What is black clay, its composition and useful properties. What are the contraindications to its use? Recipes for face masks based on black clay and features of their use.
Facial black clay is a natural remedy that has many benefits. Regular use of masks based on it results in radiant, smooth skin without cosmetic imperfections. To maintain beauty, black clay is combined with other beneficial substances that enhance its effect: such, as a rule, are various oils, hydrolates, decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs. There are so many options for using black clay that every girl can choose the best solution for herself.
What is black clay?
Pictured is a black clay face mask
Black clay is a unique cosmetic product that has been known since ancient times to the fair sex, and for the first time its healing properties were noticed and appreciated in Ancient Egypt. Today, black clay is widely used in cosmetology, cosmetics manufacturers introduce it into their products for the skin of the face, and on its basis they prepare homemade masks. Black clay is a powder that is almost black in color (dark brown or dark gray) and oily. texture. The natural remedy is the most dense in consistency among all types of clay.
The rich, saturated composition of minerals allows the product to be used in home care for the face: the substance contains magnesium, sulfur, iron, potassium, calcium, manganese, silicon, phosphorus, and copper. Quartz, radium, strontium and various admixtures of volcanic rocks and ash were found here. Thus, the composition of black clay contains rare minerals necessary for the skin of the face, thanks to which it has established itself positively and has received wider application than other types of product.
The main reserves are found in the mountain ranges of Mexico and the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Black Kamchatka clay mined in Russia is especially valued. Also, the substance is formed in the form of sulphide-silt mud at the bottom of salt water bodies.
Useful properties of black clay
Black clay is valued for the content of numerous beneficial minerals for the skin and its versatility in use: the product is suitable for both dry and problematic, oily skin, as well as for combating age-related dermis problems. The natural product can be used at any age.
The benefits of black clay in professional and home facials:
- Perfectly cleanses pores, removes impurities from the surface of the skin and from the inside of the epidermis;
- Increases regeneration and renewal of the dermis, allows you to get rid of uneven texture;
- Leads to rapid healing of wounds, scratches and cracks;
- Contributes to the achievement of a uniform complexion, leveling its tone, refreshing the skin, removing age spots;
- Ghassoul black clay is an excellent absorbent, it removes toxins and harmful substances well;
- Normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands, the production of sebum;
- Shrinks pores, fights against various imperfections of oily skin - acne, acne, blackheads;
- Dries oily skin and restores the pH level of the epidermis;
- Eliminates inflammation due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of black clay, soothes irritations;
- Nourishes the skin with valuable substances;
- Reduces the appearance of expression and age wrinkles, causes an increase in collagen production in the skin,
- Enhances the effect of additional components that are part of the black clay masks;
- Slows down the aging process of the skin, maintains the turgor of the dermis, maintains its elasticity;
- Promotes the normalization of metabolic processes in skin cells;
- Strengthens blood vessels and local immunity of the dermis.
Thus, the effect of black clay is comparable to the result of expensive salon procedures. At the same time, you do not have to worry about the naturalness of the product, as is the case with the use of purchased cosmetic products.
Contraindications to the use of black clay
Black clay is a natural, environmentally friendly product, so there are practically no contraindications to the use of face masks prepared on its basis.
First of all, it is not recommended to use the product if your skin is too dry, there are fungal infections, open lesions (wounds, scratches, abrasions) on the face, dermatological diseases in the acute stage, and rosacea. In addition, do not apply cosmetic black clay to the area around the eyes.
Also, before carrying out the procedures, it is important to exclude the presence of allergies, since the product has a rich composition. Apply a small amount of the prepared product to the skin behind the ear or the inner crease of the elbow and evaluate its reaction after 20 minutes. In the absence of negative manifestations in the form of redness, rashes, itching, you can use the product as directed. It is also important to consider the tolerance of other ingredients that are used in the preparation of black clay face masks - honey, aromatic oils, hydrolates, vinegar.
During pregnancy, there are no medical contraindications to the use of the drug. The product will not harm either woman or child.
Note! To obtain a positive effect from black clay for the skin, it is important to take care of its cleanliness: remove decorative cosmetics with a special makeup remover, wash your face and remove impurities.
