Scientific improvements in dermatology and cosmetology have transformed dramatically with the turn of the twenty-first century; however, old herbal remedies have still managed to survive and sneak their way onto expensive beauty products.
Why is that?
The answer lies in the fact that acne, oily skin, and blackheads, are not new problems.
However, one particular product called kaolin clay has survived the times and produced results to solve these annoyances.
It can be found in eye makeup, face powders, concealers, and more importantly facial cleansers.
Kaolin clay is best for those of you who have sensitive skin and find yourself with rashes due to the synthetic chemicals found in more popular skin care products.
If you are looking for a way to avoid redness and skin irritation, your best bet is to try out kaolin clay. It will absorb all of the excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells leaving your skin soft and smooth.
What is kaolin clay?
Kaolin is an odorless powder that comes in a variety of colors ranging from white, yellow, and red depending on what other minerals are in the mix. It was originally discovered in China and named after the hill where it was mined.
During these times it was used as an essential ingredient in the making porcelain.
Today kaolin clay is used in face masks because of its ability to adsorb toxins without drying out your skin.
After adding water it becomes a clay-like mixture that you can safely apply to your face and easily wash off twenty minutes later.
While you are waiting for, it soaks up any impurities in the skin such as oil, grime, or dead skin cells. After rinsing, it leaves your skin feeling smooth and comfortable.
Some Amazing Facts About Kaolin Clay
Along with being an excellent face mask, it also has many other useful applications.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it is used in the treatment of an upset stomach or diarrhea.
For example, if you had food poisoning they would give you a little kaolin and it would help alleviate the problem.
The National Center has also cleared its use saying that it is non-toxic and safe to use.
Kaolin clay is a very versatile product that can be used in a variety of ways. For example:
- It has been used in baths during winter to treat dry and itchy skin.
- It has been used in hair masks to help remove excess oil and dirt.
- It has been used in insecticide as a nontoxic substitute to protect crops against various arthropods.
Kaolin has also been used in many medical applications as well.
- It has been used by vets as both a topical ointment and a gastrointestinal protectant.
- Vets also utilize it as a poultice to help animals with arthritis, inflammation, or degradation of muscle tissue.
- It has been used to make poultices that sooth both burns and irritated skin.
- Despite the current use of charcoal in treating paraquat poisoning kaolin has also been used afterward to absorb any residue left behind by the poison.
Why is kaolin clay so popular?
Today kaolin clay has become a popular alternative for treating acne and blackheads due to its affordability.
It can be bought on Amazon for prices ranging from around $7 to $15. However, the low prices are not the only reason why people are rushing to buy this.
More and more people are searching for natural ways to care for their bodies. Kaolin clay is completely natural and can be found in nature in its mineral state. Those of you who are looking for products without chemicals will find kaolin clay easy to use and add to.
You can even use it with your own facial mask recipe. Another positive aspect of the kaolin clay face mask is that there is no smell before, during, or after application.
Kaolin clay is not only a safe product to use but it also gets the job done with no negative side effects.
If you are thinking of using kaolin for treating diarrhea or food poisoning it would be better for you to talk to your physician before using it.
Benefits of kaolin:
1. Kaolin clay helps to relieve diarrhea.
Ancient herbal remedies often included kaolin clay among its ingredients when treating diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Since kaolin functions as a substance that passes through your system safely while flushing out the toxins.
2. Kaolin clay is helpful in treating acne.
If you are looking for a good way to incorporate kaolin clay into your face wash routine there are many ways to do it.
Homemade face masks are fairly easy to mask.
The following recipe helps get rid of acne by drawing out any dirt or oils lodged in your pores. It can be used as a full body wrap if you wanted to go the extra mile.
Seaweed Body Wrap: (One full body application)
How to make kaolin face mask for acne
- First, pour the coconut water into a mixing bowl and stir in the Epsom salts.
- Allow the salts to dissolve then add in the green tea and kelp powders.
- Next, add the kaolin clay and stir gently making sure all of the powder has been mixed thoroughly.
- You are trying to make a spreadable paste so if you need to add more coconut water or kaolin go ahead.
Store any excess paste in a sealed container and place in your fridge. Before every use, add a little bit of coconut water to loosen up the clay. Add the lavender essential oil for good fragrance.
3. Kaolin clay is good for hair growth.
Image: Unsplash
If you are looking for a good way to nourish your scalp and roots you might want to consider making a hair mask.
Kaolin clay is a very gentle ingredient that can be added to almost any recipe.
Due to its moderate nature, many people use it when they wash their hair to encourage growth.
It will absorb any excess oil or dirt without stripping your hair of all of its necessary nutrients.
Here is a good recipe for a hair mask that promotes hair growth.
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 tablespoon of rosemary (fresh or dried)
- 1 tablespoon kaolin clay
How to make kaolin hair mask
- Pour the rosemary, thyme, and kaolin clay into the water and mix properly.
- If you want to lift more oil from your hair make the solution into a thicker paste.
- Apply gentle throughout your hair roots and tips of your hair. Let the mixture stay for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse.
- You can repeat the process but do not use this hair mask more than twice a week.
4. Kaolin clay promotes healthy teeth.
Toothpaste today is often made with kaolin clay to help whiten teeth.
It absorbs any debris left behind after you brush. Besides having a clean mouth you will have healthier gums and reduce your chances of getting gingivitis.
Other good benefits of using clay.
Did you know that blackheads can appear anywhere on your body?
Well, a kaolin clay bath ritual can not only help nourish your skin but also clean out those clogged pores. Besides detoxifying your skin and removing the dirt from your body, it can also be a good way to help you relax after a hard day’s work.
First, draw a hot bath then add any salts or oils you want to use.
Next, add about three tablespoons of kaolin clay.
Mix the clay into the water and make sure it dissolves completely.
After mixing, let the bath sit for about ten minutes. Lastly, slide in and feel the clay go to work.
What are the side effects of kaolin clay?
Kaolin clay is a safe product that has been FDA approved.
The only people who have side effects are the workers who actually mine kaolin.
When the powder is inhaled over long periods of time it begins to damage the lungs. To the average consumer, it is virtually harmless.
However, If you ingest a lot of kaolin it can cause a mild case of constipation.
Advice
Kaolin clay is a great product for the thrifty shopper.
If you are looking for something that can clean out your pores and clear up your acne then look no further.
Kaolin clay is a versatile product that works with almost every herbal recipe.
Final words
Kaolin clay can help you with many different ailments such as diarrhea and the stomach virus.
Kaolin is often used in herbal teas when treating these sorts of problems.
However, If you are planning on ingesting kaolin clay make sure you talk with your physician.
It promotes healthy teeth, clear skin, and hair growth with no side effects.
If you are planning on buying kaolin clay, you can find it online or in many herbal stores.
