5 red clay face masks: benefits, cosmetic use

Hi all!

Today we will continue the topic of natural skin care. Red clay for the face is not as famous among Russian women as compared to white and blue. But its properties are truly impressive.

This is one of the most versatile clays that suits all skin types. In cosmetology, it has been used for 1400 years as hair shampoo, body soap and, of course, for facial skin.

In this article I will try to talk about the healing effects of red powder, how it can be used to achieve the best results, and I will give several effective masks and scrubs for the face.

Chemical composition

Red clay is an effective and healthy natural product. In cosmetology, it is used to solve various problems, including as a preventive measure.

The color of clay and its properties depend on the chemical composition of the mineral.

Chemical composition:

Variety of types: which clay to choose for face masks

White, black, blue, pink, red, green, yellow or ghassoul - which clay to choose? This question can really take you by surprise. Each of them is good in its own way. Today, several types of this natural material are mined.

White clay

For the first time, white clay or kaolin was found in the area of ​​the same name in one of the provinces of China. The mineral based on aluminosilicates turned out to be an effective sorbent. Our ancestors healed wounds with the help of this miracle substance. Clay was even used internally for poisoning and gastrointestinal disorders.

Today, clay is present in toothpastes and chewing gum; it disinfects the oral cavity well and whitens teeth. You can even find it in baby ointments and powders.

White clay removes toxins from the skin, normalizes metabolic processes in collagen fibers, which means it tightens the skin, fights imperfections, and heals small wounds. Suitable even for delicate and sensitive skin. When used on hair, it absorbs excess sebum and impurities.

Black clay

The history of the origin of black clay goes back to the times of ancient Egypt. Thousands of years ago, it was already actively used to rejuvenate the face and body. Calcium, iron, carbon, quartz and other components of its rich composition constitute a healing mixture.

Black clay is a good helper in the fight against cellulite and inflammation of the skin. Regular wraps “accelerate” metabolism and fight excess weight. Clay masks relieve puffiness, get rid of acne and tighten pores.

In addition to wraps and masks, there are also medicinal baths with black clay, which normalize metabolic processes throughout the body and set the body in the right mood.

Blue clay

Blue or Cambrian clay is a gray sedimentary rock. Natural blue clay does not color water and does not dissolve in it.

Clay contains all the microelements necessary for humans. Thus, silicon and magnesium strengthen hair and nails, aluminum heals abrasions, manganese and potassium fight swelling, sodium and iron even out the complexion, giving it a healthy glow.

Due to its active ingredients, blue clay is an indispensable skin care product.

Red clay

Red clay comes from ancient oceans. This is sediment that formed at a depth of more than 5 km. The high content of copper-iron oxides gives it a chocolate, brown or bright red color.

A wide range of mineral substances in the composition allows clay to have a beneficial effect on all systems of the body as a whole. Red clay wraps will disinfect the skin, improve blood circulation and the functioning of the sweat glands, and heal small wounds and scars.

Red clay is applied not only to the skin of the face and body, but also to the hair. This mask will accelerate hair growth and strengthen it, and regulate hair loss.

Pink clay

Pink clay does not exist in nature in its pure form. This is a mixture of white and red clays. She “inherited” all the beneficial properties from her parents.

It also fights inflammation well, removes toxins, tightens the skin, and improves the condition of nails and hair.

Green clay

Green clay is a mineral that is formed as a result of the destruction of earth layers. It is mined deep underground in open areas.

The largest reserves of this product belong to France. Green clay includes everything useful that the plants of the Alps and the shores of Brittany have stored for centuries. Green clay surpasses its multi-colored colleagues in terms of antiseptic and tonic properties.

Clay tightens pores and balances fat metabolism in tissues, eliminates inflammation and skin unevenness. Activates cellular metabolism at a deep level, and as a result, significantly tightens the skin.

The product should be purchased at a pharmacy or a specialized natural cosmetics store. Premium green clay contains silver ions.

Yellow clay

Yellow clay, like any other, is born after many years of destruction and weathering of rocks. The clay owes its golden color to its high content of copper, potassium and iron.

This type of clay has also found itself in medicine and cosmetology. Yellow clay is a universal restorative elixir for dry and mature, combination and oily facial skin, features and age do not matter.

Yellow clay delicately removes dead epithelium and allows the skin to breathe fully. It removes oily shine and blackheads, disinfects the skin, heals and rejuvenates tissues.

