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Using Clays for Beautiful Skin
Clays have been used for centuries as a method to help beautify
the skin. They are available as a fine powder and are present in
almost all traditional beauty regimens.
They exfoliate, clean and invigorate the skin while improving blood
circulation. Clay has the ability to absorb excess oils, dirt and
harmful toxins from the skin. The addition of herbs add even greater
benefit.
Cosmetic clays are made up of different mineral contents, and each
clay type has a different effect on the skin. The high mineral content
of clay rejuvenates the skin while the clay exfoliates and stimulates
blood circulation to the skin.
Regular use of clay facials will remove dead skin cells, improve
circulation to the skin, remove debris from the pores and bring
about a smooth healthy glow. Each clay has the ability to absorb
toxins from the skin but they differ in their level of absorption.
Clays are commonly used in facials, but they can also be added to
body powders and soaps. Cosmetic clays come in beautiful hues including
pink, deep red, light sage green, yellow, white, gray and blue.
This array of colors makes them a popular choice for use as a natural
colorant in soap, lotions, creams and bath salts.
• Clays that are suitable for dry, sensitive or normal skin
are Pink Kaolin, White Kaolin, Yellow Kaolin, and Rose.
• Clays that are suitable for oily skin are Bentonite, French
Green, Green Illite, Red Kaolin, Blue Montmorillonite, Red Montmorillonite,
Moroccan Red, and Multani Mitti (Indian Fullers Earth).
• Clays that are suitable for all skin types are Dead Sea,
Rhassoul and Sea clays.
When purchasing clays, be sure to purchase clays that are cosmetic
or medicinal grade. Technical grade clays often have dangerously
high content levels of lead and should be avoided.
The following facial mask recipe is easy to make and can be customized
to suit your specific skin type and personal preferences.
Choose a cosmetic clay and herbs that are suitable for your skin
type. Citrus peel powders add astringency, rose petal powder adds
fragrance, yellow sandalwood powder helps dry skin and neem powder
helps acne. Other ingredients that can be added are milk powders,
honey powder, oatmeal and sea vegetables.
Clay Facial Mask Recipe
• 2-3 oz. Cosmetic Clay
• 1-2 oz. Powdered Herbs
• Water or Hydrosol
• 1-2 drops Essential Oil added at the time of application
(optional)
Mix the powdered ingredients to make 4 oz. of dry clay facial and
store in a 4 oz. jar. Clay facial masks should not be stored pre-mixed
with the wetting agent.
To use, add approximately 1/2 oz. of the dry clay facial herb blend
to a small bowl and mix enough warm water or hydrosol to make a
paste. Add a drop or 2 of essential oil if desired.
Apply to the skin in a gentle circular motion, and leave it to dry
for about 15-20 minutes. Wash off with warm water. If the skin feels
tight, a light oil such as camelina can be applied afterwards.
Experiment with other wetting agents. Strawberry puree will act
like an alpha-hydroxy. Cucumber puree cools the skin, yogurt cools
and softens the skin, and milk removes dead skin cells and softens
the skin.
Fran Loudas is a Certified Aromatherapist, Certified in the
Design and Production of Aromatherapy Skin Care Products, Certified
in Custom Blending of Essential Oils, an Oriental Diagnostics Specialist
and Herbal Remedy Maker. She has taught many workshops on Perfume
Blending, Aromatherapy 101, Your Home Spa, Herbal Dream Pillows,
Aromababy and Aromatherapy Before, During & After Your Pregnancy.
Fran also teaches at the Barnes & Noble University. She owns
her company, www.infusionbath.com,
using her extensive background knowledge to make these products
- something she very much enjoys doing as it allows her to be creative
while at the same time making natural body and skin care products.
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