In cosmetology, along with black and blue clay, more exotic varieties are also used. For example, white clay, or kaolin, is widely popular. Most often it is used to prepare homemade masks for oily and problem skin, since the product has a drying, cleansing and whitening effect. But by adding other ingredients you can get a truly versatile remedy. The substance is completely natural, so it rarely causes allergies or other side effects. From the article you will learn how white clay is useful in face masks.
Chemical composition
White clay is a hydrous aluminum silicate, which is obtained by weathering field granite, gneiss and other rocks. It does not dissolve in water, but only forms a suspension with an alkaline reaction. Consists of aluminum oxide, silica and impurities of other minerals.
The table shows the main components of clay that are beneficial for the skin:
Element | Benefits for the skin |
Calcium | Strengthens skin elasticity and is necessary for physiological cellular processes. Gives tenderness and smooth structure. |
Zinc | Natural antioxidant and antiseptic. It has a powerful drying effect and participates in the regeneration process. |
Magnesium | An important component for collagen synthesis. Necessary for maintaining the elasticity of skin cell membranes |
Silica (silicon dioxide) | Cleanses cells and promotes the removal of toxins and decay products. A small concentration is required to maintain the protective forces and performance of epidermal cells. |
Useful properties of clay
White clay has high fire resistance and viscosity. Initially used to create porcelain and earthenware, today it is actively used both in the production of building materials and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetology.
Useful properties of kaolin:
- heat capacity;
- antiseptic and antimicrobial effect;
- analgesic effect;
- moisturizing and nourishing epidermal cells;
- whitening effect;
- enveloping and adsorbing effect.
The substance is a powerful absorbent. Promotes the removal of cell breakdown products, toxins and even radioactive elements. Due to this, it is often used as part of cleansing masks.
Benefits of clay masks for facial skin
White clay is most widely used in home care masks. You can purchase the ingredient at the pharmacy; it is most often available in dry form for subsequent dilution.
White clay can be used not only for cosmetic purposes, but also for medicinal purposes
Useful properties of kaolin:
- enhances the effect of other components, increases the overall effectiveness of the mask;
- absorbs excess sebum and toxins;
- tightens and cleanses pores;
- relieves inflammation, dries out acne and pimples;
- improves natural color, gives matte finish;
- enhances regeneration and metabolic processes;
- nourishes and saturates cells with useful minerals.
To create a mask, clay is often combined with other ingredients, which can enhance one or another effect. Most often, kaolin is used as a base for a cleansing or drying acne mask.
White clay can also be found in finished cosmetic products. It is added to face masks, cream soaps and even bath salts.
Recipes for masks with white clay for healthy hair
The natural composition of white clay contains many substances necessary for healthy hair. Thus, improving skin condition is not the only possibility of this natural component. Kaolin strengthens the hair roots, stimulates the follicles, fills the hair shafts with minerals, restores volume and shine. To achieve the desired effect, use special masks.
For hair growth
The beneficial properties of clay for hair growth will appear in the following mix:
- 2 tablespoons of kaolin powder;
- natural beer for breeding;
- egg yolk.
The ingredients are mixed and applied to hair strands. Keep for 40 minutes. Wash off with warm water and shampoo.
You can achieve the maximum effect of using clay for hair if you wrap your head with the mask applied in a film and a towel. Regular use will increase the volume of your hair due to the active growth of new hairs.
For hair loss
When hair lacks the necessary nutritional components, it loses its strength properties and becomes weak. This leads to hair loss due to fragility. You can compensate for the lack of minerals and trace elements using a mask of kaolin and medicinal chamomile. To avoid harm, follow the correct dosage of ingredients.
Pour a glass of boiling water over a handful of chamomile. Leave for 15 minutes. Strain the finished infusion. Pour 2 tablespoons of clay into it, the benefits of which will be undoubted if you stir the future mask in a non-metallic bowl. Rub the mixture into the hair roots. In order not to injure the scalp or cause harm, make sure that the consistency of the mask is comparable to sour cream. Distribute the product over the entire length of the hair.
After application, wrap your head in polyethylene and a towel. Then wash off the dried composition using shampoo. In this case, white clay is useful, especially in combination with chamomile. This mix helps regulate oiliness and prevent dandruff.
Strengthening hair mask
It is also good to use the properties and effectiveness of clay wraps for general hair strengthening. In this case, white clay is useful for getting rid of split ends. Masks also relieve hair from fragility. Kaolin will demonstrate its beneficial properties well in the following combination:
- 3 tablespoons of clay, diluted in warm water;
- a spoon of burdock oil;
- egg yolk.
The ingredients are mixed and applied to the strands from the roots. The medicinal composition is kept on the hair for 40 minutes. Wash off with warm water and shampoo.
