Green Clay: Its Incredible Benefits And Applications

Green clay’s many benefits make it an essential ingredient for natural skin care, hygiene and health. You’ll find it in many DIY recipes for the face, scalp, and teeth.

What are the benefits of green clay? How can it be used as a mask, poultice, or internally? Whether you drink it or sprinkle it on your skin, we reveal how to turn this inexpensive ingredient into an everyday superhero.

What is Green Clay?

Green clay is a natural sedimentary rock that belongs to the phyllosilicate family. It is especially rich in mineral salts. In particular, it contains aluminum silicate and hydrated magnesium.

The benefits of clay on the face or internally depend on its composition. This is closely related to its origin and color. In nature we find green clay, red clay, pink clay, yellow clay and white clay (kaolinite).

What are the Benefits of Green Clay Powder?

Green clay is known for its purifying and decongesting effects on the skin. As a natural exfoliant, it helps to tighten pores and restore balance to most skin types. Its use in various skin care products softens and brightens the complexion. It can also be used for its hair, teeth and health benefits. The main properties of green clay are:

• Purifying: Its composition allows it to trap many types of impurities (dirt, bacteria, etc.).
• Anti-inflammatory: Green clay can be used to soothe aching joints and reduce puffiness.
• Absorbent: Like a sponge, it absorbs excess sebum from oily skin. It therefore has sebum-regulating properties.
• Adsorbent: Like a magnet, it attracts and binds certain surface molecules, such as toxins. It belongs to the large family of detoxifying agents.
• Exfoliating: its fine granulometry makes it ideal for use in mechanical scrubs.
• Remineralizing: Green clay is naturally rich in minerals and trace elements.

1. The Benefits of Green Clay for the Skin: Purifying and Regenerating

Green clay is best known for its benefits on the face and skin. It can also be used on the body to improve the appearance of tissues.

Green clay regulates excess sebum and fights the appearance of imperfections. It is an essential ingredient in the treatment of acne-prone skin.

It improves the skin’s radiance by removing toxins and impurities that have accumulated on its surface. It helps restore a clearer, brighter and more even complexion.

It soothes and reduces the appearance of redness in skin prone to discomfort, imperfections and sensitivity.

Considered a skin regenerator, it gives mature skin a more youthful appearance.

2. The Benefits of Green Clay for the Face: Healthy Skin

Green clay is a treasure for facial skin. Used as a mask or poultice, it offers numerous benefits for those seeking healthy, radiant skin.

It regulates excess sebum and reduces the incidence of pimples and facial imperfections. Perfect for acne-prone skin and blackheads.

It eliminates toxins and impurities that accumulate on the skin’s surface. Your complexion will be clearer, brighter and more even thanks to its purifying action. Ideal for those with oily skin.

It has soothing properties that calm faces prone to redness and sensitivity. It helps reduce the appearance of redness and relieve skin discomfort (tightness, tingling).

It promotes cell regeneration, which can help reduce the signs of facial aging (wrinkles) and give your skin a more youthful appearance.

It has anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing properties and can also calm eczema or psoriasis plaques.

3. The Benefits of Green Clay for Hair: Volume and Lightness

The virtues of green clay also extend to hair care. It is best applied locally at the roots.

Green montmorillonite or illite clay absorbs excess sebum from the scalp. It is therefore ideal for restoring lightness between washes.

It adds volume to the roots. Its light color makes it relatively discreet on all hair colors.

Helps detoxify the scalp. For example, you can use it as a cleansing treatment before coloring or during your transition to more natural cosmetics.

Finally, it also helps relieve the discomfort of scalps prone to dandruff and irritation.

4. The Benefits of Green Clay for Teeth: Whitening and Fresh Breath

Green clay is the queen of oral hygiene! Although its use in the mouth may come as a surprise, it takes care of your teeth and gums on a daily basis.

Thanks to its remineralizing properties, green clay helps strengthen tooth enamel.

Its powerful cleansing properties help prevent plaque and whiten teeth.

As a purifier, it traps the bacteria responsible for bad breath and refreshes your oral cavity.

Used as a compress, it can provide temporary relief from toothache or tooth decay while you wait to see your dentist.