Rules for using black clay for the face
The effect of using masks prepared on the basis of black clay is cumulative. However, this does not mean that after the first procedure you will not notice the results. Of course, you can notice an improvement in the tone of the face, a slight narrowing of the pores, an increase in skin elasticity, smoothness, and a healthier look.
After several procedures, the number of acne, blackheads, wrinkles will be reduced, sebum secretion will normalize. If you use black clay on your face regularly, you can prevent skin imperfections from reappearing. However, it is important to use the product correctly in order to obtain pronounced results.
Make masks based on black clay in courses of 1, 5-2 months. Sessions are carried out 1 time in 7-10 days, if you have normal or combined skin, and double the number of procedures if the dermis is oily or problematic. Then it is important to take a break and stop using the selected product for 2-3 weeks.
Features of the use of black clay for the face:
- To dilute the powder, use warm boiled water - a maximum of 36-38 degrees. Otherwise, when using boiling water, the product will lose valuable substances, and the procedure will become completely useless.
- Before applying the mask, you must cleanse your face, remove makeup, dirt. It is good to use scrubs for this. Also, the skin can be steamed a little, so the beneficial substances contained in black clay will be absorbed much better.
- The composition is applied to the face along the massage lines. Avoid the areas around the eyes and lips, where the skin is especially delicate and sensitive. On the contrary, treat problem areas more carefully.
- As a rule, a mask with black clay is kept for no more than 15 minutes, but if the recipe specifies a different time, follow it, especially if you need to wait until the composition dries. At the same time, you cannot overexpose the product, allow a feeling of tightness to arise, otherwise you can provoke peeling of the skin.
- The mask is washed off with water at room temperature or with a decoction of herbs, if required in the recipe. If you remove the dried composition, you must first soak it.
- After removing the mask from your face, wipe the skin with a toner or apply a cream that suits your skin type.
Note! For very dry skin, add a few drops of natural oil to the mask, for example, olive, wheat germ, avocado.
Black clay face mask recipes
Ghassoul clay-based skin care is easy to prepare. However, it is important to use ceramic or glassware for this, and use a wooden spatula for mixing.
As a rule, black volcanic clay is enriched with various essential oils (citrus, tea tree, shea, jojoba), honey, propolis, activated carbon and hydrolates, herbal infusions are added. It will be useful to prepare a mask not based on water, but based on a decoction of chamomile, rose hips or milk.
The following are the most effective recipes for black clay face masks:
- With oatmeal … The recipe is designed to exfoliate the skin. Also, the tool will help remove redness and inflammation of the skin. Pour one teaspoon of oatmeal with boiling water (4 tsp) and let it brew. When the flakes are swollen, add one teaspoon of black clay to the working composition. After stirring, you can use it. To do this, spread the mixture over your face and massage gently for a couple of minutes, then leave to act for another 10 minutes. Wash off after this time using warm water.
- With agar agar … The film mask is primarily indicated when dealing with blackheads. But it is suitable not only to combat the imperfections of problem skin, but also to care for oily and combined dermis, cleanse the face from impurities. Mix agar agar powder (1 tsp) with black clay (1/2 tsp) and pour a tablespoon of boiling water over it. Let it brew and you can use it. Before applying, be sure to steam your face. A mask with black clay from blackheads is kept until it dries - about 15 minutes. Then the film must be removed, making movements from the bottom up. After using the product, it is recommended to wipe your face using a decoction of oregano.
- With a decoction of chamomile … The composition is effective against acne. The mask will also help to cope with any inflammation and redness, blackheads and post-acne, as it accelerates healing and normalizes sebum production. Pour a teaspoon of black clay with two decoction made from chamomile. Add half a teaspoon of lemon juice to the working composition. The exposure time of the black clay mask for acne is 15 minutes. The mass is removed with a sponge, and then the skin is treated using a decoction of the series.
