Cosmetic clay – types and recipes for use for face, body and hair

Since time immemorial, different types of clays have been used in medicine and cosmetology, and today this natural product is one of the most affordable and effective means for skin and hair care. Cosmetic clay can replace a whole arsenal of products that any woman who cares about her appearance has.

Cosmetic clay – types

Clays are sedimentary rocks formed as a result of the destruction and disintegration of rocks under the influence of natural factors. By origin, they are divided into two large classes: continental and marine. Each species has its own individual qualities and useful properties. Depending on the mineral composition, determined by the place of their origin, therapeutic and cosmetic clays have different colors:

• white;
• yellow;
• blue;
• green;
• red;
• gray;
• black.

Clay under the ground or the seabed accumulates in layers that do not allow water and pollution to pass through. At the same time, when it comes to the surface, it can absorb impurities that can be harmful. Therefore, it is better to give preference to purified clays, which are sold in a pharmacy. And in order to determine which of the varieties will suit you best, consider the properties, composition and purpose of each separately.

pink cosmetic clay

In its pure form, pink cosmetic clay is not found, it is obtained by mixing white and red in various proportions. Its chemical composition is based on elements such as potassium, magnesium, silicon, iron, zinc, calcium, silica, copper, etc. This type of clay is versatile and delicate, so it can be recommended to everyone, especially women with sensitive skin. Pink clay does not dry out tissues, helps to soften them, activates metabolic and regeneration processes.

The delicate texture of pink clay is perfectly perceived by the skin, even prone to allergic rashes and inflammation. It is able to disinfect, adsorb impurities, fat accumulated in the pores. Thanks to the use of masks with this product, minor damage to the epidermis heals faster, inflammation is removed, and the problem of enlarged pores is solved. Due to its tightening and nourishing properties, it is also recommended for the purpose of rejuvenation.

yellow cosmetic clay

Iron and potassium predominate in yellow clay. This is a powerful biologically active agent capable of oxygenating tissues, toning, refreshing and moisturizing. Therefore, first of all, yellow clay is recommended for women whose skin has lost its healthy color, looks tired and haggard. In addition, this clay does an excellent job of removing toxins from inflammatory foci, disinfects, cleanses the pores. Can be used for oily skin. With regular use, it effectively counters skin aging.

Yellow clay is excellent not only for the face, but also for the whole body. It softens the skin well on the elbows, knees, feet and hands, has excellent exfoliating properties. It can be used to solve the problem of sweating feet and hands, as well as to relieve leg fatigue after physical exertion, prolonged standing.

White cosmetic clay

The most common in the application is white cosmetic clay for the face. It is rich in silica, silicon, aluminum, manganese, zinc, calcium. This type of clay is slightly oily to the touch and may have a slight yellowish or grayish tinge. Recommended for various skin types to eliminate acne, deep cleansing of the skin, its tightening and elasticity. It can be used for allergenic skin in order to reduce inflammatory reactions, itching.

The use of white clay contributes to a slight whitening of the skin, lightening age spots and helps to even out the complexion. Able to somewhat smooth out scars and scars, including post-acne. In addition, this tool is a good antiseptic, has a moderate drying effect. For the body, white clay can bring many benefits, effectively fighting cellulite, stretch marks, sagging skin on the abdomen (for example, after childbirth or rapid weight loss). It is not advised to use this type of clay only for rosacea.

blue cosmetic clay

The chemical composition of blue clay is represented mainly by compounds of calcium, aluminum, manganese, sodium, iron, zinc, silicon, etc. In small quantities, it contains radium, a rare radioactive element, which is an important tool in modern medicine. Natural clay, called blue, has a grayish tint. If the color of such clay is deep blue, then most likely it is artificially enriched with additional components.

Blue clay is recommended for acne, for oily and combination skin, to relieve irritation and redness. For dry skin, it can be used to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, get rid of wrinkles and tighten the skin. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, it quickly relieves skin damage, prevents inflammation in clogged pores. In addition, blue clay is useful for hair, especially with the problem of hair loss.

Green cosmetic clay

Green clay is famous for its miraculous properties, which in its natural form, depending on the deposit, may have a light gray or dark gray tint. It contains components such as iron, silver, potassium, silicon, zinc, copper, aluminum, etc. This type of clay is able to restore the hydrobalance of the skin, increase microcirculation in tissues, and normalize metabolic processes.

Green clay gently cleanses the skin without overdrying, great for any skin type. It has unique antiseptic qualities, helps the skin to renew itself. Can be used to eliminate puffiness. Green clay, the properties of which are applicable not only to the skin of the face, but also to the skin of the whole body, hair, nails, helps to rejuvenate the appearance.

Red cosmetic clay

Moroccan red clay, which is of volcanic origin, is endowed with amazing properties. It contains a lot of copper, iron, silicon, magnesium, etc. The shade can vary from grayish to brownish and purple. Girls with problem skin should definitely use mask recipes with such clay to eliminate excessive greasiness, comedones, and stagnant spots. It has a very good effect on aging skin, contributing to its renewal, lifting, toning. Can be used for rosacea.