5. The Health Benefits of Green Clay: Detoxification and Gastrointestinal Well-Being

Take green clay internally? It’s possible: drinking green clay is packed with benefits! In fact, many naturopaths recommend it to regulate metabolism and strengthen the body. Simply dilute 1 teaspoon of green clay in a glass of water. You can drink it right away or let it sit overnight. In the latter case, drink only the excess liquid.

Among the benefits of green clay is its ability to absorb intestinal gases. It reduces flatulence and helps restore a flat stomach.

As a covering agent, it can protect the intestinal wall in cases of porosity or gastrointestinal problems.

Repairing, it relieves discomfort, especially those associated with acid reflux and heartburn.

Detoxifying, it helps the body rid itself of toxins and maintain normal functioning.

Caution

Keep in mind that taking clay internally is not recommended for everyone. For example, if you have chronic constipation, high blood pressure, or a bowel obstruction. Consult your health care professional for advice.

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How Can I Use the Benefits of Green Clay in Cosmetics?

My recipes for using green clay on my skin

You can enjoy all the benefits of green clay on your face by making homemade formulations to suit your beauty needs. These can include scrubs, soaps and anti-redness creams. But the most common treatment is undoubtedly the mask. The cleansing benefits of a green clay mask are especially beneficial for combination to oily skin.

Our Quick Recipe

For a one-minute green clay mask, simply mix a little clay powder with a hydrosol of your choice. If you have dry skin, add a few drops of a suitable vegetable oil (such as safflower or sweet almond). Use your mask immediately, as it’s not meant to be stored. Apply the resulting paste to the face and leave it on until the mask begins to dry (between 5 and 10 minutes). If the paste dries too quickly, remoisten regularly. Rinse off thoroughly with clean water.

My Recipes for Using Green Clay on My Hair.

The benefits of a green clay mask extend to your hair! The principle is the same as for the face mask: simply mix the clay powder with a little water or hydrosol. The resulting paste is applied to the roots as a pre-shampoo treatment, working your way down to the lengths. Don’t hesitate to prepare your clay hair mask with complementary active ingredients (vegetable oils, carefully dosed essential oils, etc.).

Green clay can also be used to make natural dry shampoos and solid shampoos. It can also be incorporated into waxes or styling pastes to add texture to hair with a matte finish.

Recipes for Using Green Clay in the Mouth

Did you know that you can make your own DIY toothpaste with green clay? The recipe is simple: green clay, vegetable oil, and a few drops of an appropriate essential oil. Some recipes suggest mixing it with baking soda. If you prefer a paste rather than a powder, add a little water. Note: Your toothpaste won’t last as long in this form.

You can also use green clay as a gargle to clear your throat. Simply dilute some clay powder in a glass of water and gargle for 30 seconds. And don’t forget to use a green clay compress on a sore tooth. Of course, this SOS tip is not a substitute for seeing a health care professional.

What are the Contraindications for Using Green Clay?

In cosmetology, the benefits of green clay are beneficial to all skin types. Whether you use it as a mask or a facial wrap, we simply recommend that you don’t let it dry out. Use a spray to keep it moisturized. Always discard your clay after use: it cannot be reused.

For internal use, it’s best to consult a health care professional before starting a green clay regimen. Pregnant and/or lactating women, as well as those taking medication or contraceptive pills, should take special care.

Finally, be careful not to inhale the clay powder when handling the product. If necessary, wear protective equipment and keep out of the reach of children.

What’s the Difference Between Green Clay and White Clay?

Green clay has the advantage of being suitable for most skin types, especially seborrheic skin. It’s likely to meet your expectations if you have oily roots or skin prone to blemishes and shine. It’s also the drugstore’s go-to for gas.

White clay (also known as « gray clay » or « kaolinite »), which is very high in silica, is better for dry, sensitive skins that want more radiance. It is mainly used for cosmetic purposes. Like green clay, it has purifying properties. It is also healing and softening.

What is the Composition of Kaolin?

Green clay is said to be rich in silica, lime, aluminum and magnesium. There are slight variations between different types of green clay.

Want to enjoy all the benefits of green clay with peace of mind? It is best to choose a clay that has been thoroughly tested. The closer the dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyl levels are to zero, the higher the quality of the clay.

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