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The Most Talked About Beauty Ingredient This Year!

25 October, 2017 - 09:14pm by - Head Pixie | 13 Comments

By BR Amelia

It's not escaped our attention that 2017 has been the year of the clay. Everywhere we look we're seeing products featuring clay being released onto the market - and not just the same ol', same ol' face mask that you slap on, let harden, then wipe off. There have been clay-based hair ranges like the L'Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay line, and more recently the L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay range of cleansers and masks. In fact we think it's fair to say that this year L'Oreal has been the champion of all things clay - and we love them for it! 

Clays are known for their ability to detoxify and purify the skin, but are all clays the same? Can different clays do different things? Read on!

One of the three clays used in the L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay range and the L'Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay hair mask is Montmorillonite, which is known for its ability to draw out impurities from the skin. Bentonite clay is often mentioned interchangeably with Montomorillonite (and let's not talk about the google rabbit hole I fell down trying to figure out what the deal was on that... but if you're interested and want to get a little geeky with me check out this article). It too works by drawing out impurities and excess sebum, which is why it's often used by those who are acne-prone and/or oily skin. It's also said to have healing properites. That being said it's probably best for those with sensitive skin to patch-test before using any bentonite-based clays, as it's a clay that packs a punch.

If you do find yourself with a case of the sensitive or dry skin but would like to incorporate a clay into your regime then it may pay to take a look at kaolin clay. Kaolin clay is seen in green, yellow, red, white, and pink form, and can be used by those with an acne-prone sensitive skin type. But if you're looking for a kaolin clay that's even more gentle then the white or yellow kaolin clay could be for you.

Ghassoul clay (also sometimes called Rhassoul clay or Moroccan Red Clay) is a rock star when it comes to absorbing impurities and oils. Bonus! It helps remove dead skin cells, while stimulating circulation, therefore promoting fresher, more radiant looking skin.

French Green Clay is part of the Illite clay family and is known for its ability to products skin that feels firmer, all the while increasing circulation, gently exfoliation and removing impurities. Again, like Bentonite, it's best for those with dry or sensitive skin to avoid it, and those with oily skin shouldn't go too crazy with it. Start by using it once a week and go from there.

If reducing oil on your scalp or skin, dealing to blackheads and warding off acne is your aim, then it's well worth investigating and investing in a good clay. (Fun BR fact... BR Kellie has been using the L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash on her back and chest and says it's working wonders!) Of course (as mentioned above) when trying any new variety of skincare, we do urge that you do a patch test first before smothering your face in goodness. 

So do tell... has clay been on your radar more than ever this year? What kind of clays do you go in for? Are you keen to give clays a go? (And if so be sure to check out the L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay range - it's Top Rated!). Get chatting!

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Comments

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18th November, 2017

I use the red clay from L’Oreal Pure Clay Range and love, love, love it! I have normal, mature skin prone to blemishes around chin area. Since using clay (Sunday night ritual) my skin is noticeably smoother, softer and blemish free. I can’t recommend it enough!

6th November, 2017

I really do love clay masks. As someone whose skin can get oily beyond belief; clay is a lifesaver! I am definitely thinking about giving the L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Range a go, as they are so highly rated so I would like to see how they compare to my other clay masks.

2nd November, 2017

I love the Trilogy clay mask - never dries my skin out but leaves it in better condition.

30th October, 2017

We learned about clay in beauty therapy. If you are into natural stuff this can be the way to go there are lots of different clays like fullers earth.

29th October, 2017

Have to clay mask products at the moment. One was from the L'oreal Paris Pure Clay Mask trial which was amazing. Especially for the nasal area and blackheads. The other one Is the Palmer's Purifying Enzyme Mask. It's gentle and not heavy but also deeply cleanses. Definitely a clay mask fan.

28th October, 2017

I've tried some clay masks in the past and liked them.

28th October, 2017

There's a store in my town that sells different types of powdered clay, as well as 'shots' like powdered green tea and tumeric blends that you can add. Mix it up with water and you're good to go! I quite like clay, although it is a messy clean up afterwards!

27th October, 2017

Hmmm never used clay but I definitely need to do some deep cleansing on my skin so might give this a go!

26th October, 2017

Ooh this is interesting. I thought that all clay was the same! No wonder some masks dry my skin much more than others

26th October, 2017

I have been mask crazy this year. I know some of my shampoo bars from Ethique have clay in them but those were developed years ago. I don't know if mud and clay are the same thing but I seem to find some mud masks more absorbed and exfoliating than some clay masks. I aim to use one more exfoliating mud masks once a week and the more gentle clay masks twice a week it helps to keep breakouts at bay better. I did come across some powdered red clay earlier this year and I did a DIY mask with it really nice for my skin but it stained my bathtub and made it look like red mold.

26th October, 2017

Never tried a clay mask before, love too especially for times when my skin loves the breakouts. Will keep it on my radar :)

26th October, 2017

Wonderful article thank you! I use Clay but only about a couple of times a year, because it horribly dries out my skin and leaves it itchy, but my skin looks good after using it, so I keep doing it lol. I just thought it was "beauty can be painful" but after reading this I will look for a different one now, not the grey coloured :-)

26th October, 2017

I haven't been open to using clay as I have dry sensitive skin however I note that there are some I can use. I have heard clay is really good on your skin and I would love to try the kaolin clay as advised in this article. Really helpful article -Thank you.

Julieal
26th October, 2017

Thank you -that is really good to know.

Julieal
26th October, 2017

Good to know -I have avoided clay as my skin is dry but really happy to know there are some I can use.

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