Volcanic clay or ghassoul

Ghassoul (rhassoul) is a special type of clay of volcanic origin. It has Moroccan roots and is literally translated as “to wash”, “to wash”. Clay is mined only in Morocco in the lake region of the Atlas Mountains. Before hitting the shelves, the raw materials are carefully sifted, washed and dried in the sun. For centuries, clay has replaced detergents, and it is still used by many housewives in southern countries.

Volcanic clay can be found in the compositions of shampoos, pastes and other various cosmetics. Gassul smooths out wrinkles and tightens the oval of the face, eliminates skin imperfections, tones and strengthens the body as a whole. First of all, it is used by Moroccan women themselves in hammams along with argan oil. Ghassoul is applied to the entire body and then washed off. Skin remains soft and renewed.

I use ghassoul as an ingredient for ubtans for the face and hair, and apply it pure to the face as a mask.

Beneficial features

Mountain powder is actively used, helps treat bruises, wounds, and eliminate swelling. The main effect of the red rock:

• regeneration – the healing of wounds and minor skin damage is accelerated, scars resolve;
• Relieving inflammation - especially important for aging, sensitive skin. Removes periodic rashes;
• adsorption - high cleansing qualities, eliminating toxins, impurities, giving freshness, an even shade;
• Relieving itching – after a course of masks you will forget about such unpleasant problems as increased dryness and constant peeling.

It suits almost everyone, so we recommend trying it.

The main thing is not to use it too actively, often, and do a preliminary test for individual intolerance.

Red clay has a comprehensive caring effect. It will suit almost everyone.

Hair mask recipes

Red clay is often used for hair. Masks made from this product help cleanse the scalp of dead epithelial particles, improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition, strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Such products help fight itching, burning and dandruff.

Red clay is great for hair loss. It's easy to prepare. In a glass of natural kvass you need to dissolve three tablespoons of clay. The mixture should be semi-liquid. We use it to treat the scalp, curls and their ends. We fix the mask on top with plastic wrap and a thick towel. After 20 minutes, wash off the residue. After this procedure, your hair will become shiny and incredibly soft to the touch.

If your hair grows slowly, then red clay will come to the rescue. Reviews indicate that regularly performing procedures using this powder helps accelerate the growth of curls, while at the same time giving them strength and shine. To prepare the medicine, you just need to mix the clay with still mineral water. You should get a thick paste, which is then applied to your hair, rubbing it into the roots with gentle movements. After half an hour, you need to wash your hair thoroughly.

Many people with sensitive skin face problems such as dryness, irritation and itching, which occur even when using high-quality shampoos and other cosmetics. A mask made of red clay and kefir (fatty) will help relieve irritation and discomfort. The ingredients must be mixed to obtain a creamy mixture. It is applied to the hair roots, scalp and curls themselves. The thermal effect is achieved by covering your head with a shower cap and a towel. The product is kept for 30 minutes, after which it is washed off, rinsing the head with warm decoctions of herbs.

Do your hair ends constantly split? It’s worth trying this recipe: mix two parts clay powder, part sea buckthorn oil, half part natural honey and egg yolk. Distribute the resulting mass over the entire length of your hair, paying special attention to the ends. After 30 minutes, the hair can be washed.

Benefits for facial skin

Most popular properties:

• resorption of scars, scars;
• removal of toxins, poisons;
• restoration of hematopoietic function;
• purgation;
• restoration of joint function;
• normalization of sebum and sweating;
• elimination of purulent acne, ulcers.

It is not for nothing that the product is in high demand in cosmetology and folk medicine.

Red clay is an effective remedy for various pathologies of the thyroid gland, joints, and heart.

The powder eliminates excess oil, cleanses pores and narrows them, reduces inflammation, eliminates redness, resolves stagnant post-acne spots, enhances cell nutrition and blood circulation processes.

Red clay is suitable for all skin types

Regular use of masks will restore the water-fat balance of the skin, saturate the deep layers of tissue with oxygen, and remove dead cells. The product does not have an aggressive effect on the skin, quickly restoring its attractiveness and fresh appearance.

Who is Moroccan clay suitable for?

Now let's talk about the benefits of red powder, about the positive effect it has on the skin of the face.

Moroccan clay is so versatile that absolutely anyone who wants to heal and tidy up their skin can use it without fear. Normal, dry, oily with a lot of comedones and pimples, problematic, hypersensitive, combination - any type of epidermis will benefit.