Considered cosmetic clay is recommended as a cleanser for body skin, scalp and hair. Using it as a natural shampoo, you can strengthen the follicles, accelerate the growth of curls, get rid of dandruff, dullness and dry hair. Due to its high adsorption capacity, the ability to eliminate fluid stagnation and normalize blood and lymph flow, it is effective for cellulite.

Black cosmetic clay

In the form of a black or dark gray powder, black volcanic clay is commercially available. It has a high density, greasy to the touch, contains elements such as quartz, magnesium, iron, calcium, carbon, etc. This is an effective remedy for acne-prone skin, sagging, lethargy, mimic wrinkles. Quickly copes with irritations, gives smoothness and velvety.

Thanks to this cosmetic clay, you can achieve good results by fighting extra pounds in the abdomen and thighs, refresh and tighten the skin of the body. It effectively removes any toxins and impurities, eliminates peeling. Based on black clay, excellent nourishing hair masks are obtained that help restore damaged hair after frequent dyeing, blow-drying, perm. With caution, it should be used for rosacea, a pronounced vascular network.

Gray cosmetic clay

Gray clay is very similar in composition to black clay, has similar characteristics and beneficial properties for maintaining the beauty and health of the whole body. This is one of the well-suited clays for dry skin types, with impaired hydrobalance. By saturating the skin with valuable components, it helps it resist harmful environmental factors and fight age-related manifestations.

Gray cosmetic clay is recommended as a basis for softening and renewing baths for hands and feet. Its use for hair promotes delicate cleansing with excessive greasiness, helps to restore the fat balance of the scalp. Provides deep detoxification, has effective antimicrobial properties.

Cosmetic clay for the face – which one to choose?

It is impossible to unequivocally answer which cosmetic clay for the face will be the best option for you. Each type of clay is useful in its own way, but they also have many common properties. Therefore, it would be good to try several varieties and see which of the clays the skin will respond best to. In addition, it is of great importance how to breed clay. So, if the skin is prone to oiliness, for this you need to use water, decoctions of herbs, freshly squeezed juices. Clay masks for dry skin are best diluted with milk.

Cosmetic clay for the face – masks

There are many recipes for clay face masks, which can be supplemented and modified at your discretion6, depending on the availability of components and the problems to be solved. Here is one of the universal recipes that uses blue cosmetic clay for the face – one of the most popular among women.

Blue clay mask

Ingredients:

• clay – 1 tsp. a spoon;
• kefir – 1 – 1.5 table. spoons.

Preparation and application:

1. Dilute the clay with kefir at room temperature (for oily skin – fat-free, for dry skin – oily) until a creamy texture is obtained.
2. Apply to clean, dry skin, skipping the orbital area and the area around the mouth.
3. Wash off with warm water.

Cosmetic clay for hair

The properties of cosmetic clay allow it to be successfully used to solve various problems of hair and scalp: excessive greasiness, dandruff, loss, dullness, brittleness, dryness, etc. You can use any cosmetic clay, but red, yellow, blue or black is better, containing a maximum of valuable substances for the health and beauty of the strands.

Clay hair mask

For severe hair problems, clay masks are recommended to be done twice a week for a month. Just to maintain a normal state, they are done once every 2 weeks. The real salvation will be clay from hair loss associated with the weakening of the follicles, lack of nutrients. Because this problem worries many, we will give one of the effective recipes.

Firming mask

Ingredients:

• clay – 3 table. spoons;
• water – 2 table. spoons;
• mustard powder – 1 tsp. a spoon;
• lemon juice – 1 tsp. a spoon;
• yolk – 1 pc.;
• honey – 1 tsp. a spoon.

Preparation and application:

1. Dilute clay with water, add lemon juice and honey.
2. Grind the yolk with mustard, add to the mixture.
3. Apply to the scalp, cover with a cap.
4. Wash off after 15-20 minutes with warm water.

Cosmetic clay for body

Flabbiness of the skin of the neck and décolleté, acne on the back, stretch marks, scars, cellulite, puffiness, dryness and roughness of the skin – cosmetic clay can fight all these problems, the properties and application of which are very wide. It can be used instead of detergents when taking a shower, added to a bath, applied as a mask. But it is more effective to use this tool for wraps.

Clay wrap

At home, cosmetic clay, used as a wrap, will help create a real spa skin care that is not inferior in effect to the salon. The anti-cellulite effect is achieved by removing excess fluid, toxins through the pores, anti-inflammatory action, improving microcirculation, and activating the production of collagen and elastin. Here is a recipe for a clay wrap for cellulite, which uses black clay.

Wrap Recipe

Ingredients:

• clay – half a glass;
• water – 100 ml;
• essential oil of grapefruit, orange, cinnamon – 10 drops;
• ground coffee – 2 table. spoons.

Preparation and application:

1. Mix the ingredients and lightly heat in a water bath.
2. Apply to problem areas of the body after a warm shower and scrub.
3. Wrap these areas with cling film, wrap yourself with a warm blanket on top.
4. Wash off with warm water after half an hour.