- With coffee and cinnamon … The mask has a detoxifying effect. The product will help the skin to regain a rested look and radiance (it is useful to use it after a working day), relieves signs of fatigue, refreshes the face, evens out the tone. But not suitable for the sensitive type of dermis. According to the black clay recipe, mix two teaspoons of the base material and half each cinnamon and ground coffee. The mixture is poured into 3 tsp. water. The exposure time of the mask is 15 minutes. During the procedure, a slight burning sensation is possible, since cinnamon is present in the composition.
- With a badyagy … The mask is recommended for use against post-acne. The tool will not only help remove spots left over from acne, but also fight pigmentation, reduce fish, evens out the tone of the face. To prepare, mix black clay and badyagi powder in a ratio of 2 to 1. The powder is poured with water in the amount of a few teaspoons and stirred until the lumps dissolve. The mask is left on the face for 20 minutes and then washed off. After the procedure, the skin must be moisturized.
- With lemon juice … The mask is designed to normalize the sebaceous glands. Also, this tool cleans pores well, fights blackheads, relieves inflammation. To prepare, mix 2 teaspoons of black clay and 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Place 3 drops of rose essential oil in the mixture and add one teaspoon of water. The mask is applied in a thick layer and kept for 15 minutes. After the procedure, a lotion is used to moisturize the skin.
- With aromatic oil … Classic mask based on black clay. Suitable for the care of oily skin: thoroughly cleanses it, relieves irritation, tightens pores. Promotes the elimination of harmful substances and toxins, restores the work of the sebaceous glands and the production of sebum. To prepare a product with black clay, mix the base substance (2 tablespoons) with boiled water until you get a gruel. Add 1 drop of your choice of aromatic oil. The mass is applied in a thin layer for 20 minutes. When the mask dries quickly, place a damp cloth on top of it.
- With aloe juice … The product removes blackheads, acne, relieves inflammation, nourishes the skin, normalizes metabolic processes in skin cells and the work of the sebaceous glands. To prepare the mask, mix 1 tbsp. black clay with the same amount of aloe juice. You can also replace it with cucumber juice or tea leaves. Before applying the mask, according to reviews of black clay, it is recommended to steam the skin of the face. The exposure time of the product is 20 minutes.
- With apple cider vinegar … Such a composition is effective in the fight against blackheads, oily sheen, narrows pores and normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands, generally improves the condition of the facial skin and its color. To prepare the mask, mix one tablespoon of black clay with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. After mixing thoroughly, add a couple of drops of tea tree oil and dilute the mixture using boiled water until a sour cream consistency is achieved. The mass is applied to the face, problem areas are especially carefully treated where black dots and large pores are located. The exposure time of the composition is 10 minutes. After the procedure, an anti-inflammatory cream is applied to the skin.
- With honey and mustard … The mask is recommended for skin toning. In addition, it will be useful if your goal is to normalize the work of the sebaceous glands, to achieve a detox effect. To prepare the composition, mix 2 tablespoons of black clay with one teaspoon of honey, add 1 teaspoon of mustard powder to the composition. Then the mixture is diluted with water to obtain the consistency of sour cream. The mask is kept on the face for 10 minutes. In addition, such a remedy perfectly fights cellulite and is suitable for use in the abdomen, sides, and thighs. In this case, the procedure time is increased to 1 hour, and the treated area is covered with cling film and a towel.
- With coffee grounds … The mask is recommended for use in case of skin inflammation. It will also be useful in the presence of acne, if the work of the sebaceous glands is disrupted, removes toxic substances, cleanses the dermis well. To prepare the composition, you will need 1 teaspoon of coffee grounds. Add 2 tablespoons of black clay to it and dilute the mixture with mineral water, stir to break up lumps, and drop a couple of drops of any essential oil. After applying the composition to the face, you need to carry out a light massage for several minutes, and then leave the product for 5 minutes to improve its effect.
- With rosemary oil … The composition is suitable for use to reduce age spots. This mask is universal and has a large list of indications for use - smoothing the skin, eliminating irritation and inflammation, fighting wrinkles, skin aging, has a scrubbing, antimicrobial effect. To prepare the composition, mix 2 tablespoons of black clay with 6 drops of rosemary essential oil (for oily skin, according to reviews about a mask with black clay, take camphor-borneol, for dry - verbenon oil). Dilute the mixture with water. The mask is applied to problem areas, holding for 20 minutes. After washing, apply a moisturizer to your face.