Many clinical studies have been conducted that have confirmed the sufficient effectiveness of red clay for aging skin, because its use helps to increase its elasticity, thanks to the high content of silica and magnesium in it.

If we talk about the main benefits of red clay for facial skin, they are as follows:

1. Treats and dries acne, drawing them to the surface, thanks to negatively charged ions;
2. Removes oil from pores and also tightens them, allowing the skin to clear blackheads;
3. Dissolves acne spots and smoothes the skin texture, making it uniform;
4. Makes the skin matte and bright, eliminating dullness;
5. Has a tonic and warming effect;
6. Improves blood circulation and increases skin firmness and elasticity;
7. Effective in the treatment of acne, inflammation, has regenerating properties;
8. Reduces dryness and restores water balance in the skin;
9. Has healing properties, used for sunburn, rosacea and psoriasis;
10. Pulls out toxins from the epidermis, this is a real detox program for the skin;
11. Gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin of the face;
12. Removes dead epithelial cells and promotes the rapid appearance of new ones.

This is where the theory ends and we move on to practice.

Indications for use

Red clay is used for the following indications:

• varicose veins;
• hypotension;
• endocrine pathologies;
• depression, increased fatigue;
• seborrhea;
• dermatological diseases.

In cosmetology, the product is indispensable for caring for problematic, sensitive, aging, dry skin. It saturates with moisture, nourishes, relieves inflammation, accelerates the resorption of scars, evens out the relief, and removes unsightly post-acne spots. It is not inferior in efficiency to expensive algae, but is much cheaper. To achieve lasting results, you need to use it regularly.

Clay is an inexpensive and effective remedy for stretch marks and cellulite.

Effects of using clay masks

With regular and proper use, clay can provide amazing cosmetic effects:

• lightens age spots;
• removes impurities from pores;
• has a tonic effect and tightens the oval of the skin;
• light hydration;
• cleanses old dead skin cells;
• gives smoothness and elasticity.

The uniqueness of this type of clay is that it can be used for people with rosacea and sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions.

Medicinal properties manifest themselves in the form of:

• antiseptic effect;
• depending on the place of origin of the clay, the antimicrobial effect is manifested;
• removal of toxic heavy metals;
• healing of shallow wounds;
• eliminating teenage acne, as well as various manifestations of acne.

On the scalp, it improves hair growth, due to increased blood circulation, and clears dandruff.

Expert opinion

TRY IT!

In cosmetology, it is also used in body care: a course of mud wrap can remove a few extra centimeters and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Rating of the best

You can make your own masks at home or buy ready-made ones. The second option is more convenient - the product is always at hand, just open the tube.

Let's look at the most popular products:

Space

A natural and inexpensive face mask made of red clay, which also contains vitamins and auxiliary microelements. It is enough to use the product twice a week. The mask is quite thick, so be careful when applying it so that it does not dry out. The price of 100 ml is about 200 rubles.

Siberina

Natural red cosmetic clay, sold in 200 g jars. Suitable for sensitive, irritated skin, eliminates acne, acne, inflammation. Can be used as a mild peeling agent.

Cost approximately 290 rubles

Clay exfoliates the upper layers of the skin, nourishes, moisturizes, softens, evens out tone, and gives a fresh look. With constant use, it is possible to achieve a pronounced anti-aging effect.

Spivak

Damask rose mask made of red clay. The mixture has a red-brown color due to the high content of iron oxide. The product is suitable for sensitive dry skin, saturates cells with oxygen, activates metabolism, triggers cellular metabolism, and rejuvenates.

For 180 g you will have to pay 190 rubles.

The mask contains antiseptics and tonic rose hydrosol. The composition is not applied to the skin around the eyes.

Markell

The “Red Clay” facial care mask is sold in ready-to-use form; the cost of a 100 ml tube is 200 rubles. An ideal product for sensitive, irritated, dry skin, giving softness and smoothness. Cleanses, tightens pores, removes peeling, redness, itching, swelling, and restores elasticity. Contains almond oil and nut extract.

Savonry, Top Face

Does not cause allergies or other unwanted reactions, therefore it is indicated for sensitive skin. Eliminates peeling, redness, itching, restores normal blood supply. The natural properties of the rock are perfectly complemented by the natural component alginate, obtained from red and brown algae.

Cost 270 rubles per 150 g.

Cheaper or more expensive depends on your budget. Inexpensive cosmetics provide excellent results if used regularly.

For those who want to save money on home beauty without sacrificing quality, we recommend choosing powdered red clay and preparing masks yourself using improvised means.

