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It is not for nothing that green clay is the best known of all clays. Illite Montmorillonite type green clay is the most absorbent and adsorbent of the clays. Composed of hydrated aluminum silicates and rich in minerals, it is its particular structure which gives it its much sought-after properties. Green clay is the major clay to use in clay therapy. As a poultice or clay bath, it relieves rheumatism, wounds and helps circulation in cases of hematomas. Widely used in cosmetics, as a mask for oily skin and hair in particular, green clay is also recognized as a treatment against wrinkles. INCI name: Illite, Kaolinite, Montmorillonite. Origin: France.
This article was updated on 21/03/2024
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Methods of using clays
In cosmetic care
- Mask for skin or hair;
- Exfoliating treatment;
- Mudbath.
In therapeutic care
- Poultice;
- Clay water;
- Clay water.
For oily and acne-prone skin
Green clay has abilities absorbent and adsorbent useful for regulating the quantity of sebum excreted through the skin. An in vivo study on 20 subjects carried out through measurements of sebum secretion via a sebum meter, revealed an 86% reduction in the quantity of sebum after application of a mask for 10 minutes. Scientific studies have also revealed that green clay has anti-inflammatory effects interesting in cases of acne for example or more generally in cases of skin problems. This anti-inflammatory effect seems comparable to a drug molecule, indomethacin. Clay, thanks to its cleansing and absorbent properties, will also limit infection.
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Use as a mask: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to distribute in a thin layer on the skin weekly. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse.
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Complementary essential and vegetable oils: for greater effectiveness, it is possible to add a few drops of Jojoba vegetable oil and 2-3 drops of Tea Tree essential oil to the clay paste.
In case of wrinkles
Green clay has been the subject of scientific studies, particularly on its properties. regenerating, anti-aging and healing. The results were very conclusive since cell regeneration seemed to increase by more than 40% with green clay. In addition, we observe an increase in the collagen synthesis type 1 as well as better cell migration. In addition, another study reveals that the application of a mask applied for 20 minutes on the face induces a increased elasticity of the skin by 14% on average.
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Use as a mask: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to distribute in a thin layer on the skin weekly. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse.
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Complementary essential and vegetable oils: for greater effectiveness, it is possible to add a few drops of Rosehip or Apricot Kernel vegetable oil and 2-3 drops of Rosat Geranium essential oil to the clay paste.
For greasy hair
In the same way as specified for oily skin, green clay acts on oily hair.
Use as a mask: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to distribute on the hair weekly. Massage then leave for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse.
In case of rheumatism, back pain
In case of rheumatism, the properties anti-inflammatories green clay are undeniably useful. Its use in regular poultices helps relieve pain due to inflammation. Often used in thermal treatment centers, clay is generally applied in large quantities in clay mud or in a bath. The mixture of clay and thermal water increases the benefits of the treatments.
Use as a poultice: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to distribute as a thick poultice over the area to be relieved. Leave on for 1 hour before rinsing. In case of rheumatism, prefer hot, lukewarm water. If the area is swollen and inflamed, use a cold clay poultice.
In case of wound, burn, bedsore, cyst, splinter
Clays have absorbent powers, so they can clean wounds by absorbing impurities, reduce masses, etc.
Use as a poultice: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to distribute as a thick poultice over the area to be relieved. Leave on for 1 hour before rinsing. You can place a compress on the affected area before applying the poultice. Repeat several times a day for several days.
Against tHE hematomas, bruises
Clay helps to absorb edema and hematomas due to its absorption capacity.
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Use as a poultice: make a homogeneous clay paste (water + clay) to distribute in a thick poultice over the area in question. Leave on for 1 hour before rinsing. Repeat several times a day for several days.
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Complementary essential oil: for greater effectiveness, it is possible to add a few drops of Italian Helichrysum essential oil to the clay paste.
Against there diarrhea
Orally, the water absorption capacity of green clay explains why it is useful for use in cases of diarrhea. It is also used in the composition of several pharmaceutical preparations such as the well-known Smecta. In addition to absorbing water, clay absorbs toxins and the pathogenic flora that goes with them. Clays also have a covering power, protecting the digestive mucosa.
Use in ingestion: ingest a glass of clay water (a glass of water + a teaspoon of clay) then glasses of clay water (supernatant from a glass of clay water after a few hours of break) until for improvement. It is possible to ingest 4 to 5 glasses per day and it is recommended to space out the intakes and reduce them gradually.
