Tips To Select Clay Masks According To Your Skin Type

Today we will discuss some different types of clay and what type of clay should be used on a specific skin type, but before getting into all that let us know what is clay. So basically clay is a soft, loose, earthy material containing particles with a grain size of fewer than 4 micrometers. It forms as a result of the weathering and erosion of rocks containing the mineral group feldspar (known as the ‘mother of clay’) over vast spans of time.

During weathering, the feldspar content is altered by hydrolysis(reaction with water) to form clay minerals such as kaolinites (the principal minerals in kaolin clays) and smectites (the principal minerals in bentonite clays). Commercially, the most important clays are known as kaolin and bentonite.

There are 7 main types of clay for skin

- Moroccan red clay
- White kaolin clay
- Bentonite clay
- French green clay
- Fuller’s earth clay
- Ghassoul clay
- Cambrian blue clay

* Oily/Acne prone skin

Moroccan red clay and White kaolin clay both are best choices for balancing oily skin and unclogging dirty pores. They absorb excess oil and are often used in various deodorants and face masks. White Kaolin Clay is a very fine and light clay, mostly made up of the mineral kaolinite, and is common in many cosmetic products. Moroccan Red Clay is mined in the mountains of Morocco and deeply cleanses the pores while stimulating circulation yet it’s still gentle enough for sensitive skin.

* Normal to Oily

Bentonite clay, formed from volcanic ash, is the most widely used clay and will be perfect if you aren’t quite sure which clay is right for you. It can absorb excess oil and tighten skin simultaneously. This is good for people with normal skin texture as this clay will not make skin extremely dry. Bentonite Clay also has healing properties internally and is often used to treat digestive issues. Named from a large deposit found in Fort Benton, Wyoming, this clay can definitely take a permanent residence in your medicine cabinet.

* Aging skin

Rhassoul clay is rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. This is also Mined in Eastern Morocco, Rhassoul/ ghassoul Clay is found to have higher percentages of magnesium and silica, making it silky smooth and the ultimate choice for luxury spa treatments. For skin that is losing elasticity and needs deep exfoliation, Rhassoul Clay is the perfect ingredient to firm and revitalize. This clay is the most hydrating clay, as it doubles when water is added, helping the skin retain moisture.

* Pigmentation

A sedimentary clay, Fuller’s Earth has lightening properties for pigmented and aging. This is one of the most famous and widely used clay. Every household has this miracle powder, especially in the summer months. This has become a choice clay for drawing out excess sebum and decolorizing (lightening) oil out of pores.

* Sensitive skin

While this type of clay is quite rare, it’s a seriously a great anti-pollutant. Blue clay is renowned for its gentleness and invigorating virtues, restoring vitality to both your hair and skin. Blue clay is particularly effective for mature or oily skin, and for dry or colored hair. Removes impurities, pollution, and dead skin Oxygenates the skin restores radiance and brightness to hair and skin, Nourishes the hair, Repairs and protects skin from external aggressors