Clay, Clay, Clay....We love clay!!

The usage of clay dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to treat a variety of skin problems and digestive disorders.  Below are a few of the most commonly used and known clays. 

Kaolin clay or white clay is one of the most common minerals.  It is formed from the chemical weathering of rocks in hot, moist climates.  It is mined in the United States, Brazil, Bulgaria, France, China and Germany, just to name a few.  It is known for eliminating harmful microbes and toxins, while it renews cells and strengthens the immune system.  Kaolin clay is suitable for all skin types and is commonly used in many scrubs, shampoos, baths and toothpaste.  This clay can be used on a daily basis to help regenerate cells in the skin and leave skin looking and feeling smooth and free of breakouts.

Bentonite clay is a greyish cream color and can be used internally and externally.  The largest and most active deposits come from Wyoming and Montana.  It is known as the "swelling clay" because it will swell and become inert when mixed with water.  Drinking the mixture helps detoxify the body.  As it passes through the body it attracts toxins, which are expelled along with the clay.  Over time, the toxins that build up in your body can cause digestive problems, headaches and allergies.  Bentonite clay is a natural way to detox the body and is widely used for this reason.  Because the clay becomes inert when it comes in contact with water, it will not affect the natural chemical function in the body.

Using Bentonite clay externally is equally beneficial and is known to fight troublesome acne.  Mix the clay with water and apply to the skin.  You may notice the acne will get worse before getting better.  Do not worry if that happens.  The clay is doing its job by pulling out the toxins.

French Green clay, also known as Illite clay or Sea clay, is one of the most common clays used in skin care products.  At one time French quarries controlled the production of this green clay, hence the name it is now known as.  However, over time Wyoming, Montana, China and other European countries realized they had the same mineral deposits as France and began distributing the clay.  French Green Clay is a great purifying agent since it contains essential trace minerals such as silica, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt, manganese, phosphorous, silicon, decomposed plant matter, algae, kelp and plant-based phyto nutrients.  These ingredients help tone, stimulate and repair damaged skin when applied.

Rhassoul clay is harvested from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.  It is reddish brown in color and is rich in minerals that include sodium, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium, just to name a few.  The clay not only works to remove impurities from your skin, it also replaces them with trace minerals that help firm the skin. The clay's high level of ions make it ideal for toning and enriching the skin. This clay also restores elasticity, unclogging pores, removing dead skin and surface oil.

Like the other clays mentioned, Rhassoul does not contain petrochemical derivatives, synthetic preservatives, surfactants or artificial colors, all of which are common in commercial soaps and cleansers.

Remember to do your research when purchasing clay.  You want the real deal and not the imitation.  Make sure it is not mixed with anything.  Buy it in its purist form.

Enjoy!