the skin shows obvious signs of improvement.
Use
Clay is used in masks, in the bath, in peeling and various types of treatments . Depending on the type of clay we will use in each mask, spots disappear and pollutants are removed, since the sebum is absorbed and the pores of the skin are opened. The results are immediate and the rejuvenation of the skin is obvious. Regarding its application to the body, clay acts as an anti-cellulite product, removing toxins.
What are the types of clay?
The clay mask is available in a variety of colors with different contents of iron and magnesium oxides.
-The Green Clay
This species is rich in minerals and trace elements, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, etc. It is an ideal choice for deep cleansing, removes dirt, oil and excess sebum from the skin, leaving a matte appearance.
Suitable for : oily, combination or acne-prone skin. Not recommended for dry skin because it absorbs moisture. Treats dry skin and balances the oiliness of the scalp.
– White Clay (Kaolin)
This species is rich in mineral salts and kaolin. It is an ideal choice for regeneration and repair of the skin. It is a mild type of clay with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Suitable for : All skin types, but especially for dry and mature skin. Gives shine to dry and brittle hair.
– Pink Clay
This type is a mixture of red and white clay, rich in minerals, which is suitable for sensitive, mature, dull and damaged skin. Taking advantage of the beneficial properties of two different types of clay, the pink form of clay restores the skin's pH and revitalizes it by giving it a glow, without dehydrating it.
Suitable for : Dry and sensitive skins that are very easily irritated but also for rejuvenating the scalp.
* It is worth noting that due to its intense action, there is a possibility that it will cause redness on the skin, which, however, is temporary and will disappear after a while.
– The Yellow Clay
This specific type is ideal for toning, oxygenation and mild exfoliation as well as anti-aging. It is suitable for sensitive skin because it contains less iron oxides than green clay.
Suitable for : combination skin but also for dry and mature skin due to its mild nature.
– The Red Clay
This type is ideal for balancing, toning and deep cleansing of the skin. It is rich in iron oxides.
Suitable for : all skin types, especially sensitive and prone to redness from broken blood vessels, scars, stretch marks.
– Gray Clay
This particular species comes from volcanic ash. It works effectively and removes dirt, skin impurities and also fights bacteria. They are also particularly rich in iron, magnesium and calcium.
Suitable for : oily, combination skin or for all those in need of deep cleansing.
– Rhassoul Clay
This species comes from Morocco. It is famous for the most powerful detoxification of the skin.
Suitable for : oily or acne-prone skin.
Betonite – Beige / gray clay
The betonite clay intended for cosmetic use is derived from volcanic ash and its main clay mineral (60-80%) is montmorillonite. It is a clay that has the property of swelling when it comes in contact with moisture and acts as a sponge that absorbs toxins and deeply cleans the pores of the skin.
- Zeolite
Zeolite in ancient Greek means boiling stone.
It is clay with metallic elements that emit negatively charged ions. Thanks to this unique chemical property of attracting positively charged ions, a chemical reaction takes place that neutralizes the toxic matter.
It is rich in silicones, calcium, potassium and iron.
This is an excellent detoxifying clay for any beauty and spa treatment product. It is traditionally recommended for shaving products, slimming and detoxifying masks, face masks, exfoliating and anti-acne products.
- Red clay
It owes its color to the high content of iron oxides and is suitable for dry and sensitive skin. Indicated for skin with stretch marks, scars, burn marks, bruises and broken vessels that create redness.
Another beneficial use of red clay is on the eyes. By applying a mask under the eyes, blood circulation is stimulated and the skin of the area is strengthened, treating dark circles & bags under the eyes.
It is ideal for renewing your skin by restoring its lost glow.
- Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is not exactly clay, it is a black powder produced by pyrolysis of organic materials of plant origin such as e.g. Coconut shell, bamboo, sugarcane, wood, olive kernels, etc. After a special treatment and its enrichment with oxygen, its adsorption surface increases, as a result of which it acquires an excellent ability to absorb and remove toxins. For this reason it is recommended for both internal and external use.
In Asia activated charcoal has been used for centuries in beauty rituals. It has become popular in Western countries in recent years. It absorbs sebum, dust and impurities from the skin, making it ideal for oiliness and acne while also helping to tighten pores. It has exfoliating properties, is detoxifying, antibacterial, while it works therapeutically in eczema and psoriasis.