7 Skin Benefits of Cambrian Blue Clay
The use of clay for medicinal and cosmetic purposes goes back to prehistoric times. Among the clays most commonly used are kaolin (white clay or china clay), bentonite, montmorillonite, Fuller’s earth (multani mitti), and Cambrian blue clay (illite). The latter has become quite popular in skincare lately due to its amazing skin benefits.
Cambrian blue clay was named so because it was formed in Siberian lakes during the Cambrian Period (the first geological period of the Paleozoic Era, lasting from 541 to 485.4 million years ago). No wonder that it is one of the oldest and rarest cosmetic clays in the world. Its distinctive color derives from minerals and algae.
Powdered and refined Cambrian blue clay is added to various commercial cosmetics such as facial masks and scrubs, soaps, etc. It can also be used to make DIY skincare products. What are the skin benefits of this cosmetic clay?
1. It’s a Good Cleanser and Detoxifier
Blue clay penetrates deeply into your pores and draws out dirt, grime, excess sebum (skin oil), and toxins. Thanks to its cleansing and detoxifying properties, the clay prevents blackheads and dull complexion.
2. It’s a Natural Exfoliant
Not only does Cambrian clay unclog pores; it also removes dead cells from the skin surface, making the skin smooth, fresh, and glowing. Finely ground Cambrian blue clay mixed with water acts as a gentle abrasive and effectively exfoliates the skin without scratching it.
3. It Is Rich in Minerals
Cambrian blue clay provides the skin with minerals such as silicon, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, etc. (The exact mineral composition of a particular clay depends on where it was mined.) These minerals penetrate into the skin and help maintain its elasticity, as well as stimulate skin cell metabolism and renewal.
4. It is Good for Your Complexion
Due to its cleansing and revitalizing properties, Cambrian blue clay effectively reduces blemishes, prevents dull and oily complexion, and even has a lightening effect which can be increased by adding a few drops of lemon juice to your blue clay facial mask.
5. It Has a Healing Effect
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, soothing and antibacterial properties, Cambrian clay can be used to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, and some other skin conditions. Of course, you should consult a physician if you have serious skin problems, but soothing blue clay masks can be used to treat minor acne breakouts and soothe irritated skin.
6. It Balances the Skin
Cambrian blue clay is especially valued for its skin balancing properties, which makes it perfect for taking care of oily, combination, and problem skin. It absorbs excess oils from the pores and skin surface, as well as regulates sebum secretion without stripping the skin off moisture. Facial masks with Cambrian clay will help keep your skin looking and feeling fresh throughout the day.
7. It’s a Great Ingredient for DIY Cosmetics
If you’re a fun of DIY skincare, you absolutely need to buy a pack of Cambrian blue clay because it’s a great ingredient for DIY facial masks and scrubs. The easiest way to make a facial mask with blue clay is to mix it with lukewarm water until you get a thick paste, apply it to clean skin, let the mask sit for 10–15 minutes, and then rinse it.
To make the mask more effective, you can add several drops of your favorite essential oil or oils, lemon juice, avocado pulp, activated carbon (for a deeper cleansing and detoxifying effect), and other ingredients. Another way to enrich clay masks is to substitute water with carrier oil (for dry skin), milk, yogurt, herbal infusion, green tea, etc.
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