There are so many beauty and skincare products available in the market today. So, how do you find the right product for your skin?
One of the most common skincare products out there is clay masks. And if you have not yet tried kaolin clay for skin, you need to – and soon.
What is kaolin clay?
What is kaolin clay? Well, simply put, it is a very soft-textured white clay from China. The name is derived from the province where it is mined, Kaoling.
Kaolin Clay for Skin – Uses and Benefits
China clay, as it is also known, is used in various cosmetic products. Apart from skincare, even toothpaste and hair care products contain kaolin.
There are many kaolin clay benefits for the skin. A skincare product containing this mineral is sure to work wonders on any skin type.
Great cleanser
Kaolin clay is a gentle and effective face cleanser. It removes dead skin and cleanses out the pores of the skin. This leaves the skin feeling fresh!
Removes acne
Kaolin clay reduces sebum from the skin and keeps it clear from impurities. This ensures that acne does not get formed, and if it does, it gets removed from the skin.
Gentle exfoliator
Kaolin clay has a gentle texture. It works beautifully on any skin type to rid it of impurities and enhance the complexion.
Anti-ageing agent
The use of kaolin clay increases collagen fibres in the skin. This accounts for the reduction of wrinkles and dryness of the skin. So, for younger-looking skin, kaolin clay for the skin could be the answer.
How to use kaolin clay face mask
The best way to get the kaolin clay benefits for the skin is to use it as a face mask. Due to its gentle texture, it can be used on any skin type.
In case you are still not sure if it will suit your skin, do a patch test. Rub a small amount of the clay paste on a small patch on your arm or back of the hand. Leave on for a few minutes, and then rinse.
If there are no rashes or irritation of the skin, it should be safe to use the clay on other parts of your body – such as your face and hair.
Once you have put on your face mask, leave it to dry. It usually takes 10-15 minutes for any kaolin clay face mask to dry. Gently rinse your face with water and pat dry with a towel. Enjoy fresher and glowing skin!
Make your own kaolin clay face mask at home
It is easy to make your very own kaolin clay face mask at home. Several ready-to-use products are easily available in the market. You do not need to spend a lot of money buying those.
With items you are sure to have around in the kitchen, you can create your very own DIY mask at home.
Make sure the kaolin clay you buy is fit for cosmetic use.
Kaolin clay and Manuka honey face mask
The use of honey in the face mask is super beneficial for skin prone to acne. Also, if you have a skin type that tends to get inflamed easily, honey is the answer! Manuka honey is even more beneficial, as it is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.
To make this face mask you need:
● 2 teaspoon Kaolin clay
● 1 tsp Manuka honey
● 1 teaspoon rosewater, or regular water
Mix the ingredients together to make a paste and apply to your face. The clay does not let the honey drop down from your face. You can leave it on for up to 20 minutes, or till it completely dries. Rinse with tap water.
Kaolin clay and apple cider vinegar face mask
Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial components. When combined with kaolin clay, it makes a very effective skincare face mask.
To make this on your own, you will need:
● 1 tablespoon Kaolin clay
● 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
● A few drops of your favourite essential oil
Combine all the ingredients together. If the paste feels too thick, add a few more drops of apple cider vinegar. Apply this mask to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes, or till it dries completely. Gently rinse it off with tap water.
Kaolin clay and papaya face mask
Soak up the tropical sun when you use this face mask! The benefits of tropical papaya are numerous. Papaya is great for moisturising the skin as it is made of 88 per cent water. The Vitamin C found in papaya helps reduce sunburn. It even boosts collagen, which reduces wrinkles.
To create this mask, you will need:
● 1 teaspoon kaolin clay
● 1 teaspoon papaya puree or papaya powder
● A quarter teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)
● A quarter teaspoon of coconut oil (optional)
Combine these ingredients and make a smooth paste. You can add rosewater instead of oil if you feel you want a less oily feel on your face. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes, or till it has dried up completely. Gently rinse off with water.
After applying any of the above face masks, do moisturize your skin. This ensures the skin is not left feeling too dry. If you have oily skin and prefer not to, you can leave out this step from the regime.
Do’s and don’ts of using kaolin clay face mask
Kaolin clay benefits are what make this a fantastic skincare product. It is also easy to make DIY masks at home with kaolin clay.
In case you have sensitive skin, you may want to take precautions before using any new product on your skin.
Do’s of using kaolin clay:
Check the colour for purity
Kaolin clay is usually white. Any pinkish tinge indicates the mix of other minerals such as calcite, iron or illite.
Use on sensitive skin
Kaolin clay is extremely mild. This makes it suitable for even super-sensitive skin. In fact, it reduces wrinkles, prevents or cures acne and gently exfoliates the skin.
Easy to use at home
Creating your own face mask at home just got simpler. You can combine with one or more ingredients to suit your skin type. These ingredients are usually found in your own kitchen.
Don’ts of using kaolin clay
Irritation on skin
As with any skincare product, a quick patch test is a must. If even the slightest irritation occurs, do not use the clay on any part of your skin any more.
Ingredients that do not suit the skin
If a face mask recipe contains an ingredient that does not suit your skin, do not use it. You can always find an alternate DIY face mask recipe.
Using frequently
Kaolin clay usually suits most skin types. But, avoid using it frequently in order to prevent the skin from becoming too dry. Once a week is ideal.
How to include kaolin clay to your regular skincare routine
Adding yet another treatment to your skincare routine may seem daunting. But once you understand how easy it is to use, kaolin clay benefits for skin will simplify the way you include it in your routine.
Locate good quality kaolin clay.
Not all kaolin clay available in the market may be pure. As mentioned earlier, the white colour is indicative of fewer minerals mixed into the clay. If you are uncertain of the effects of these minerals to your skin, buy only clearly white kaolin clay.
Determine your skin type.
Find out about the type of skin you have – dry or oily. Do you suffer any conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis? Does your skin react to certain products and treatments? This will help you figure out which DIY face masks with kaolin clay will work best for you.
Weekly cleansing ritual.
Make face cleansing a weekly ritual. Keep at least half an hour aside, say on weekends, for your face. Keep your kaolin clay ready for use on those days. Also, ensure the other ingredients required for your face pack are handy.
Kaolin clay for skin has many skin benefits. Get glowing skin. Reduce acne. Exfoliation and cleansing. Treatment of skin rashes. When you first try it, use it only once a week. Enjoy healthier skin with kaolin clay.
FAQs
Can kaolin clay be used every day?
Kaolin clay is gentle enough to be used every day. Most skin types will benefit from it.
For very dry or sensitive skin, it is better to use it only one or two times a week.
A patch test will help determine how often one can use kaolin clay.
Can kaolin clay expire?
Kaolin clay can stay for an infinite period of time. But it must be kept in a cool, dark place.
Should kaolin clay be kept in the fridge?
Kaolin clay can be stored at room temperature. As long as it is kept in a cool, dark place, it will be fine.
Why is kaolin clay better than other clays?
Kaolin clay has a one-of-a-kind quality of the chemical composition.
This makes it gentle on the skin. It also enables it to deep cleanse. Kaolin clay can rid the skin of impurities, reduce acne and cure irritated skin.
These properties make it more popular as clay for face masks.