Lets face it- no pun intended- putting on a clay mask just feels good.  We all played with dirt and mud as kids and something about getting your fingers in a bowl full of clay powder, making a paste and slathering it on just feels primal, human and natural…not to mention fun.  Besides the obvious cooling and calming sensation of the experience, clay masks have a multitude of benefits for skin as well plenty of play for the soul. Here are some of the reasons clay is amazing . . .

A product of weathered volcanic ash and a naturally rich source of minerals, clays are useful for getting minerals such as magnesium, silica and calcium into the body.  Minerals are the main source of life on our planet and are necessary for all processes in the body, helping with everything from muscle contractions to the production of hormones. Applying clay onto the skin is a great way of infusing it with life-giving minerals and restoring balance.

Clay exfoliates the skin and cleans up impurities.  Perhaps the most well-known clay for beauty treatments is Bentonite Clay.  Bentonite has a strong negative electromagnetic charge and when activated by water, it acts like a magnet in and on our bodies, drawing metals and toxins to it. But all clays detoxify and heal the skin by absorbing impurities to varying degrees. For example, Kaolin clay is known more for a gentle exfoliation and its skin softening effects, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Sea Clay tightens pores and promotes circulation for a rosy glow and Rhassoul Clay is another powerful detoxifier that doesn’t dry out your skin.

Blackheads or whiteheads are produced due to an excess of sebum, which cause blocks within the hair follicles on the skin. Oily skin with too much sebum encourages the production of bacteria which can result in acne. To keep your skin soft, supple and blemish-free, use a dab of clay mixed with water directly on blemishes. Leave on overnight and repeat until blemish is gone!

Skin congestion and clogged pores don’t just occur with oily skin types, nearly everyone at some point will suffer from dull, lackluster skin in need of some TLC (the C standing for clay of course). Regular application of clay masks reduces the size of your pores and expels gunk clogging up your pores.  Shrinking the size of your pores can help tremendously with keeping your face clean and blemishes as bay.  Clay contains some antibacterial properties as well- the small particles in clay envelope bacteria and deprive it of nutrition and oxygen, eliminating bacteria and leaving your skin feeling fresh.

So next time you get the urge to play with clay - go for it! Your skin will glow with thanks.