Clays

"Thanks, Evani! have a great Thanksgiving yourself!"

There are several different types of clays but they all serve a similar purpose and that is to cleanse and invigorate skin with remarkable results. This beauty treatment has been with us since ancient times but have only recently become popular again. Some clays are edible and taken internally for their medicinal properties. The various clays work well for various skin problems. They are easy to use and effective. If you are going on holiday, all you need is a packet of clay to be mixed with liquid and you have an impromptu facial mask!

French Green Clay - Is naturally green as the name suggests and cannot ever be white or gray in colour. The colour determines a good or poor quality clay. It contains valuable minerals such as montmorillonite, several (up to 9) important mineral oxides, magnesium, calcium, potassium, dolomite, silica, manganese, phosporous, silicon, copper, and selenium. It is quarry mined, sun-dried and heavily processed. The result should be fine, powdery, green clay. It is considered to be the best and most active clay as it is super absorbent and tones and tigthens the skin. Suitable for all skin types except sensitive. Especially suitable for oily skin.

Yellow Clay - Is naturally yellow and also determines a good or poor quality clay. It is a mild clay and believed to stimulate blood circulation while gently exfoliating and cleansing the skin. Rich in minerals, it is good for all skin types.

Red Clay - Is again naturally red :P. It is a powerful astringent for oily skin and hair and has the ability to draw excess oils from the skin and stimulate circulation to the skin.

White Clay - Is the mildest of all clays and is suitable for sensitive skin. It does not draw oils from the skin and can be used for dry skin.

Pink Clay - A combination of white and red clay and has medium absorbency. It is a balanced blend of iron oxide, silica and mineral salts. Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and delicate skin.

Bentonite Clay - Is a combination of montmorillonite and volcanic ash. It is a highly absorbent clay that pulls oils and toxins from the skin. It is best suited for oily skin and used in shaving soaps.

These are the most basic of clays. There are more including Dead Sea Clay, Rhassoul Clay, Fullers Earth, Multani Mitti and Green Illite.

Clays can be mixed with other powders such as milk powder, honey powder, yoghurt powder, buttermilk powder, fine oatmeal, cornstarch and so on to make a truly luxurious facial mask. Just combine all the dry powders together and mix with a liquid when you're ready to use it. Clays on their own keep indefinitely but should be used within four to five years to ensure freshness.

Lavender and Rose Clay Mask and Cleanser

1/2 cup of your choice of clay
1/4 cup of finely ground oatmeal
2 tbsp of honey powder
2 tbsp of goat's milk powder
few drops of lavender essential oil
2 tbsp dried and grounded rose petals
2 tbsp lavender buds

Mix the clay, oatmeal, honey powder and milk powder together. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil, depending on how strong you like it. Add the rose petals and lavender buds and then store in an airtight container.

When you are ready to use it, remove a teaspoon of the clay and add enough water to make a paste. Better yet, try a floral water like rose water or orange blossom water. Then cleanse your
face, wash off with water and pat dry.

To make a mask, take enough clay and add it with water or floral water to make a paste and smooth it all over your face and neck. Lie down and relax for 10-15 minutes, the mask will dry and tighten. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.

If you're not into floral scents, try instead adding orange essential oil and dried orange rinds to the clay. Or you could try adding other herbs instead.

Here's another tip. Try mixing and matching different types of clay, you may come up with something that works extremely well for you! One of my favourites is equal portions of Kaolin and Bentonite Clay.

You could keep the clay in a ziplock bag when you go on holiday and although the packaging may not be very pretty, you can be sure the contents are 100% spa-worthy ;)

Edit: I would like to wish everybody who is celebrating thanksgiving, a Happy Thanksgiving! Sorry, I got in a little late :(