Bentonite Clay Mask: Uses of Calcium Bentonite Clay for Face and Skin
Bentonite clay (calcium bentonite clay) is a natural healing clay that contains minerals which are good for your skin. Bentonite clay is composed of aged volcanic ash. Bentonite clay masks are good for treating oily skin, exfoliating dead skin cells, and unblocking pores. Because this is a healing clay, you can also use bentonite clay masks to treat acne breakouts, soothe irritated skin, or help wounds heal faster.
Calcium bentonite clay is also a natural detoxing agent that you can use internally or externally. Many people like to use food grade calcium bentonite clay for detox, boosting digestive health, and even helping to lose weight. However, there are some bentonite clay side effects to be aware of before making clay drinks.
In this article, you will learn about the benefits of bentonite clay for your skin and how to use it internally.
You will also get some bentonite clay mask recipes that are easy to make at home.
At the end of the article, you learn about bentonite clay side effects and precautions.
What is Bentonite Clay (Calcium Bentonite Clay) and How it Works
Bentonite clay (also called calcium bentonite clay) is a mineral-rich therapeutic clay that has beneficial properties for the skin and body. Bentonite clay is composed of aged volcanic ash.
The name Bentonite Clay comes from the largest source of this healing clay in the US, Fort Benton. Bentonite clay is also called Montmorillonite clay which is the region of France where the clay is mined. Calcium bentonite clay and sodium bentonite clay are other names for it. (1)
Bentonite powder contains a mixture of various minerals that are good for your health. For example, samples from bentonite clay show that it contains calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, and alumina. (2, 3)
To use bentonite clay for its therapeutic benefits, you mix the clay powder with water to create a paste to put on your skin or a large amount of water to make a bentonite clay drink. If you take bentonite clay internally, you should always use food grade bentonite clay to make sure it is safe to ingest. (1)
Researchers say that calcium bentonite clay works by having a negative charge which attracts and hold positively charged nutrients and non-nutrients (such as toxins). The effect in your body is that the clay absorbs toxins and helps to get rid of them from your body. (4)
The electrical charge of healing clays such as calcium bentonite or sodium bentonite can also help improve your skin health. Calcium bentonite clay helps to cleanse, refresh and improve skin tone. (4)
Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Skin and Face
Let’s look in more detail at the many reasons to make bentonite clay masks to benefit your skin.
Bentonite Clay Help Cleanse Your Skin
Bentonite clay masks can help cleanse your skin. Researchers found that clay masks help to absorb toxins and contaminants from the skin. The electrically charged ions in healing clays also have an antibacterial effect that kills off pathogens. (4)
Mix some bentonite clay with enough water to create a smooth paste. Apply the mask to your face and leave for 20 minutes to detoxify your skin. Rinse off with warm water.
Calcium Bentonite Clay Face Mask May Help to Unclog Pores
The cleansing effect of healing clay masks could help to reduce a buildup of grime and bacteria in pores.
A bentonite mask for your skin should help to draw out oil, dirt, and bacteria from your pores. Using calcium bentonite clay to unclog pores also helps to minimize pores.
You could make a clay mask to unblock pores by combining bentonite clay and some rose water. Leave the healing mask on your skin for 20 minutes before rinsing off with water.
Learn about other excellent home remedies for unclogging pores and to give your skin a healthier appearance.
Bentonite Clay to Help Reduce Appearance of Fine Lines
Because bentonite clay masks are good for your skin’s health, using them regularly could help to keep your skin looking younger.
Some studies have suggested that clay masks could have a positive effect on the production of collagen. This is a protein that is essential to keep your skin soft and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One study on mice found that applying clay masks daily for 7 days helped to increase the number of collagen fibers. (5, 6)
Although there are no studies done on humans, some people recommend Aztec Indian Healing Clay (like this one).
Aztec healing clay mask is said to be a powerful facial mask that helps to minimize wrinkles when combined with apple cider vinegar (ACV). Mix one part of apple cider vinegar and 2 parts of water. Add to Aztec clay powder to create a fine paste and apply the mask to your face for between 10 and 20 minutes to help give your skin a youthful appearance.
You can learn about other reason why you should wash your face with ACV.
Bentonite Clay Can Help Reduce Oily Skin
One of the many benefits of using bentonite clay for your face is that it helps reduce the production of sebum.
Sebum is the natural oil that your skin produces to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated. However, too much sebum can give your skin an oily, greasy appearance.
When looking at ways of measuring sebum production in cases of inflammatory acne, researchers used bentonite clay masks. The healing masks were able to absorb sebum from pores to remove oily deposits from the skin. (7)
You should find that your skin benefits from regularly applying healing bentonite clay masks to your skin. This can help to reduce the number of blemishes on your skin and prevent outbreaks.
