You’ll have no problem finding a skin care product promising results from superstar ingredient clay. One look at the product selection at your drugstore or favorite online store will leave you with many options, both in brand and in product.
Many different types of clay are used in skin care including the ever-popular kaolin, rhassoul, green, bentonite, montmorillonite and even volcanic ash. Different clays are best for different skin types from oily, acne-prone skin all the way up to dry, aging skin, but you’ll most often find clay-based skin care products for oily skin.
Clay and Oily Skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a clay mask will help your skin tremendously. The clay will reduce inflammation, acne and aid in oil-control. Clay helps draw out impurities and excess oil, clean out your pores, exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate blood flow to your skin. Clay also has antibacterial qualities to it, which is great for fighting off acne.
Clay masks are great for all-over acne care, but they also make great spot treatments. Simply dot on your pimple, (make sure your skin is clean) and let dry. You only need to leave it on your skin for 5 minutes or so, but some people like to leave it on overnight as a spot treatment.
Clay and Sensitive or Dry and Aging Skin
While there are certainly not as many clay products for sensitive or dry, aging skin as there are for oily, acne-prone skin, there are options and great results to be found by using them. White Kaolin is the most common clay used in products for dry skin as it does not draw oil from your skin. It will still exfoliate and clean pores, but will not leave your skin stripped of moisture.
Another clay to look at if you have dry skin is rhassoul, which is known for its ability to tighten skin, reduce dryness and improve all-over clarity. A simple search online will show you many ways to incorporate this Moroccan clay into your skin and hair routines, some right from your own kitchen.
ZENMED: Botanical Face Mask
ZENMED Derma Cleanse® Acne Mask & Spot Treatment is best suited for oily skin and uses montmorillonite and kaolin clay, both known for their amazing ability to fight acne and excess oil. The mask has a laundry list of other natural ingredients with proven acne-fighting properties such as salicylic acid, witch hazel and sea kelp. It can be used daily as a full face treatment or a spot treatment.