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What Are The Benefits Of Clay For Skin?

What Are The Benefits Of Clay For Skin?
Team LF
Writer and expert6 years ago
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Clay is one of the most cleansing and detoxifying ingredients you can use on your skin. Rich in minerals, the benefits of clay for skin in helping to clear blemishes, draw out impurities and leave you with a brighter complexion, are unrivalled.

There are many different types of clay: from Rose and Kaolin, to French Green and Red. All of them are to be used when your skin needs a detox, as it is a very purifying ingredient.

What Is The Right Clay For My Skin Type?

These different types of clay contain varying levels of minerals, and therefore work better on different skin types. Using the right one for your needs will ensure you end up with a gorgeous and healthy complexion without any side effects.

Normal Skin

If you have normal skin, you want to make sure your skin remains balanced and well hydrated after treatment, so you need to use a clay that won't strip your skin of moisture.

Kaolin Clay is one of the mildest clays available, as it gently cleanses the skin without removing too much oil and causing sensitivity to the skin. Its mild exfoliant properties help to remove dead skin cells and impurities from the skin, reducing blemishes and imperfections.

For a gentle cleanse, opt for the MÁDARA Blackberry White Clay Soap, as the Kaolin helps to remove surface impurities without disrupting the natural balance of your skin. The natural and organic ingredients will also nourish without causing irritation. For a more intensive treatment option, opt for the Chantecaille Detox Clay Mask, which contains Kaolin to cleanse, and Rosewater to soothe, so your complexion is left feeling purified yet hydrated.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin can be one of the hardest skin types to work with due to the fact that most ingredients can cause some degree of irritation. Opt for a clay that gently cleanses without drawing out too many impurities so that your skin remains soothed.

Rose Clay is an ideal clay to use if you have sensitive skin as it has mild exfoliating properties, which is great for clearing your skin without harsh and abrasive ingredients. It doesn't absorb a lot of oil from the skin, so still leaves you with a hydrated complexion, while still removing toxins at the same time.

For a gentle skin mask that will leave your skin feeling bright and refreshed, opt for the Origins Original Skin Mask with Rose Clay. It contains a blend of Rose Clay to detoxify, and Willowherb to soothe as it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. If you have dry and sensitive skin, opt for the DELAROM Exfoliating Mask, which along with Pink Clay, contains Shea Butter and Mallow Extract to add moisture.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, clay-based skincare is brilliant at removing excess oil and leaving you with a matte and healthy complexion. If you have oilier skin, you may also suffer from blemishes, which clay can also help to dry out and heal.

French Green Clay is brilliant for oily skin types as they work much better at absorbing excess oil than more gentle based ones. It helps to clear out clogged pores, eliminating blackheads, whiteheads and acne thanks to its purifying properties that draw out impurities and toxins.

For an everyday treatment, try the Konjac Facial Puff Sponge with French Green Clay, which can be used daily on the skin and doesn't require extra cleansing products to work. It helps to promote healthy skin by absorbing bacteria and excess oil to leave your skin clean and refreshed. For a more intensive treatment, try REN's Detox Mask, which helps to reduce excess sebum on the skin, and using a blend of Spirulina and Essential Fatty Acids, purifies the skin and keeps it hydrated.

Congested Skin

Congested skin can mean anything from blemishes and breakouts, to dullness and sallowness. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, then a clay mask can help to banish the spots and brighten your complexion.

Red Clay is brilliant at purifying the complexion and giving it a healthier, more radiant appearance thanks to its high content of Iron Oxide. It's also one of the clays that doesn't dry out your skin too much, making it ideal for congested skin as it can be quite sensitive.

The bareMinerals Clay Chameleon Purifying Cleanser is brilliant to use on congested skin, as once mixed with water, it transforms into a creamy consistency that feels nourishing and hydrating. It contains a blend of Red Clay and Bamboo Extracts to purify the skin and revitalise the complexion. For a deeper clean, opt for First Aid Beauty's Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser, which helps to prevent new breakouts from forming by drawing out toxins from the skin.

If you have dry skin, opt for a mask that is more moisturising than clay. Even mild clays such as Kaolin could still cause irritation if you are suffering from dry skin. Caudalie’s Moisturising Mask is an ideal alternative thanks to its its blend of Grape Seed Oil and Hyaluronic Acid.

Team LF
Writer and expert
View Team LF's profile
Our team of beauty experts cover everything from makeup to skincare, picking out the most effective products from the best brands and latest trends. Stay up to date on everything beauty with the LOOKFANTASTIC blog, and find all your essentials in one place.
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