- With kefir … Mask for shiny skin. In addition, it evens and brightens the tone of the face, copes with age spots, removes small cracks and damage, blackheads and blackheads. To prepare, mix a tablespoon of black clay with 100 ml of kefir, if you have homemade yogurt, you can use it. The exposure time of the mask is 30 minutes.
- With aspirin … The black clay mask is suitable for cleansing the skin and combating its imperfections. The mask will help get rid of acne, age spots, irritation, oily sheen. Qualitatively cleanses the skin, brightens it. To prepare the composition, you will need 2 tablespoons of black clay, which must be mixed with 2 aspirin tablets, previously ground into powder. Next, dilute the mixture with mineral water. Apply it in a thin layer and stand for 20 minutes. After the procedure, be sure to use a cream that suits your skin type.
- With salt … The tool perfectly copes with various skin imperfections, such as acne, inflammation, clogged pores, normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands, and accelerates the regeneration of the skin. To prepare the composition, dissolve a few crystals of salt in a tablespoon of water, but make sure that the solution does not get too salty. Add black clay to it until you achieve a thick sour cream consistency. The mask is applied to a layer of acidic cream and kept for 10 minutes.
- With white clay … The remedy for skin rejuvenation is indicated for use in case of skin aging, the presence of wrinkles, flabbiness. In addition to rejuvenation, it well eliminates roughness, whitens and heals small wounds. To prepare the product, you will need black and white clay in equal amounts - 1 tablespoon each. Mix and dilute with lukewarm milk. Add quality honey to the composition and stir until the consistency of sour cream is reached. The exposure time of the mask does not exceed 20 minutes. After washing off the mass, apply a moisturizer to your face.
- With green clay … A mask to restore skin hydrobalance will also help remove oily sheen, improve the functioning of the sebaceous glands and sebum secretion, qualitatively moisturize the skin and fights against aesthetic imperfections such as acne, pigmentation, roughness, clogged pores. Buy black clay and stir 1 tablespoon of the substance with the same amount of green clay. Next, 5 drops of peach oil are dripped into the resulting powder (you can replace it with grape seed oil). After that, it is necessary to dilute the composition with water so that its density resembles the consistency of sour cream. The mass is left on the face for 10 minutes.
- With green tea … First of all, the product is recommended to be used for the purpose of tightening the skin of the face. Other useful properties of the black clay mask are cleansing, pore tightening, toning. It is good for oily skin. To prepare the composition, prepare green tea using 3 tablespoons. tea leaves. Wait until the drink has cooled down and dilute 3 tablespoons of black clay with it to achieve a mushy state. Apply to face and wait for the mask to harden. It is recommended to soak it with water before removing it.
- With gelatin … The perfect recipe for problem skin. Such a mask is an excellent remedy for combating the imperfections inherent in oily skin, be it clogged pores, blackheads, acne, excessive pollution, greasy shine, areas of inflammation. The tool well removes toxins and harmful substances from the skin, improves the metabolism that occurs at the cellular level. Pre-dissolve 1 tablespoon of gelatin in water and wait until it swells. Then it is placed in a water bath to achieve dissolution. Pour 2 tablespoons of black clay into the resulting mixture and drip 2 drops of citrus oil - orange or bergamot (you can also take mint essential oil). The mask is worn on the face until it is completely dry - about half an hour. Please note that at this time the face is a little hot, but this is an acceptable skin reaction. To remove, perform movements from the bottom up. After the procedure, a moisturizer is applied.
- With calendula … Mask for oily and combination skin care. Effective against oily sheen, blackheads, blackheads, excessive sebum, uneven skin, in the presence of areas of irritation and inflammation. To prepare it, you must first make a decoction of calendula: pour boiling water over 1 tablespoon of dried flowers and wait until the liquid is infused - about 15 minutes. Then dilute a tablespoon of black clay with a decoction until the consistency is inherent in thick sour cream. The exposure time of the mask is half an hour until it is completely dry. After rinsing, a soothing cream is applied to the face.
How to make a mask with black clay - watch the video: