Bentonite clay is matured volcanic ash. It is also referred to as “Montmorillonite.” It is healing clays comprising of very high concentration of rich minerals such as potassium, magnesium, silica, calcium, sodium, and iron. These help in absorbing and eliminating toxins, chemicals, heavy metals, and impurities.
These days, bentonite clay is used as a common ingredient in most of the detox and cleansing products. Some of the most common external uses include detox baths, compresses, mud packs, hair packs, and several skin care recipes.
Here are some of the best benefits of bentonite clay for skin & face masks:
Diminishes Appearance of Scars
Bentonite can effectively treat acne and pigmentation scars. The outer layer of the skin will be sloughed off gently. It treats pimples, pigmentation and clears the residue that causes scars. Consistent use of the clay will provide you with amazing results.
Skin Brightening
Use of bentonite clay can be more effective than an expensive salon facial. The skin health will be cleared. It brightens the complexion on regular application.
Infuses Minerals
Bentonite is rich in mineral and helps remove impurities from skin. It also infuses skin with skin purifying minerals such as magnesium, silicon, and potassium and restores skin health.
Gently Exfoliates
The light granules of bentonite can cleanse skin by gently sloughing away dead skin cells. It gently buffs off dry, flaky skin and leaves the complexion smoother, healthier, and baby soft. Thee clay can be mixed with plain water or rose water and applied to face to exfoliate dead cells.
Clarifies Pores
Acne can be caused due to excess production of oil, accumulation of dead skin cells, bacteria, and clogged pores. Bentonite can address all of these issues. It has adsorbent (almost magnet-like) capabilities. Bentonite can be mixed with water and applied as a mask to pull out excess bacteria and sebum from the skin. Bentonite unclogs pores and clarifies pores to ensure acne free skin.
Heals the Skin
Regular application of bentonite clay will help treat skin of various conditions including dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Topical application of the clay is a great remedy for skin irritation, rashes, eczema, poison ivy, psoriasis, bug bites, and dermatitis. It draws out fungus and bacteria from the skin effectively. Many studies have also shown that bentonite acts as a topical antibiotic. It helps in soothing skin infections, inflammation, and expedites the healing process.
Boosts Collagen Production
Bentonite can boost production of collagen. According to a study conducted on small animals, daily application of bentonite clay on skin increased the amount of collagen fibers in only 7 days. The benefit can be seen due to presence of high levels of the mineral silica in the clay. It helps maintain healthy connective tissue. Hence, regular application of bentonite face mask can do wonders to your skin.
No Acne Lesions
Bentonite has powerful skin-clarifying benefits. A study has revealed that a mask of bentonite clay and jojoba oil applied twice or thrice a week for 6 weeks can reduce acne lesions by around 54 %. The rich mask will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and fully moisturized.
Bentonite clay face mask
Here’s how you prepare the mask:
Ingredients
- Bentonite clay – I tbsp
- Jojoba oil – 2 tbsp
Method
- Step 1: Add the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Step 2: Apply the mask on cleansed face. Leave on until dry.
- Step 3: Wash off with cool water.
