Is clay good for your skin? Who should incorporate it into their skin care routine and who should be careful?

What is Clay?

Clay means "clay" in English.

They are natural minerals, solid substances found in the Earth's crust, rocks, soil, etc. And they are also used in skin care products when ground into a fine powder.

Its effects are generally described as follows:

• Absorbs sebum and dirt
• Improves acne
• Moisturizes the skin

Since ancient times, humans have used clay to maintain healthy skin and hair.

However, in reality, most of the effects are just "legends," and it is difficult to say that they have been sufficiently scientifically verified.

However, it is true that many people have seen improvements to their skin after using clay.
In this article, we will look at the effects of clay on the skin.

Types of Clay

There are many different types of clay, each with different properties. The most common types of clay used in skin care are as follows:

Bentonite

Bentonite is a mineral-rich clay made from volcanic ash, and is characterized by its extremely high adsorption power.
It has a strong detoxifying effect because it draws out and absorbs excess oil, toxins, and impurities from the skin, making it popular among people with oily skin and acne. When mixed with water, it creates an electric charge that attracts impurities, making it effective for treating pores.

Kaolin (White Clay)

Kaolin is one of the mildest clays and is considered good for dry or sensitive skin.
It has the same absorbent powers as bentonite, but is less likely to overly dry out the skin. It is said to leave skin feeling soft and smooth. Kaolin is recommended for sensitive skin, as it gently removes dirt and oil without clogging pores.

French Green Clay

French green clay is rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium, which are said to promote blood circulation and support skin regeneration.
It controls sebum and stickiness on oily and combination skin. It also absorbs excess oil from the skin, which helps with shine.

Red Clay

Red clay contains a lot of iron oxide . It is said to promote blood circulation. It is a mild clay that is easy to use even on sensitive skin, and is said to have excellent moisturizing effects.

Moroccan Clay (Rasoul Clay)

Moroccan clay is a natural clay found in the highlands of Morocco. It is also known as rasoul clay.
It has a very smooth texture and is said to remove oil and dirt while protecting the skin's moisture. It is rich in minerals, so it is suitable for sensitive skin or skin that tends to dry out.

What effect does clay have on the skin?

Most of the claims about the effectiveness of clay are based on legend, with little scientific evidence to back them up.
However, there are some studies that suggest clay may have skin care benefits.

Effect on whiteheads

Research shows that clay masks may help prevent mild acne by absorbing excess oil from the skin, especially whiteheads that form when dirt and oil clog pores. If you have oily skin, using a clay mask once or twice a week may help keep excess oil in check.

On the other hand, it is unlikely to be effective on acne that is infected, red and swollen, oracne caused by hormonal imbalance .

Reduces rashes

A 2017 study found that lotions containing bentonite clay could help reduce symptoms of skin rashes caused by plants like sumac, and bentonite may also be effective against diaper rash .

Moisturizes dry skin

Packs using red clay are sometimes recommended as they are effective against dry skin.
Indeed, a 2016 study suggests that when clay hardens on the skin, it forms a film that may help hydrate the skin.

However, some researchers say that using clay packs alone doesn't improve skin firmness, and they all agree that using too much clay can dry out your skin.
If you are already suffering from dryness, it may be safer to use clay skin care products sparingly, such as limiting them to once a week.

Precautions when using clay

It is unlikely that using clay for skin care will cause serious skin problems.

However, using clay packs for long periods of time or daily can cause dryness and irritation of the skin, so be sure to adjust the frequency of use according to your skin's condition.

Some products also contain ingredients other than clay. Make sure to check that they do not contain any ingredients that are not suitable for your skin, such as fragrances or colorants .

Some clay products contain ingredients such as glycolic acid that can cause irritation depending on your skin type. If you use clay, it is recommended to choose a 100% clay product that contains no unnecessary ingredients.

Even if you choose a simple clay, in rare cases you may experience the following skin reactions:

• Drying
• itch
• Redness
• rash

As with any cosmetic product, it is important to use it while checking whether it causes any discomfort to your skin.

What about using clay as a bath additive?

Some people add clay to their baths as a bath additive. What effects can you expect from this?

There doesn't seem to be any scientific evidence to back this up, but let's take a look at the effects that are generally said to be associated with it.

Detoxification effect

It is said to have a detoxifying effect as it removes dirt and toxins from the skin. It is also said to improve blood circulation and relieve swelling and fatigue.

Supplement minerals

Clay is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It is said that by using it as a bath additive and touching it to the whole body, these mineral components penetrate the skin, making it healthier.

Relaxing effect

The clay ingredients are said to have a calming effect, which, combined with the effects of a hot bath, is said to provide a deep sense of relaxation.

Use it properly to avoid drying out your skin

The biggest feature of clay is its adhesive power. It absorbs oils from the skin, so if you use it for a long time, it can dry out your skin.

It may be a welcome effect for people with acne-prone or oily skin, or people who are concerned about clogged pores. However, people with dry or sensitive skin should be careful about the time and frequency of use.