Recipe for sensitive skin

A mask prepared by yourself will be without unnecessary “chemicals” and therefore much healthier and safer for this type. Natural ingredients will help remove redness and minor allergic manifestations.

Sesame oil

Add 7 ml of sesame oil to 2 tsp of powder, mix and apply for 5-10 minutes. You can also add rice flour to this mixture, which has an absorbent effect. You can wash it off with water or milk for sensitive skin. Wipe with toner and apply your usual cream.

Herbal infusions

An aqueous infusion of chamomile and rosemary will help soothe irritated skin.

To prepare, you must prepare an infusion of chamomile or rosemary herbs in advance. To do this, the plant must be boiled in water and left for 2 hours.

Clay 2 tsp + 2 tsp infusion, mix and distribute evenly over the face, exposure 10 minutes. Remove with hypoallergenic milk. Apply cream or serum.

Rules for use/application

It is almost impossible to harm the skin with red clay, but you must follow the rules for its use. Basic recommendations from cosmetologists:

• Prepare the product before use and strictly for one time only. Waste raw materials cannot be used - it may not be safe;
• metal bowls are not suitable for mixing ingredients;
• Do not use chlorinated water to dilute the powder;
• before applying the mask, be sure to pre-clean it;
• you need to rinse thoroughly and for a long time, this is done without fail;
• two procedures per week will be enough.

Select additional components for preparing homemade masks based on your skin type.

Using store-bought masks is much more convenient than using homemade ones, and no less effective. Choosing a particular option is a matter of taste.

For normal skin type

Due to the properties of the clay composition to enhance blood circulation, such masks will help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and increase the speed of various biochemical processes. As a result, the skin acquires a slight radiance, an even tone, and noticeably narrowed pores. Properly selected additional ingredients will further enhance the effect.

With added avocado

2 tsp clay, 1 ampoule of vitamin A and crushed pulp of 1 avocado, mixed and applied for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with water and use any moisturizer.

Honey and geranium oil

To 2 tsp of clay composition add 1 tsp of liquid honey and a couple of drops of geranium essential oil. It is recommended to first cleanse your face with a mild micellar solution. Exposure 20 minutes.

Egg white

Mix 1 chicken protein with 1 tbsp clay, apply for 10 minutes. As a result, the skin looks lighter and more well-groomed.

Effect on skin

Masks with red clay effectively solve the following problems:

• moisture deficiency;
• acne, pimples;
• redness, peeling;
• dilated capillaries;
• pigmentation;
• increased greasiness;
• clogged pores;
• purulent inflammation;
• vascular network.

The product has a comprehensive universal effect and will be useful to everyone. The temperature of the mask should be warm - in this case, the results will be most effective. To enhance the effect, you can combine clay with other components - for example, cream and lemon juice are good for pigment spots.

During the procedure, make sure that the clay does not dry out completely.

Masks for dry skin types

Dry skin needs additional nutrition and hydration, so substances that can enhance effectiveness are added to the clay powder.

The best mask suitable for this type is obtained by using any base oil: argan, linseed, olive. You can add it to any clay recipe.

Red clay and cream

Mix 2 tsp of powder with 1 tsp of 20% cream. Apply this mixture to your face and keep for 15 minutes. Then wash your face with warm water or take a contrast shower, alternating cold and hot water. Wipe your face with toner and apply moisturizer. You can replace the cream with full-fat sour cream. This mask will help remove redness, nourish the skin and give it radiance by exfoliating dead cells.

With added yolk

A homemade mask with yolk will help make the pores on your face less noticeable and clear away blackheads. To do this, mix the yolk with 1-2 tsp of powder and apply to the face. It is recommended to leave it on for 15 minutes, but if there is a strong feeling of tightness, rinse off with water earlier. Afterwards, use a nourishing cream or serum.

With berries

2-3 berries (strawberries, raspberries, raspberries, blueberries) mixed with 1 tbsp sour cream and 1 tbsp clay powder. Wash off after 15 minutes. Additionally, it has a whitening effect.

Contraindications

There are practically no contraindications for a product with unique properties, but a number of precautions will not be superfluous to take into account. Avoid using red clay masks in the following cases:

• with active tuberculosis;
• in case of increased individual sensitivity;
• during ARVI, especially if body temperature rises;
• in the presence of open wounds or other damage to the skin at the site of exposure.

Systemic blood diseases and oncological tumors are also cases when it would be better to refuse masks with red clay.