Main properties of Green Clay
- Absorbent, cleansing, adsorbent: green clay is particularly adsorbent and absorbent. It allows us to capture a large number of impurities, bacteria and other parasites on the skin. Its properties allow cleansing of the skin and absorption of excess sebum. Its properties come from its structure in layers separated from interfoliar spaces.
- Exfoliating: The powdery appearance of the clay and its granulometry give it cleansing and exfoliating properties ideal for skin scrubs.
- Regenerating, anti-aging: Green clay is recognized for its skin regenerating properties; it has healing, detoxifying, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. It guarantees an improvement in collagen synthesis for a recognized anti-wrinkle effect.
- Detoxifying, remineralizing: The richness of clay minerals and particularly silicon, confers a strong remineralizing and anti-inflammatory power. Green clay is guaranteed 100% natural and rich in minerals and trace elements. Its purity is optimal, without quartz.
- Deodorant: green clay, due to its absorbent properties, also has interesting deodorizing effectiveness. It neutralizes odors, thus justifying its application as an ingredient in a deodorant, for example.
- For oily skin: green clay is recognized for its cleansing and drying properties. It is most suitable for oily skin thanks to its absorbent properties which will regulate excess sebum.
- For normal, combination skin: green clay is also suitable for normal combination skin.
- For oily hair: some scalps tend to secrete much more sebum than others, resulting in oily roots! Green clay is the most absorbent of clays. It is able to regulate excess sebum to limit oily hair.
Characteristics and composition
Cosmetic features
- Skin type: all skin types, but special mention for oily, acne-prone skin and mature skin
- Hair type: greasy hair
Mineralogical characteristics
- Inci name: illite, kaolinite, montmorillonite
- Country of origin: France
Physical characteristics
- Humidity: <8%
- Particle size: 90% < 77 μm / 100% < 100 μm
- pH: 8 to 9
- CEC: 20-25 meq/100 g
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: superfine powder
- Color: gray green
- Odor: odorless
Composition
- Illite: 75% ± 10
- Kaolin: 19% ± 5
- Montmorillonite: 6% ± 3
- Quartz: none
- Pb < 20 ppm
- Ace < 15 ppm
- CD < 0.2 ppm
- Hg < 0.01 ppm
Precautions for use
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Ingestion, people subject to constipation should not use clays. Their use is also contraindicated in people with a digestive hernia, in cases of high blood pressure, a history of intestinal obstruction or even nausea. Be careful, ingesting clay can counteract the effects of drug treatments. It is important to drink enough water during a clay treatment.
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Dermal, clay should not be reused, be sure to throw away clay that has already been used. Avoid letting it dry a clay. Rinse with clean, cold or lukewarm water. On the hairiest parts of the body, for maximum comfort, place a compress between the clay poultice and the skin.
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When handling, be careful of drafts as the clay is powdery. It should not be inhaled. In case of excessive inhalation, it is important to get fresh air. In case of contact with eyes or mucous membranes, rinse with plenty of water. Be careful, when handling clays, do not use metal utensils, they will lose a large part of their effectiveness.
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Pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children should seek medical advice before use.
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Store preferably in a dry place, away from light and heat.
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Bibliography
Publication: Carretero, M.I. (2002). Clay minerals and their beneficial effects upon human health. A review. Applied Clay Science, 21(3-4), 155-163.
Publication: Hernot, F. (2006). Clay, its use in the pharmacy. http://dune.univ-angers.fr/fichiers/20073109/2016PPHA5426/fichier/5426F.pdf
Publication: Bernardos, A., Bozik, M., Alvarez, S., Saskova, M., Perez‐Esteve, E., Kloucek, P., . . . Martinez‐Manez, R. (2019). The efficacy of essential oil components loaded into montmorillonite against Aspergillus niger and Staphylococcus aureus. Flavor and Fragrance Journal, 34(3), 151–162. https://doi.org/10.1002/ffj.3488
Work : Dextreit, R. (2010). The clay that heals: a guide to natural medicine. Escalquens, France: Living in harmony.
Work : Baudet, C. (2012). In shape thanks to clay! : Natural health and well-being. Mens, France: Terre Vivante Editions.
Website : https://www.rglayduvelay.com/fr/
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