What are clays?
Clays are sedimentary rocks composed of very fine grains of aluminum silicates, associated with oxides that give them different shades. Soaked in water, they form a more or less plastic paste (clay), which can be molded.
They are divided into two types: primary clays, originated from the decomposition of the soil by physical-chemical actions of the natural environment, over the years, usually in the form of powder; secondary clays, resulting from the sedimentation of particles transported through the rains and winds, which are present in the form of paste or mud, also called mud (clay plus water).
Clays are usually sold in powder form. To prepare them, we must dissolve the powder in mineral water or hydrolate or tonic lotion until it forms a paste. To intensify the desired effect we can add a few drops of essential oil (chosen according to the desired effect).
Its main benefits are:
• Deinfiltrates cellular interstices.
• Eliminates toxins.
• Stimulation of skin and lymphatic microcirculation.
• Allows the exchange of energy from minerals with the affected part.
• Promotes micro-abrasion (gentle peeling).
• Regulates sebum production, eliminating oiliness.
• Regulates keratinization.
• Regulates the temperature of the diseased organ, standardizing blood irrigation.
• Skin tightening effect on the face, body and scalp.
• Provides the necessary mineral salts and trace elements.
• Promotes tissue reconstitution.
• Capillary, facial and body metabolic detoxification.
• It has a healing, drying and tightening action on the face.
• It has a purifying and detoxifying action in the body.
• Fights inflammation and swelling.
• Reduction of body mass.
• Smoothes, softens, thins and brightens the skin.
• Has a calming effect.
Properties:
Clay has three fundamental properties:
1 - Absorption: the main property that gives it the property of malleability when clay is mixed with water, an effective paste is obtained in the treatment of inflammation, edema and swelling.
2 - Release: clay is easy to release elements that are part of its constitution (active), being very important for its protective effect and absorber of toxins in various organs, mainly the skin and mucous membranes.
3 - Adsorption: a physical-chemical process by which clays allow molecules, gaseous elements and microscopic particles from the environment and bacteria to pass through in order to slide into the skin.
This power is very large and almost irreversible, making it very useful in fixing toxins present in the body for later elimination.
Clay Types:
There are several types of clay and each is suitable for a specific purpose. Before using it, you need to know its composition.
According to the Houaiss dictionary, detoxification is “undoing the effects of intoxication; removal of venom from; immunization against toxic substance.”
Clay or clay mineral compounds are basically hydrated aluminum silicate, and may contain other elements such as Mg, Fe, Ca, Na, K, etc. Geothermal compounds are associated with thermal water (with medicinal properties). But we can't help but say that clay is clay. Dry clay when powdered and mud when creamed.
THERMAL MUD
The muds or clays (= clay + water) are constituted since the beginning until today in the most modern SPAs; one of the most beneficial substances for external use in Dermatology.
Famous resorts such as: Aix-les-Bains, Château-Guyon and Vichy in France and Castelamare di Stabia in Italy; artificially mature their muds. Now, with Clays added to Water Thermal H2OS (sulfur), it is also possible to obtain Fango Thermal, in an easy, practical and hygienic way.
GREEN CLAY or Montemolinorite:
Of French origin, its color is due to the presence of iron oxide associated with magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, aluminum, silicon, copper, selenium, cobalt and molybdenum.
With a neutral pH, it has astringent, toning, absorbing action, combats edema, is drying, emollient, antiseptic, bactericidal, analgesic and healing, suitable for oily and acne-prone skin and in oily hair products. Rich in silicon and various trace elements, it disinfects the cellular interstitium, is a gentle exfoliating agent, promotes detoxification and regulates sebum production.
Effects: It has a peeling effect on the skin, removing excess oil and delaying aging. As it is detoxifying and astringent, it is ideal for sugartoxins, treating acne and seborrhea.
WHITE CLAY OR KAOLIN:
It is a primary clay composed of hydrated aluminum silicate resulting from weathering of rocks washed by rain. It has a pH very close to the skin and its main benefits are: whitening, absorbing oil without dehydrating, softening, healing and catalyzing the body's metabolic reactions. It is indicated for the treatment of blemishes, sensitive and delicate skins. Rich in silicon and aluminum. It has healing properties, reduces inflammation, has a tensor, purifying, astringent, remineralizing and antiseptic action. It promotes increased oxygenation of congested areas, uniformity through gentle exfoliation and regulates keratinization. It can be used on all skin types, especially those exposed to excessive sunlight. Ideal for dry, aged and blemished skin.
