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Cosmetically, different clays are used for different properties. Clays vary in their degree of absorbency, green being the most absorbent and white being the least. Absorbancy is this is the ability of clay to draw compounds inside of the molecular structure of the clay. Once inside the clays swells trapping the toxins and thereby ensuring they can’t be released again. The greater the surface area of the clay, the more it is able to attract positively charged

particles or toxins. The more absorbent clays are ideal for cleansing and detoxifying congested, pimply or acne prone skins. This will help to calm inflammation and allow the skin to heal. The less absorbent clays are ideal for smoothing, softening and toning skin.

The colour of the clay is significant, with each colour having different properties that are useful for different skin types and conditions.

Green Clay is the most absorbing of all the clay types. Used for face masks, it draws out impurities, cleanses the skin and helps to normalise sebum production. It is suitable for all skin types but particularly useful for oily skin types and acne prone skins. Green Clay will also assist with tissue repair and calm inflammation.

Yellow Clay is rich in minerals. Used in masks, Yellow Clay helps to improve the condition of tired and devitalised skin.

Red Clay is high in trace elements particularly iron oxide, which gives the clay its red colour. Red Clay is oily and mildly absorbent working to revitalise and improve skin radiance. It is ideal for sensitive skin and skin with capillary damage.

Pink Clay contains iron oxide, silica and trace elements. It has a softening and toning effect on the skin making it ideal all skin types and particularly for mature skins.

Suitable for all skin types White Clay is the most gentle of all clay types. White Clay is ideal for sensitive, dry and mature skin types.

When using clays for face or body masks the thicker the application the greater the drawing effect. With body masks, wrapping the body parts over the clay will increase circulation and allow the clay greater penetration. Once applied allow the clay to dry and wash it away as soon as it has dried. If left on once dried, the clay may draw essential moisture out of the skin which is generally not a desired effect. Alternatively, spray the clay with plain or floral water when it starts to dry out. Once removed, clay takes the toxins from the skin so avoid the temptation to reuse clay.

The ingredients mixed with clay can also enhance its actions. For example with dry skin, base and essential oils combined with white clay can have a deeply hydrating effect. I recommend coconut oil in this case. Enzymes from papaya or kiwi can help to break down dead skin cells so that green clay can work more effectively for congested and acne skins. Floral waters are great to mix with the clay for facial masks as well. Use rose water and white or pink clay for mature skin or chamomile water and red clay for sensitive skin. For damaged or acne prone skin, mix a bit of manuka honey and lavender water with green clay for a detoxifying and healing effect. Fran from High on Health has done a video blog showing how to mix up the clays and some different ways to use them.