Bentonite Clay Is
A Skincare Super Hero - What You Need To Know
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By BERNADETTE ROE
Rich in iron, magnesium, and calcium, bentonite clay comes from volcanic ash. The Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing Face & Body Mask is a popular bentonite clay brand.
Bentonite clay is amazing for absorbing excess oil and it does this by controlling sebum production, leaving skin feeling fresher and more mattified.
Helps With Oily Skin
If you have combination skin and don’t want to overdo it, you can use it as a spot treatment. Since it’s anti-inflammatory, bentonite clay can also help soothe the skin.
Dermatologist Brooke Grant Jeffy, MD, explained to Byrdie that bentonite clay can have a tightening effect on the skin, making pores appear smaller.
Pores And Cell Turnover
It also helps with cell turnover, which is the “process of shedding dead skin cells to replace existing skin cells,” board-certified dermatologist Annie Gonzalez told Real Simple.
Since most toxins have a positive charge, bentonite clay’s negative charge binds to these toxins and makes it easier to purge them from the skin.
Reaction To Toxins
“While it has absorbent properties and can help to remove impurities [...] bentonite clay does not filter toxins,” dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, explained to Allure.
The best way to use bentonite clay is by mixing it with apple cider vinegar or water to create a paste and leaving it on for 10-20 minutes before rinsing.
Word To The Wise
It’s worth noting that bentonite clay comes in two different formulas. You should only use calcium bentonite clay as the sodium variant is meant to be used for industrial purposes.