Indications for use
White clay is a truly universal component. Due to its wide range of beneficial properties, it can be used for different skin types. The specific effect depends on the composition of the mask, the method and time of the procedure.
For oily skin
Kaolin dries, eliminates oily shine and tightens pores. Suitable for regular use, a mask made from this substance can be used at any age. The substance normalizes metabolic processes in the epidermis, therefore it is also suitable for the prevention of increased fat content. Reduces the risk of developing acne, pimples and comedones.
Normalization of the sebaceous glands is the main property of white clay
Purifying and whitening mask
White clay effectively draws impurities out of pores, resulting in a powerful cleansing result. After exposure to the skin, a uniform structure is achieved. In addition, kaolin absorbs toxins and other harmful substances. It also has a pronounced whitening effect. Suitable for combating pigmentation and unpleasant consequences of acne. When applied regularly, a white clay mask evens out the color and gives a matte finish.
Anti-inflammatory for mature skin
When combined with medicinal herbs and pharmacy vitamins, white clay helps relieve inflammation. Eliminates redness and reduces the risk of complications. For example, to create a mask, an infusion of chamomile, linden or nettle, as well as vitamin E, is used. With regular use of this product, the natural shade of the skin is restored, and the face looks younger.
Do not use a face mask if there is severe inflammation, a large number of purulent pimples and other bacterial infections.
For dry skin
To work with dry skin types, white clay should be used carefully; it is usually added to the mask only as an additional ingredient. It effectively enhances the effect of honey and fermented milk products, and also slightly eliminates flaking and normalizes water balance.
In addition, it relieves inflammation and stimulates the protective properties of the epidermis, which is important for thin and dry skin. After the procedure, it is advisable to use a thick moisturizer.
For normal skin
Kaolin can also be used in masks for normal skin. It is combined with fresh vegetables or fruits, dairy products. As a result, you can get an effective remedy for rejuvenation, nutrition and gentle cleansing of the face. Suitable for regular use at any age. And by adding citric acid, kefir or egg white, you can eliminate unwanted pigmentation, even out your skin tone and give it a healthy color.
Universal anti-aging
The substance has a powerful stimulating and regenerative effect, suitable for use as part of anti-aging masks. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to add aloe juice or sour cream depending on the type of epidermis.
After application, the production of collagen and elastin is enhanced, due to which fine wrinkles are smoothed out. The functioning of the vascular system improves, which leads to increased nutrition of cells. It is advisable to use this mask after 30 years.
For all skin types
White clay in its pure form or with the addition of cucumber juice can be used for whitening, regardless of skin type. This mask is suitable for eliminating freckles, pigmentation or getting rid of acne marks. To achieve a visible result, the procedure must be carried out in a course with a regularity of up to 2 sessions per week. If you follow the application technology, you can adjust the skin tone in the problem area by 1-2 tones.
The regularity of using a clay-based face mask depends on the type and condition of the skin. It is not recommended to apply the composition more than 2 times a week.
Nourishing product for normal skin
With this delicate mask you can remove fine wrinkles, cleanse your face, and significantly tighten pores.
Components:
- egg white - 1 pc.;
- fresh banana - ½ piece;
- milk - 30 ml;
- kaolin - 20 g.
Manufacturing and application technology:
The slightly warmed milk is poured into the clay powder and mixed.- Grate the banana and chop it using a blender.
- The fruit is placed in the prepared mixture, protein is added.
- The mask is used for more than 10 minutes. Gently wash off.
Regular use will noticeably refresh the skin after 2 or 3 treatments.
Using Clay
To achieve a pronounced and lasting result, it is important to use white clay correctly. Recommendations for use:
- Before applying the mask, you should thoroughly cleanse the skin, steam the pores with a hot towel, using steam or a sauna;
- Clay should be diluted only in warm liquid; at high temperatures, biological activity decreases;
- to avoid the appearance of lumps, it is recommended to gradually pour the liquid into the clay, carefully mixing the composition;
- The ready-to-use mask should have the consistency of thick sour cream, which is convenient for applying to the face.
It is most convenient to wash off a homemade clay-based face mask with warm water or a cotton pad soaked in it.
Masks are recommended to be applied along massage lines
After the procedure, it is advisable to apply a thin layer of moisturizer.
To prepare the composition, you need to use glass or ceramic dishes; contact with metal should not be allowed. When interacting with it, the beneficial properties of kaolin are reduced.
Rules for preparing masks
White clay is a useful cosmetic product that requires a respectful approach. If kaolin is diluted incorrectly, the material will be wasted. Even if no harm occurs, the properties of the product will not bring any benefit either.
- It is necessary to dilute the useful product in a ceramic or glass container. Metal bowls are not suitable in this case, because the minerals in kaolin may react with them. There may be no harm from this, but white clay will lose its beneficial properties.
- The water for diluting the mixture should be clean, boiled and warm, but not hot. The finished product should remain semi-liquid in consistency, like sour cream.