GRAY CLAY:
Wilkinite or Bentonite - It is taken from volcanic regions of the USA. It has titanium in its composition, it is great to fight pimples and blackheads, so it is an excellent natural exfoliator. It contains approximately 60% of silica, which makes it have a great affinity for water, being very effective for swelling and edema. It has a more alkaline pH, is anti-edematous, drying and absorbent. It delays aging and has natural antioxidant action. It absorbs solar radiation, lightens blemishes and can help reduce weight and measures. It is indicated for oily, stained, edematous skins.
RED CLAY:
Rich in iron oxide, copper, silicon and hematite. Iron Oxide plays an important role in cellular respiration and electron transfer. In the skin, the deficiencies of this element are manifested by a thin, dry and inelastic epidermis. It hydrates and prevents skin aging. It is anti-stress, regulates skin microcirculation, being recommended for sensitive skin, with couperose and reddened. Effects: Etensor regulator.
PINK CLAY:
It is the mixture of White and Red Clay. It is suitable for sensitive, delicate skin with telangiectasia and rosacea, as it has a disinfecting, softening and emollient action and is a more delicate clay rich in iron. Ideal for tired and dull skin. Returns the skin's natural luminosity, increases circulation, absorbs toxins and moisturizes the skin. It has healing and smoothing properties, great tensor power indicated in tissular sagging treatments, rehydrates the skin, fights free radicals, absorbs toxins and excess oiliness.
YELLOW CLAY:
rich in Silicon Dioxide and Silicon which is the catalyst element for the formation of the skin's collagen base, so it is indicated for rejuvenation and cosmetic treatments. It has high cation and anion exchange capacity. It fights and delays skin aging, nourishes it with its necessary mineral salts for a more rigid and healthy tissue without leaving it dry. It has great tensor effect and improves blood circulation. Rich aluminium, potassium and trace elements. Contributes to the ionic and moisturizing balance of the cellular gel. Ideal for delicate skin and light exfoliation. It has hemostatic action, purifying, astringent and remineralizing. It has a moisturizing effect on the skin and reduces inflammation. It also has action on skin elasticity, acting on skin sagging.
BROWN CLAY:
Rare clay with a high content of silicon, aluminum, titanium and other trace elements. It results in an activating effect on circulation, in addition to contributing to a balancing and revitalizing effect. Effects: deinfiltrating, astringent, detoxifying and healing. Silicon plays a fundamental role in the reconstruction of skin tissues and in the defense of connective tissue. It has hemostatic action, purifying, astringent and remineralizing. It has a moisturizing effect on the skin and reduces inflammation. It also has action on skin elasticity acting on skin sagging.
BEIGE CLAY:
Mixture of Brown Clay with White Clay. It incorporates the properties of the two clays.
BLACK CLAY OR BLACK MUD:
It is the noblest of clays. It is also found as volcanic mud. Secondary clay with a rich and differentiated composition in mineral salts and trace elements that are very important for skin metabolism. They are: aluminum and demagnesium silicate, calcium and magnesium carbonate, silicon, zinc and iron oxide, sulfur. It has stimulating, anti-toxic, nutrient (trace elements), antiseptic, reducing and astringent activity. It is used for skin detoxification.
This material is removed from a depth greater than 4 meters. Due to the high content of Aluminum and Silicon and low percentage of iron, it can be used both for cosmetics and for the treatment of diseases. Its Titanium content grouped with high percentages of Aluminum and Silicon indicates a material with an excellent rejuvenating agent. It has anti-inflammatory, absorbent, antitumor, anti-arthritic, absorbent and anti-stress action. Improves peripheral blood circulation favoring cell reproduction.
PURPLE CLAY: rich in magnesium, ideal for applications on tense regions that accumulate toxins.
MARINE CLAY:
Marine Clay is rich in minerals, has a very dark green color and is obtained from the seabed. It has a high concentration of seaweed which makes it perfect for purifying and toning the body. Treatments based on marine elements in aesthetics are called thalassotherapy.
SOURCES:
https://aftabur.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/6/0/10606953/ch-3_clay_mineralogy__soil_structure.pdf
http://misclab.umeoce.maine.edu/boss/classes/SMS_618_2003/Characteristics_of_Clay.pdf
https://www.lindaarbuckle.com/handouts/clays-and-clay-bodies.pdf
https://web.viu.ca/earle/geol312/USC-anderson-clays.pdf
Note: This blog has no intention or permission to medicate or induce self-medication even in the case of substances found directly in natura. This blog is only intended to stimulate research and knowledge.