Clay is one of the earth’s most natural gifts to the skincare lovers of the world. For many people, there has been a shift towards choosing products with natural ingredients and the avoidance of harsh chemicals. There are many organic ingredients that natural skincare enthusiasts love, and clay is among the most popular. Clay is naturally formed by natural materials that contain a specific mineral (feldspar) become eroded by the elements and weather over time. These natural materials range from rocks, volcanic ash, mineral deposits and soils that have been worn down to a very fine size (less than 0.005 millimeters in diameter.) Clay has a soft, smooth texture when wet, making it perfect to spread onto the skin. There are many varieties of natural clay used for skincare, and each variety is slightly different depending on which combination of minerals it contains.

One of the main characteristics of clay that is beneficial for skincare purposes is its ability to draw out and attract elements into itself. This can be illustrated by the idea of a face mask. When you apply a soft clay face mask, it will begin to draw out oils, toxins and impurities from the skin. Depending on which variety of clay it is, it will either absorb it directly into itself or it will hold onto it and leave it on its own surface. In either circumstance, the impurities are being drawn out of your skin by the layer of clay you have applied. This makes natural clay one of the most popular face mask materials due to its detoxifying properties. The clay texture is also supple, smooth, and easy to apply to the skin gently. Clay is especially beneficial for those suffering from acne breakouts. It can also be helpful to those who suffer from very oily skin. Clay can help absorb excess oils in the skin to help reduce the look of shininess.

Clay is extremely rich in minerals and these minerals are released into your skin when applied. There are many different types of clay and each has its own beneficial effects depending on its mineral composition. Clays contain different amounts of minerals such as aluminum oxide, potassium oxide, calcium oxide or silicone oxide. These minerals all have different effects on your skin, so it is important to find which variety of clay is best suited to your skin type.

Green Clay

This clay is one of the most common clays used for skincare. It is made of up volcanic ash and an ingredient called montmorillonite. This clay is sometimes also referred to as bentonite clay. It has a high mineral content and is extremely effective at absorbing oils. This makes green clay fantastic for those with oily skin, but it can be too harsh for those with sensitive prone skin or those with dry skin.

White Clay

This is another widely used clay in the skincare industry. It is high in a mineral called kaolinite hence it is often referred to as kaolin clay. This clay has great anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it useful for those who need to encourage skin healing. It does not have as much oil-absorbing tendencies as green clay but that means that it is better suited to those who have sensitive skin or who need a gentler clay option.

Red Clay

Red clay gets its rich hue from its high iron oxide content. This clay is often used in products that are intended to tone and balance skin. It can be used to absorb oils, brighten the complexion, and tame redness or irritation. This clay is very versatile and can be suited to any skin type.

Pink Clay

Pink clay is actually a blend of white and red clays, which gives it a combination of the properties of each. This clay is used to draw out impurities deep in the skin while being gentler for those with sensitive skin. It can also be used to brighten the skin and smooth pores. This blended clay is great for any skin type as well.

Blue Clay

Blue clay is far less common than its counterparts but has recently become recognized by the skincare industry for its antibacterial properties. It contains minerals such as illite-smectite and pyrite. This clay can be used as an anti-pollutant to purify your skin and protect against environmental contaminants. It is also one of the few clays that is hydrating as well. This makes it suitable for all skin types, including those with dry skin.

Yellow Clay

Yellow clay is composed of magnesium, silica and iron oxide, however it contains much less iron oxide than green clay. This means that yellow clay is gentler on the skin and less irritating. It is used to remove excess oils while also purifying without agitating sensitive skin. This clay is great for many skin types, especially combination or mature skin.

As you can see, there are many benefits to adding the use of a natural clay for skin treatment to your beauty regiment. There are so many varieties of clay that each have their own specific properties to help purify, heal and balance the skin. Our Earthy Good Serenity Spa Making Kit contains French yellow clay to allow you to make your own clay face mask. We chose this type of clay for our all natural spa day kit to be suitable for many skin types. That way, you get the benefits of extracting impurities from the skin without causing irritation to sensitive skin types. This helps to tighten and brighten skin while reducing the look of large pores and draw out any excess oils or dirt.

The full list of ingredients for the Serenity Spa Making Kit:

Magnesium Sulfate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Illite (Clay), Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Oil, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil, Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Oil, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil.

Also included in the kit:

1 (30ml) Glass Beaker, 1 Wood Spatula, 1 Drop Counter, 1 Furoshiki Wrapping Cloth, Instructions.

Click here to view the full instructions for making your Earthy Good Serenity Spa kit.