Clay therapy: what it is, benefits and how it is done

Clay therapy is an alternative aesthetic treatment that uses clay-based products with the aim of promoting skin and hair health, as clay is rich in minerals, in addition to having antioxidant and antiseptic action, helping to promote de-inflaming the skin, removing impurities and detoxifying hair and skin, for example.

Clay masks are considered the oldest preparations for cosmetic purposes, which is why they have been used for many generations in beauty treatments. Clays have a strong ability to absorb and remove toxins, heavy metals and impurities, whilst transferring a range of beneficial minerals and nutrients to the skin.

Main benefits

Clay is made up of different minerals, such as iron, magnesium, silicon, aluminum and potassium, which can bring several benefits, the main ones being:

• Improved blood circulation;
• Relieves muscle tension;
• Skin detoxification;
• De-inflammation of the place where it is applied;
• Fights acne;
• Promotes relaxation and relieves stress symptoms;
• Improves psoriasis symptoms;
• Increased hydration and shine of hair strands;
• Reduces hair loss;
• Fights dandruff.

To guarantee the possible benefits of clay therapy, it is important that it is carried out and/or guided by a trained professional, as this will indicate the best type of clay, how it should be applied and for how long. Furthermore, as more studies are needed to prove the benefits and effects of clay therapy, it is important that the doctor is consulted so that a general assessment of the health status can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be indicated, if necessary.

How it is made

Clay therapy can be done by a trained professional or at home, according to the instructions given, and the cold clay can be applied to the skin or hair. In the case of application to the body and face, it is normally recommended that the clay is applied at least once a week and that it remains on the skin for around 20 minutes.

In the case of application to the hair, also known as hair clay therapy, the general recommendation is that the clay be applied once a week for 10 weeks. After the first few applications, the hair may appear drier due to the removal of impurities, but after a few sessions the hair will become progressively softer, shinier and healthier.

Main types of clay

There are different types of clay that can be used in aesthetic treatments, and each type has its specific benefits and properties:

• White clay: It has healing and antiseptic properties, which promote skin regeneration, cleansing and healing. This type of clay is especially suitable for treating acne or whitening the skin, also improving blood circulation.
• Green clays e gray: They are rich in silicon and zinc, which makes them have astringent and purifying properties. For this reason, they are especially recommended for controlling oil, purifying the skin and treating acne. When applied to the body, they help to improve skin elasticity and combat cellulite.
• Red clay: It is rich in iron oxide, which is why it is especially recommended for treating facial redness and flushing. It has tensile properties and an action that regulates blood and vascular flow. When applied to the body, this clay helps to reduce sagging and activate microcirculation.
• Yellow clay: It is rich in silicon and potassium, presenting properties that remineralize the skin’s collagen. For this reason, this clay deeply nourishes the skin, helping with cellular reconstitution and combating skin aging. It’s great for removing impurities and purifying the skin.
• Purple clay: It is rich in magnesium in collagen and is therefore ideal for improving the appearance of the skin, giving it a more youthful and radiant appearance. It has an ionic, stimulating and nourishing action, being used to eliminate toxins and impurities from the body and to nourish the skin.

Therefore, according to the objective of clay therapy, the use of different types of clay may be recommended. Therefore, it is important that this alternative treatment is carried out under the guidance of a trained professional.