Further reading: The Best Home Remedies to Treat Oily Skin: The Ultimate Guide.
Calcium Bentonite Clay Can Help Treat Acne
If you suffer from acne-prone skin, using bentonite clay masks can help to get rid of unsightly pimples.
As already mentioned, an overproduction of sebum can cause red, inflamed acne pimples, papules, or pustules to appear. The benefit of bentonite clay mask is that it can absorb excess oil from your skin.
Also, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of Indian healing clay help to reduce the number of acne lesions on your skin.
There is also scientific research into specific bentonite clay recipes for acne. One observational pilot study involving nearly 200 adults found that combing jojoba oil and bentonite clay was good for acne-prone skin. Applying bentonite clay 2-3 times a week helped to clear up acne in a 6-week period. (8)
There is no research showing that Aztec healing clay removes acne scars. However, the fact that the clay masks help your skin heal better means that they may prevent acne scars from appearing.
Find out about ways to use anti-inflammatory ingredients such as tea tree oil in face masks to treat acne breakouts.
Bentonite Clay Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells from Face
Another reason to use bentonite healing clay masks as part of your regular skincare routine is to remove dead skin cells.
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin. In most cases, this can improve your skin’s appearance and also allow topical treatments to penetrate the skin deeper. (9)
Many people use calcium bentonite clay as a gentle skin exfoliator. A simple paste of bentonite powder and water doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin.
Use a clay mask on your face and neck to help cleanse your skin. Apply the bentonite exfoliation mask by using circular motions for about 30 seconds to gently scrub away dead skin cells. Leave for 10-15 minutes to help draw out excess oil from your pores. Rinse with warm water. Apply a good moisturizer immediately after exfoliating your skin.
Calcium Bentonite Clay to Help Soothe Eczema (Dermatitis)
Bentonite clay masks can also help treat inflammatory skin conditions.
Dermatitis can be caused by exposure to an irritant or substance that causes an allergic reaction. The anti-inflammatory properties of bentonite clay can help to soothe itching, redness, and irritation.
For example, one study found that compounds in bentonite clay can help to prevent or treat contact dermatitis. Researchers applied 5% quaternium-18 bentonite lotion to treat and soothe allergic skin reactions. (10)
Another study found that a moisturizing cream containing bentonite substances helped to improve symptoms of dermatitis. (11)
You can learn about more ways to help get rid of redness on your face that is caused by eczema, or try these natural remedies for eczema.
Bentonite Clay is Good for Most Skin Types
One of the reasons why bentonite clay mask recipes are so popular is that they are suitable for most skin types.
Because bentonite clay is perfect for absorbing excess oil, it is a great ingredient for face masks for oily skin. Bentonite clay is also suitable for normal skin types.
However, if you have very dry or sensitive skin, then kaolin clay (white clay) for face masks may be a better choice.
Bentonite Clay May Help Wounds Heal Faster
Bentonite clay is a healing clay that also helps to draw out contaminants from wounds to speed up the healing process.
One trial involving rats found that applying a bentonite remedy helped to treat wounds. The healing clay properties reduced inflammation and pus as the wounds healed. The application of bentonite clay for wounds was more effective than the control group which cleansed the wounds using only water. (12)
You can also make a paste using bentonite clay and water to treat stings, burns, or insect bites.
Learn more about ways to care for wounds to help prevent infections and scarring.
Bentonite Clay to Repair Blotchy Skin
The skin benefits of bentonite clay mean that applying a clay mask once or twice a week can help to even out your skin tone.
As already mentioned, bentonite clay helps to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and detoxify your skin. Many people have found that these effects of bentonite masks help to prevent and reduce blotchiness on their skin.
Bentonite Clay to Relieve Diaper Rash
Research has also shown that bentonite clay is gentle enough to treat infant dermatitis caused by diapers.
A 2015 study found that applying bentonite cream helped to improve symptoms of diaper rash within 6 hours. When compared to calendula cream, the bentonite remedy was more effective in treating diaper dermatitis. (13)
How to Make Indian Healing Clay Mask for Clear Facial Skin
The easiest way to use Aztec clay and get all the benefits of bentonite is to use a simple mix of clay and water.
To make your own DIY Aztec mask, this is what you should do:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay with just enough water to make a thick paste.
- Apply the bentonite home remedy to your skin to help shrink pores and detoxify your skin.
- Leave until the bentonite clay mask hardens before rinsing off with warm water.
- Use 1-2 times a week and always apply a good moisturizer after using the clay mask.
How to Make a Bentonite Clay Mask for Glowing Skin
If you want to tone your skin and improve its appearance, you can make your own bentonite clay mask using lemon juice and honey.
To use bentonite clay for glowing skin, do the following:
- Mix equal amounts of bentonite clay and raw honey to form a thick paste.
