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What is that
What is a Clay Mask?
Clay masks represent an excellent support for the treatment of some skin diseases and, on the doctor's recommendation, they can even be used as a complement to acne or seborrhea therapy. Not surprisingly, the anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties make clay a extremely useful for the treatment of dermatosis, in particular against inflammation of the pilo-sebaceous glands and hair follicles.
Employments
Uses of the Clay Mask in cosmetics
In beauty salons, clay face masks are required to meet the most diverse needs.
The most popular clay masks are undoubtedly those with a purifying and detoxifying action to combat acne, blackheads and boils. Again, these dermo-cosmetic preparations smooth and soften the skin by exfoliating it delicately. In addition, a clay mask can prove useful. also as an adjuvant treatment in case of dermatosis and erythema (of course, in these cases it is good practice to ask for a preventive consultation with the doctor).
Finally, if applied on legs, thighs, buttocks or belly, clay masks can also be used to counteract cellulite and stretch marks.
Property
Properties of clay
While many know that clay masks are excellent remedies for oily skin, few are aware of their many other properties.
In fact, in addition to the well-known skin-purifying properties, the clay is also equipped with:
- Rebalancing and mineralizing properties, thanks to its high content of salts, ions and metals;
- Antiseptic properties;
- Antitoxic properties (thanks to its strong adsorbing power);
- Healing properties;
- Deodorant properties.
Finally, we cannot forget the anti-wrinkle action exerted by clay: for this reason, many women who are no longer very young require it in face masks with anti-aging action.
Types of Clay
The term "clay" is used in a very general way to indicate a particular compound obtained from a mixture of substances of mineral origin which are associated with metals, ions and other substances of organic origin.
However, depending on its origin (lake, marine, etc.), its composition and the metals and ions it contains, the clay can take on different characteristics and be suitable for the treatment of a certain type of skin or ailment rather than another. For example, based on the concentration of iron present and its oxidation state, the clay can take on a different color: in this specific case, therefore, we can distinguish green clay - rich in iron in the form of ferric ion (Fe3 +) which exerts a marked purifying activity on the skin - from red clay which contains iron in the form of ferrous ions (Fe2 +) and instead performs a more delicate purifying action.
The table below lists the main types of clay that can be used in the preparation of a mask and their main indications in the dermo-cosmetic field.
Type of clay used in the mask
Indication
Green clay
Green clay masks are particularly indicated against acne. Green clay effectively adsorbs toxins from the skin, purifying it deeply.
White clay
The white clay masks, the most delicate of all, are indicated to soothe and soften the skin; for this reason, they are suitable for sensitive skin.
Red clay
Similarly to the previous ones, the red clay masks are indicated for delicate and sensitive skins.
Pink clay
By toning the skin, the pink clay masks give tone and liveliness to tired and dull skin. Furthermore, this type of clay has excellent cleansing properties.
Bentonite, kaolin and Fuller's earth
Indicated for acneic and seborrheic skin
Mechanism of action
How clay masks work
When placed in contact with water, the clay forms a very dense and viscous mass similar to mud which solidifies in about ten minutes. The precious minerals contained in the clay (silica, magnesium, iron, aluminum, calcium, etc.) are adsorbed by the skin which, in turn, releases the toxins accumulated in the tissue: in so doing, the clay purifies the epidermis, stimulating at the same time microcirculation. For this reason, after use, clay masks should be thrown away.
Preparation
How to prepare a Clay Mask
Before preparing a clay mask, it is necessary to get plastic or ceramic containers; metal ones are not recommended because they could alter the product. metal.
The other functional substances can be added precisely in this phase: during the addition of the active ingredients it is suggested to mix vigorously and continuously until a thick but sufficiently spreadable consistency is obtained. In case the clay mask is too full-bodied and dense , you need to add more water to make it more fluid.
Please Note
When the consistency of the clay mixture is too fluid, there is a risk that the mask does not adhere to the skin, thus nullifying the "purifying" effect.
Application
How to apply a Clay Mask
Before proceeding with the application of the clay mask on the face, it is necessary to remove all traces of make-up from the skin using a specific make-up remover and plenty of warm water. Clay masks in fact require an application on carefully cleansed and dry skins; for this reason, it is important to pay particular attention to cleansing the face.
The clay mask must be applied with a soft bristle brush or spread with fingertips. The mask must adhere perfectly to the skin of the face, without being too irritating or particularly sticky. Generally, the product is applied starting from the chin, to then cover the neck and the whole face except the eye contour and the perimeter of the lips.
The clay mask should be removed from the skin as soon as the product dries. If the clay dries quickly, it is advisable to enrich - the next time - the mixture with vegetable oils or honey to avoid excessively dehydrating the skin.
To keep the skin soft, hydrated and radiant as long as possible, after removing the clay mask it is recommended to apply a generous layer of cream to the face (eg. Nourishing / emollient cream, anti-wrinkle cream, hyaluronic acid cream, acne cream etc.).
Poultice
The term "poultice" s "means a type of very soft clay mask, which is applied to the skin in the form of a" pack. Normally, a layer of poultice not thicker than 2 cm is spread on the skin; subsequently, it is wraps the skin with a cloth to limit the evaporation of water as much as possible. By not covering the skin with the cloth, the water would evaporate excessively, making the clay too abrasive. After a period of laying time varying from 15 to 25 minutes, the poultice - which must still be moist but compact - is removed. Clearly, for hygienic and functional reasons, clay should not be reused.
