So turns out there are treasures lying within dirt and volcanic ash. Natural clays!
There really is nothing that the Earth doesn’t give us. The natural properties of certain clays hold many wonders for your skin. So, what exactly is bentonite clay?
This particular clay is composited from lush volcanic rock that was once exposed to seawater, meaning it is loaded with tons of minerals. It is odourless with a fine consistency and has a soft texture (Nectar, 2019). This leads us onto the benefits of this marvellous stuff!
- Cleanse and Exfoliation
When mixed with water, the bentonite clay forms a paste, which can be used as a facial mud mask. Yes you heard it right, whack that mud on your face and release your inner child. This clay really gets to grips with cleaning out your pores and exfoliating your skin.
2. Detoxifying
The vitamins and minerals found in this miracle mud are useful in detoxification. It successfully removes impurities such as oils and toxins. How? Well, time to see who listened in science class - a little recap lesson on molecules.
Most impurities are positively charged and what a coincidence, Bentonite becomes negatively charged when introduced to nasty toxins. We are all familiar with the saying, “opposites attract.” That’s right, this results in the clay practically becoming a magnet, attracting all of the impurities out of your skin cells, leaving plenty of room for fresh oxygen to move in (Nectar, 2019).
Who knew science could be so interesting?
Top Tip: Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with water. Add some Turmeric and Coconut Oil to this recipe for a moisturising and anti-inflammatory boost.
3. Treating oily skin and acne
Is your skin under acne attack? A great weapon of choice: Bentonite clay.
Reason number three as to why this stuff is so great. It is super effective at absorbing dirt and oil, such as sebum (a natural substance secreted by the sebaceous glands). Now sebum isn’t trying to play the villain here, it actually acts as a natural moisturiser for your skin. However, the production of this oily substance can sometimes get out of control, resulting in oily skin and clogged pores, which in turn causes acne breakouts (Smiechowski, 2018).
Turn to the mighty Bentonite clay. It will work its magic and suck up that pore-clogging sebum.
4. Scarring
Any acne sufferer knows that clearing an acne breakout is only half of the problem solved. The other half is dealing with the scars. This particular clay can also assist in fading skin discolourations. It’s just a win-win really. Bentonite clay has a scientifically-proven ability to promote regeneration and healing (Williams L & Haydel S, 2010).
So there you have it! Bentonite clay truly is a diamond in the rough. Consider trying it for all your skin needs. That’s a wrap, let’s end on a top tip:
When using Bentonite Clay, you should handle the powder with a wooden spoon rather than metal utensils, as the clay can potentially absorb the properties of the metal!
References
Bentonite Clay: Benefits and Uses (2019) Jennifer Berry <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325241>
Useful Bentonite Clay Benefits for Skin and Hair (2019) Geralyn <https://nectarusa.com/blogs/news/7-must-read-skin-benefits-of-bentonite-clay>
5 Ways Bentonite Clay Battles Acne (2018) Jenny Scmiechowski <https://www.redmondclay.com/2018/5-ways-bentonite-clay-battles-acne/>
Evaluation of the medicinal use of clay minerals as antibacterial agents (2011) Lynda B. Williams & Shelley E. Haydel <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2904249/>