Allergies are most often caused by other components of masks

It is highly advisable to do a test for an individual reaction, since in most cases it is unpredictable.

Burns, warts, moles are not contraindications, but red clay cannot always be used for them.

Body treatments

Red clay is often used to care for facial skin. Photos of the results that women using this “medicine” managed to achieve are truly impressive. But clay can also be used for body care.

Wraps are considered effective. To prepare, you need to mix clay powder and mineral water (still). If desired, you can add orange essential oil, a little natural honey and cinnamon (check your skin for allergic sensitivities first). You need to treat selected areas of the body with the mixture, and cover everything with plastic wrap on top.

Red clay can also be used to prepare baths. You just need to dissolve 100 g of powder in warm water. If desired, add a few drops of essential oil (such as tea tree, orange or rosemary) to the water. After the bath, the skin, of course, needs to be rinsed in the shower.

A wonderful massage mixture is prepared from this type of clay. You just need to mix the required amount of red powder with the yolk and add an oil solution of vitamin E. This product is applied to the skin during a massage. By the way, it not only helps to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin, but also copes well with cellulite, reducing the notorious “orange peel”.

Such procedures are not so complicated, so you can carry them out yourself at home.

Side effects

Red clay powder does not cause any significant side effects, since it has a natural, safe composition. The exception is cases of individual intolerance to the active components, but they are very rare. To minimize the risk of developing unwanted reactions, follow the instructions for preparing and using the product.

The chemical component of clay reacts with metals, so non-metallic objects are needed to mix the mask

Do not use metal containers for mixing and avoid the idea of ​​reusing the powder. It is better not to use any products that are questionable in terms of freshness or other characteristics at all. The presence of additional additives is desirable, but not necessary; in addition, they may cause allergies.

Red clay is no less useful for hair than for the face. The only negative is that it is difficult to wash.

Masks at home

Preparing a mask at home is a very easy process, while you can save money and get results comparable to an expensive procedure at a cosmetologist. There are many folk recipes using red clay.

Basic rules for preparing and using a face mask:

1. It is preferable to cook in a special silicone cup. You can use another container, but not a metal one.
2. The consistency should be like sour cream and without lumps.
3. Under no circumstances should you keep the mask on for more than 30 minutes, otherwise the skin will peel off and you will not be able to achieve the desired result.
4. Before the procedure, do not perform rough cleansing in the form of peeling or scrubbing.
5. If discomfort or tingling occurs, you can apply cling film to your face.

To get rid of the problem in the condition of the skin, one procedure will not be enough; it is advisable to undergo a course of 8-10 procedures.

How often can you make masks, clay storage

Red clay - needed for sensitive and dry, pale, thin, aging skin. It is suitable for any age, type, condition of the epidermis, and specifically eliminates existing problems. For example, if you have acne, red clay will eliminate exactly that; wrinkles will increase elasticity and smooth the skin. The main thing is to mix the powder with clean water, maybe mineral water, since bleach definitely won’t do any good.

Learn to calculate the proportions of masks - too liquid a composition will drip. In store-bought products, everything is already balanced.

It is enough to do the procedures a couple of times a week, and in general 2-3 masks every 7 days is enough. Be sure to cleanse your skin first. If you use regular clay powder, store it strictly in dry, clean, uncontaminated areas.

Briefly about red clay

Procedures with various types of clays have been popular since ancient times to this day. Based on them, various face masks are prepared according to recipes, and are also included as the main ingredient in ready-made products that can be purchased over the counter.

The culprit of this article, red clay goes by many names, among which you can hear Moroccan, rhassoul or ghassoul. In nature, it is formed under the influence of volcanic activity and geothermal changes in the soil, and its homeland is the mountain ranges of Morocco.

Rhassoul clay is a red powder when dry, but when liquid it turns into a silky paste.

According to historical information, the use of red clay can be traced back to the times of Ancient Rome and Egypt, where it was allowed to be used only by the upper classes, no lower than the nobility, in order to tone and enrich the skin with healing minerals.

Thus, Moroccan clay contains:

• dolomite;
• calcium;
• silica;
• magnesium;
• iron;
• potassium;
• aluminum;
• copper, etc.

This clay acquired its reddish hue thanks to the oxides of iron and copper. But natural high-quality Rhassoul clay should not leave redness on the face for a long time, if the skin has not acquired a uniform color after 30 minutes, perhaps there is a dye in such powder.

You can learn about the benefits of green clay here.