French Green Clay and its health and skincare properties.
This is my third Hub on healing and cosmetic properties of different types of clays. In my first two Hubs I described Rhassoul Clay from Morocco and Calcium Bentonite Clay from Northern America. In this Hub I will describe the properties and uses of French Green Clay.
Chemical structure and properties.
All three clays are volcanic ashes which were deposited on the bottom of the sea as the result of a volcanic activity in the remote geological past. Since then, the volcanic deposits cooled down and rose to the surface of the Earth. During millions of years of weathering, water and wind turned the hard volcanic deposits into soft clays. Volcanic ashes have a great absorbing power and the mineral elements which were carried out with the water from neighbouring deposits were trapped in clay molecules. Each of the clays contains more than 50 different minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, aluminum, silicon, copper, selenium, and cobalt
The above clays are the most efficient for skin and a health care from readily available clays. Combining these clays with different natural oils, fresh fruits, nuts and berries you can make luxurious skin treatment for the fraction of the cost of ready-made skin-care products. The clays also have medical properties and are widely used for the treatment of variety of medical conditions (Table).
Hence clays was formed in a specific local conditions, the mineral composition and consequently health and skin care properties of each clay are different.
Rhassoul Clay, for example, contains a large amount (52%) of Silica, a mineral which is important for the regeneration of the underskin layer of collagen and for a skin elasticity.
Calcium Bentonite Clay consists mostly of Montmorillonite which represents a collection of microscopic crystals that have great absorbing powers. This clay can draw toxins and bacteria out of pores and also is widely used for the detoxification of the digestive system.
Green French Clay also contains a large proportion of Montmorillonite and therefore has great absorbing powers. In addition it contains an organic material in a form of decomposed species of seaweed. French Green Clay has a milder detoxifying effect on skin then Calcium Bentonite Clay. It draws out the toxins but nourishes the skin as well due to organic seaweed content. Whereas Calcium Bentonite Clay is most suitable for oily and problem skin, Green French Clay is best used for oily and combined skin, but can be used as an ingredient for face masks and scrubs together with natural moisturisers such as fresh avocado, shea butter and yogurt.
Health benefits of French Green Clay
French Green Clay has a variety of medical uses which are similar to the uses of Calcium Bentonite Clay (Table ). French Green Clay is thought to absorbs toxins from digestive system, helping to remove radioactive metals from the body. It also is used as a gaggle for a sore throat.
- Tip: When buying French Green Clay for internal consumption make sure that you buy the clay marked 'pharmaceutical grade' or 'suitable for internal consumption' as Green French Clay might contain admixtures that harmful when consumed internally.
Healthcare and skincare properties of volcanic clays ( Calcium Bentonite, Rhassoul and French Green Clay).
Type of Clay
| The use in beauty and skincare
| The use in healthcare
|
|---|---|---|
Rhassoul Clay (Volcanic ashes rich in Silica
| Face masks for dry sensitive skin; hairmasks, hand and foot spars
| External application only in treatment of arthritis; brittle nails and hair
|
Calcium Bentonite Clay Volcanic ashes that consists mostly of Montmorillonite
| Face masks and facial scrubs for oily, problem skin
| External use in baths for muscle pain and arthritis relief, as a toothpaste for inflamed gums; Internal use for digestive problem and detoxification
|
Green French Clay (Volcanic ashes that contain Montmorillonite plus organic material and iron oxides)
| Face masks for oily and combined skin
| External use for bites, bruises, stings, minor burns, gaggle for sore throat, dental problems (gingivitis, mouth ulcer). Internal use for the cleanse of digestive tract, detoxification
|
Benefits of Green French Clay masks.
Green clay masks are exceptionally skin soft and velvety. It tightens pores, improves the function of oil glands and increases the blood circulation to the skin, absorbs impurities from the skin cells, removes dead cells
The clay is especially good for oily and combined skin and can be used in masks 1-2 times a week.
How to use French Green Clay
French Green Clay comes a fine powder which is ready to use by adding water and other ingredients. Home-made masks can be stored in a fridge for up to 3 days. Mix and store Green Clay Masks in a plastic or ceramic but not metal container as in the metal container clays lose their electric charge.
How to apply Green French Clay masks.
Start with cleaning your face with a mild scrub and a warm water. You can increase the effect of the mask if you use a facial sauna before the mask application as this will open up the pores.
Apply the masks with an old brush or with clean hands in small massaging circular movements. Leave the mask for 15-20 minutes, until it starts to dry out. Then use a bit of water to moisten the mask and carefully remove it with a cotton towel. You should aim to apply clay masks at least twice a week.
Green French Clay, Calendula and Ylang Ylang Oil facial mask.
Calendula extract has anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties and will help the skin to stay clean and fresh. Ylang Ylang will moisturise the skin and regulate the work of sebum glands which produce skin oil.
1tb of Green French Clay
3 drops of Calendula extract or solution of Calendula flowers
2 drops of Ylang Ylang oil
Add Calendula extract and Ylang Ylang oils to a dry clay powder and mix. Carefully add a little of water, mix into a paste and apply.
