One of the problems with many of today’s skin care products is that they are highly toxic, containing harsh ingredients like BPA, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates and other unnatural substances. Clay masks are a completely natural way to detoxify, cleanse, purify, exfoliate and beautify your skin without any negative side effects.
When wet clay is applied to the skin and left to dry, it binds to bacteria on the skin and deep in the pores. It brings the dried up bacteria to the surface to then be washed away. This reduces the overpopulation of bacteria responsible for bacterial skin problems and acne. In other words, clay masks work as a natural antibiotic that can heal skin infections and even remedy issues like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. It is even more effective than most antibiotics, as it will not entirely wipe out the colonies of friendly bacteria that promote healthy skin immunity (1, 2, 3).
Our skin naturally produces oil (sebum) to protect and moisturise it. When our immune systems are over-activated, whether from an infection, autoimmunity, stress or toxic overload, the skin can overproduce sebum. The result can be acne, blackheads, whiteheads, overly oily skin or other skin blemishes. While the root cause of sebum imbalances is treated with diet and lifestyle, clay masks are an incredible remedy for oily and acne-prone skin. A clay mask can soak up excess sebum and clean out clogged pores from excess oil (5). Be sure to use a natural, plant-based moisturiser with healthy fats to restore some oil to the skin’s surface, that way it does not overproduce after the mask.
In addition to countering skin problems for better skin appearance, clay is also loaded with a very important nutrient known as silica. This trace mineral is one of the most abundant minerals in the body; however, most people do not get enough in their diet today. When silica is abundant it makes your skin soft and smooth. By using clay masks, you can get more silica into your body and onto your skin, so not only removing dead skin cells, bacteria and debris, but also giving your skin important nutrients it needs to glow.
Clay masks can be used to rebuild damaged skin fibres, and bentonite clay specifically has been shown to promote blood circulation to the skin, thus increasing healing and regenerating of the skin tissue.
Check out Kumanu’s diy bentonite clay masks, there are four variations to cover all skin types, and enough clay in each pot to mix up at least 20 face masks.
