Bentonite Clay Mask for Face and Hair

Made with Wyoming Bentonite Clay and Kaolin Clay.  Read below for uses and benefits.

Kaolin Clay Benefits

When it comes to anti-aging, kaolin masks are also an excellent choice. Kaolin clay promotes a youthful appearance and works to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It does this by boosting collagen synthesis and thus increasing the number of collagen fibers in the skin.

Bentonite Clay Benefits 

- Soothes and Prevent Irritated Skin

Bentonite clay is also known to heal skin irritations. IClay can be added to lotion and has been known to prevent and treated skin rash caused by poison ivy and poison oak. When it comes to diaper rash, bentonite clay was found to be a superior treatment to calendula.

On top of that, bentonite clay also helps to soothe itchy bug bites. Here’s how: 

• Mix one part bentonite clay powder to two parts warm water so that it forms a paste-like consistency. 
• Apply the paste over the bug bite.
• Repeat the steps as often as needed until the irritation is completely gone.

- Improves Skin Complexion

Often used in at-home DIY facials, bentonite clay makes for a powerful detoxifying face mask. Being an absorbent clay, bentonite binds to impurities like excess sebum and dead skin cells. Deep clean pores and pull out toxins for a radiant, glowing complexion. Since bentonite clay is known to soothe irritated skin, it can be used to treat acne and lighten blemishes. 

- Protects Against Sunburns

On top of face masks, clay minerals have also made their way into sun protection. Mineral sun lotions (made with bentonite and zeolite minerals) were discovered to be far more capable of absorbing high levels of ultraviolet (UV) light compared to commercial sunscreens.

- Aids With Hair Issues

In certain cultures like Iran, bentonite clay has also been used as a hair cleanser since ancient times. You can combine bentonite clay powder with water and apple cider vinegar to create a bentonite clay hair mask that addresses scalp dryness, hair frizziness, and lack of shine.

- A Natural Deodorant

Due to its impressively absorbent properties, bentonite clay is great at soaking up moisture and odor. Unlike baking soda (often used in DIY deodorants) that can be irritating to the skin, bentonite clay does not cause such a problem. If you'd like a deodorant that isn’t irritating and keeps your armpits dry and odor-free, give bentonite clay a shot the next time you DIY your own deodorant.

- Heals Skin Infections

Due to its antibacterial nature, it comes as no surprise that montmorillonite clay is also great at healing skin infections. In fact, green montmorillonite clay was found to heal Buruli ulcer, a chronic skin infection that’s caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. As such, clay minerals found in montmorillonite may be effective against other types of bacteria-based skin infections.

Is It Safe to Ingest Bentonite Clay?

As mentioned in countless scientific trials and research studies, ingesting bentonite clay was proven to help heal the human body. This shows that it's safe to ingest bentonite clay in small amounts as a form of natural remedy.

- Protects the Gut

Besides fighting off harmful bacteria, bentonite clay also does wonders for your gut health. The oral consumption of clay minerals has been known to:

• Treat and prevent diarrhea
• Alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Kill viruses and bad bacteria in the gut
• Treat gastric ulcers and gastritis
• Protect your gut against pesticide damage
• Strengthen the gut’s mucosal barrier

By treating gastrointestinal problems and improving your gut flora, bentonite clay helps your digestive system to get stronger and healthier. This, in turn, boosts your immune system too.

- Detoxifies Your Body

Bentonite clay can absorb negative charge ions, so it acts as a powerful detoxifying agent. Once ingested, bentonite clay binds to harmful toxins in your body, prompting their removal from your system.

- Strengthens Immune System

Drug-resistant bacteria and viruses are a rising health concern for us. But research has shown that bentonite clay's antibacterial properties make it a natural remedy against hard-to-kill pathogens like Escherichia coli (E.coli).

- Removes Heavy Metals

Heavy metals can accumulate in your body and cause negative health impacts over time. For example, lead poisoning affects brain development in children, which can lead to learning difficulties and seizures. In adults, high lead exposure can cause kidney damage and joint pain.

- Fights Obesity

The ability of bentonite clay to improve gut bacteria also has an unexpected benefit in improving weight loss. Research has shown that when mice were fed with montmorillonite, it resulted in lower levels of obesity and inflammation. While the exact trial has not yet been replicated in humans, the research findings show much potential for bentonite clay as a natural remedy for losing weight.

- Side Effects of Bentonite Clay

Of course, as with any natural remedy, side effects are possible. This applies to bentonite clay too. Consuming excessive amounts of bentonite clay can cause you to become sick. To prevent this from happening, follow the instructions on the package, and avoid the continual ingestion of bentonite clay for more than four weeks. We also recommend that you check with your primary doctor first before including bentonite clay as a supplement in your diet.

Similarly, when using bentonite clay in skincare, it's recommended to patch-test the clay by applying it on a small area of your skin first. This way, you can determine whether you're sensitive to bentonite clay or not before applying it to your face.