Damaged, dull skin? Let clay sort out your problems!

Zee Media Bureau/Udita Madan

New Delhi: Taking care of your skin is as important these days as your physical well-being. Your skin literally calls out for your attention in this day and age, when pollution is the first thing you see the moment you step out of the house.

Pollution and lack of care can make your skin dull, lifeless and damaged, so much so, that whatever you use to reverse the damage sometimes fails to give you the desired effect.

There is one thing, however, that can work wonders on your skin.

Clay has been a remedy for beauty, health and healing since ancient times, but its usage has seen a decline with the modern ages.

If you are seeking to detoxify, purify, and naturalize your skin care routine, clay is your best friend!

There are many types of clay, with the most common one being Bentonite, which comes from volcanic ash sediments and is composed mostly of hydrated aluminum silicate.

Bentonite clay is supposed to be good for absorbing toxins, heavy metals, impurities and harmful chemicals from the skin.

Below, we have compiled a list of things clay is good for and how you can use it for your skin. Have a look!

1. As a facial mask:

A natural facial mask is the most common thing that people resort to when it comes to skin care. All you have to do is make a paste of clay and water (1:3 is the recommended ratio) and apply it on your face. Leave on for 20-25 minutes and rinse off for a visibly smoother and clearer skin. The paste can even be used to heal irritated skin, cuts, burns, bug bites, cellulite and eczema.

2. As a replacement for soap:

You can use clay to wash your entire body as a natural scrub. It is good for exfoliation, although, your washroom might need some cleaning up thereafter!

3. Puffy eyes:

Once again, a paste made out of water, clay and a bit of rose water can reduce inflammation and lessen the puffiness of your eyes. Simply apply a thick layer of the paste under your eyes and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Repeat the process a couple of times a week.

4. Clay bath:

If you have a tub, you can soak yourself in clay and water to give yourself a nice clay spa. Once you fill the tub, just add 1-2 cups of dry clay and soak yourself in the water for about 20 minutes and wash it off with clean water. You'll definitely notice the difference in your skin.

5. Hair care:

Just as an afterthought, Bentonite clay can make hair softer and shinier and give you more defined curls. Use it as a mask to cover the hair or try washing your hair with it. However, please note that this can darken the colour of your hair temporarily.