- Add enough fresh lemon juice to create a consistency that is easier to apply.
- Add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil for its antibacterial properties.
- Apply the bentonite and lemon juice face mask using circular motions, taking care to avoid the area around your eyes.
- Leave for 15 minutes to allow the remedy to work on your skin.
- Rinse off with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizer.
- Use the healing mask 1-2 times a week for best results.
You can also get more recipes for honey face masks that are suitable for all skin types.
How to Make Bentonite Clay Mask for Acne-Prone Skin
Calcium bentonite clay masks are great for managing acne outbreaks and to improve your skin’s complexion.
If you regularly use bentonite masks for acne, you should notice a difference before and after applying the mask in your skin’s oily look. The medicinal clay mask should help to cut down on the number of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and pustules.
Here is a bentonite clay mask recipe to help control acne:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay with enough jojoba oil to make a rich paste.
- Mix in 3-4 drops of tea tree oil to help kill off acne-causing bacteria.
- Apply to your face using gentle circular motions and leave to dry for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
- Apply a little jojoba oil as a natural moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and protected.
Further reading: How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne: The Ultimate Guide.
Other Uses and Benefits of Bentonite Clay
Apart from helping to improve your skin’s health and appearance, how else can your health benefit from using bentonite clay?
Bentonite clay for teeth
The antibacterial properties of natural bentonite clay powder can help improve your dental health.
It is claimed that the mineral content of bentonite clay is good for your teeth health. You can mix a teaspoon of bentonite clay in ½ a cup of water to create a re-mineralizing mouth wash. Rinse your mouth with the bentonite remedy after brushing your teeth. Keep rinsing and spitting out until you have used all of the liquid.
Bentonite clay bath
You can use bentonite clay to create a relaxing detox bath and help keep your skin soft and supple. Just add ¼ a cup of bentonite clay to your bath water and mix well. To help relax, add 12-15 drops of lavender oil diluted in 1 oz. (30 ml) of carrier oil to ease away your stresses and worries.
You can also try these detox baths to cleanse, relax, and rejuvenate yourself.
Bentonite Clay for Internal Use
You can also buy edible bentonite clay that is food grade and safe to be ingested. Just as bentonite clay helps to absorb toxins from your skin, it also has a similar effect when you take it internally.
Let’s look at some of the best ways to drink bentonite clay for its health benefits.
Bentonite clay may promote weight loss
One of the benefits of drinking bentonite clay is that it may help you lose weight faster.
A 2016 study found that using bentonite clay drinks could help in losing weight as part of a healthy weight-loss diet program. The study involved taking detox drinks, probiotics and prebiotics, alkaline-promoting foods, and bentonite clay. Over the course of a few weeks, researchers noticed a reduction in weight and lower cholesterol in the participants. (14)
If you need to lose weight, find out some of the best drinks to take to help get a flatter tummy.
Bentonite clay for digestion
Consuming bentonite clay drinks can be good for your digestive health as it helps to cleanse your body.
Taking bentonite clay orally has been a long-standing treatment for diarrhea. Bentonite clay helps to reduce intestinal spasms, eliminate viral and bacterial infections, and reduce inflammation.
Researchers have also found that drinking bentonite clay can help to reduce the signs of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Taking 3 grams of bentonite clay daily for 8 weeks helped to reduce stomach cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. (1)
Apart from drinking calcium bentonite clay for better digestive health, you can learn about the best teas that improve digestion.
Bentonite Clay for Detox
Taking bentonite clay drinks for detox can help to get rid of toxins from your body.
One study found that bentonite clay was more effective than charcoal or kaolin clay for detox. (15) Mix ½ a teaspoon of bentonite clay in a glass of water. Mix well until the powder is thoroughly incorporated. Drink daily during your detox diet to flush toxins from your body.
Further reading: How to Detox from Heavy Metals & Powerful Detox Smoothie (Chelation Therapy).
Bentonite Clay Side Effects and Precautions
According to doctors from WebMD, it is generally safe to take bentonite clay for internal use. The recommended dose is 3 grams daily up to a period of 3 months. (16)
Taking clay internally for a long period of time can affect your potassium and iron levels and may lead to some health complications. So, taking medicinal clay internally for more than 3 months is not recommended.
When making your own bentonite clay masks at home, you should avoid using metal utensils to make your clay recipes. Use non-reactive utensils such as glass or wood to avoid compromising the bentonite clay.
Where to Buy Bentonite Clay
You can buy bentonite clay in many natural health food stores or online. Many people report that Aztec Healing Indian Clay (like this one) is the best bentonite clay to buy. However, you can check out online reviews of other good types of organic bentonite clay.
As a precaution when using bentonite clay, you should avoid brands that may contain contaminants. The FDA has warned against some bentonite clay products that could contain high levels of lead. (17, 18)
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