Ever since civilization began, clay, a natural substance that can truly be called "the soul of the earth", has been used for innumerable purposes like preparing medications to help in treating disease, as a topical salve to assist in healing wounds and even in maintaining dental hygiene.
Besides its umpteen medicinal uses, clay has also been a central ingredient in skincare products, to attain a luminous, soft and smooth look. This is due to the several beneficial attributes of clay, which make it an ideal component in beauty creams and cleansers.
Clay is essentially a soft mineral produce, formed from weathering of volcanic ash. The type of minerals and the distinct colour of the clay depends upon the region in which it forms. The different forms of clay include bentonite clay, French green clay, Rose clay, kaolin clay, Moroccan clay and Fuller's earth or Multani Mitti, with bentonite clay and Fuller's earth being the most popular varieties utilised in skincare lotions and powders. Also Read: Homemade Multani Mitti Packs For Glowing Skin
Clay inherently possesses a negative charge and most toxins present on the face and body are positively charged. Using clay on skin hence makes it function like a magnet, drawing out the dust particles and enhancing skin health.
The flexible and powdery nature of clay make it easy to add it in skincare products, apart from also being a powerful antimicrobial agent.
Advantages Of Adding Clay To Skincare Routine:
Protects Against Pollutants
The high levels of pollutants in the external environment often leads to many skin problems. Clay, being rich in mineral content, absorbs the dirt and grime on skin, clearing skin surface of impurities. Using a soap containing clay extracts while showering immensely helps clean the unwanted residues on skin.
Evens Skin Tone
Due to prolonged sun exposure and in the blazing summers, skin tends to tan especially on the face and neck. The treasure trove of natural elements in clay are very effective in brightening dull and lifeless skin. Washing the face and neck every evening, after returning home from work or an occasion, with a cleanser containing clay works wonders in removing tans and instantly providing smooth, sparkling skin.
Eliminates Acne
Clay contains a host of valuable antimicrobial agents, that can combat harmful microbes like bacteria and fungus which cause various skin conditions like acne, pimples and boils. Applying creams that are imbued with the goodness of clay confers marvellous benefits for skin health, removing stubborn zits and unsightly acne scars from the face. Also Read: Try These Home Remedies To Clear Acne Scars
Boosts Collagen Synthesis
Collagen is a key protein required for maintaining the elasticity of skin. The abundance of silica in clay helps to promote collagen synthesis, thereby slowing down ageing and improving the texture of connective tissues in the skin on the face and the body. Simply apply a clay face mask for 15 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water, to reap the brilliant advantages of clay for a radiant look, by stimulating collagen production.