- White clay should be applied to the skin immediately after preparation. The product hardens quickly and in its dried form no longer contains any benefit, but can even cause harm.
The benefits of white clay for the skin will only appear if the epidermis is healthy. If the face is irritated, kaolin will cause harm - severe itching and inflammation will occur.
It is recommended to use the benefits of white clay for the face no more than 10 times in a row. After this, it is advisable to take a break for a month and, if necessary, repeat the beneficial course later.
We recommend reading: Hyaluronic acid: effect, instructions for use at home
Contraindications, harm and precautions
White clay is a natural ingredient that does not contain chemical additives. The substance rarely causes allergies, but if the skin is hypersensitive, it should be used with caution. Before the first use, it is recommended to apply the finished composition in a thin layer to the elbow area and wait for the reaction.
Allergies most often occur not to the clay itself, but to additional components
Do not use homemade face masks for mechanical damage to the skin or severe burns. For chronic dermatological diseases in the relapse stage, you should first consult a doctor. Such procedures are strictly prohibited in the presence of purulent formations, as well as a pronounced inflammatory process.
How often can you make masks, clay storage
The regularity of procedures directly depends on the type of epidermis. If you have increased oil content, clay-based masks can be made up to 2 times a week; for those with normal skin type, the product is suitable for weekly use. In case of increased dryness and sensitivity, you need to be careful and carefully monitor the body's reaction. The optimal frequency of procedures is 2 times a month.
After making the composition, it must be used within 12-18 hours, after which the clay loses its beneficial properties and even becomes dangerous for the skin. Dry clay can be stored for several years in a dry and dark place.
It is advisable to store white clay in an airtight, opaque bag. This allows you to reduce exposure to light and air, due to which beneficial properties are lost.
White clay for cellulite
The natural properties and benefits of white clay can be used to combat cellulite. Applications to problem areas help break down waste, toxins, remove salt and fluid, and relieve swelling. Kaolin increases skin elasticity, making it smoother and softer.
You can eliminate the “orange peel” by using clay wraps. The procedure is carried out either exclusively with clay or by adding ingredients. Mixes based on honey, cream, cinnamon, and essential oils have beneficial properties.
One of the compositions with excellent characteristics includes:
- 3 spoons of clay;
- 1 spoon of cream;
- 1 spoon of honey.
The required amount of the mixture is used by applying to the cleansed skin of the problem area of the figure and wrapping it in cling film. Then it is recommended to cover yourself with a blanket and stay warm for 40 minutes. Wash off with warm water. It is recommended to repeat healing procedures 10 times. Only after the course will we feel the desired effect and benefit.
Results
- White clay, or kaolin, is a natural substance widely used in pharmacology, cosmetology and construction.
- The product is an absorbent, has an anti-inflammatory, drying, cleansing and whitening effect on the skin. Contains a large amount of minerals, effectively nourishes cells.
- This is a universal component; when combined with other ingredients, a white clay mask can be used for any skin type.
- The finished composition can be stored for no more than 12-18 hours. Before applying the product to your face, you need to make sure that there are no allergies or other side effects.
Women's opinions
The opinions of those who have already tried this product help to understand how effective a clay face mask is. Here are the reviews left about the clay by fans of homemade cosmetic products.
- Larisa (27 years old, Saransk): “I consider masks with clay the best remedy both against wrinkles and for cleansing pores. Moreover, compared to scrubs, they do not injure the skin at all.”
- Daria (33 years old, Izhevsk): “Clay is my favorite skin care product. I tried different varieties and settled on red, white and green. They cleanse my skin much better than store-bought masks.”
- Olesya (36 years old, Moscow): “I love white, pink and yellow clay, my face just glows after them. But I didn’t like the green one too much; it doesn’t cleanse the pores very well.”
As you can see, clay masks received positive ratings from many girls. The main thing is to choose a variety that is suitable for your skin, and also do not forget about the rules for its use.
The opinions of girls and women who have already tried the desired product help to get an idea of the effectiveness of home cosmetics. Here are the reviews they left about white clay face masks.
- Ekaterina (39 years old, Moscow): “Since my youth I have suffered from oily, pimply skin. I always add white clay to my homemade masks. It gets rid of acne, cleanses pores, and evens out the complexion.”
- Elena (25 years old, Voronezh): “I love masks with white clay, after them my face is simply velvety. In the summer I do them every week, but in the winter no more than once a month, since kaolin dries out the skin greatly.”
- Margarita (28 years old, Tolyatti): “It was white clay that helped me get rid of acne in my youth. And now, if something comes up, I immediately make a mask with kaolin, and everything is fine.”
As you can see, a white clay face mask at home has a lot of fans. The main thing is to wisely select the accompanying components and be sure to take into account your skin type when using this wonderful product.