Cosmetologists often encounter a situation where clients complain about the presence of blackheads that spoil their appearance. These points are localized mainly in areas where the skin is highly oily:
- - on the forehead;
- - On the nose;
- - in the area of the cheeks and wings of the nose.
It is generally accepted that these rashes - correctly called “comedones” - spoil the mood mainly of adolescents and young people under 20 years of age. Indeed, in adulthood, the problem often loses its relevance, but can periodically return - for example, during periods of strong hormonal surges. How to deal with an unpleasant phenomenon? Cosmetic clay will help - this product has already relieved many people of acne and blackheads.
Does clay help with acne?
Anti-acne masks made from clay and natural ingredients have a lot of useful properties and are suitable for almost any type of dermis. The composition contains many minerals, due to which cellular metabolism is accelerated, the epidermis is saturated with all necessary substances. Saturation with minerals and activation of metabolism launches the process of rejuvenation of the epidermis, reduces the production of skin secretions, and helps fight acne and blackheads. If you prepare masks with moisturizing ingredients, clay can be used for skin prone to dryness - it perfectly nourishes it.
Review of ready-made store-bought clay products
It is not necessary to organize a mini-factory for making masks at home - you can easily buy a ready-made one in a store. Then the process of facial care is even more simplified.
- Customers leave good reviews about the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask (made in the USA). Made from black clay, it does an excellent job of getting rid of comedones. The mask gently exfoliates dead cells of the upper layer of the epidermis, narrows enlarged pores, and removes toxins.
- Black clay is the basis of the Day Two Day Care mask, which softens and moisturizes irritated skin. By “stimulating” the metabolic process, this mask helps eliminate foci of inflammation. The skin tightens, blackheads gradually disappear.
- If you prefer “native” products, pay attention to Crimean cosmetics. Blue clay from Crimean deposits copes excellently with many cosmetic problems, including comedones. It deeply cleanses the skin, removes impurities and toxins. Therefore, feel free to buy cosmetic masks based on Crimean clay.
Beneficial properties of clay against acne and blackheads
A variety of masks made from any clay help to quickly get rid of acne and blackheads. The fact is that all useful minerals are contained in it in such a form that they easily penetrate the pores of the epidermis.
That is why it has a lot of useful properties:
- regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands, thereby reducing the number of acne and blackheads;
- removes particles of impurities from the epidermis, kills pathogenic bacteria;
- whitens the face, helps get rid of post-acne marks;
- saturates the epidermis with useful minerals;
- dries existing pimples, relieves redness and irritation;
- tightens the dermis, makes the face firmer and more elastic, removes facial wrinkles;
- cleanses pores of blackheads;
- improves metabolism in tissues.
Clay face masks for acne differ slightly in their effects, it depends on its shade. This can be explained by a different set of minerals.
White clay for blackheads and pimples
Judging by numerous reviews, white clay helps get rid of acne and blackheads. Dermatologists recommend using this type of clay for girls who want to get rid of fine wrinkles. The fact is that it contains a lot of aluminum, magnesium and silicon; this variety has rejuvenating properties, as it activates the production of collagen fibers.
- It cleanses the epidermis of impurities and normalizes the production of skin secretions.
- Disinfects the dermis, dries acne, eliminates inflammation.
- Tightens pores, brightens blackheads, removes acne.
- Improves the regenerating properties of the skin.
- White clay helps remove acne spots.
This type of clay rock is recommended for use by women who want to rejuvenate and tighten the dermis on their face. It will help get rid of facial wrinkles, lighten acne marks, and even out skin tone. But it is strictly forbidden to use it by women with rosacea.
Blue clay for face against acne
This type of composition is one of the oldest on the planet. It contains a large amount of minerals that have a beneficial effect on the dermis.
- This clay rock improves blood flow to tissues, improves metabolism, it activates the production of collagen fibers, and removes fine wrinkles.
- Blue clay helps against acne on the face; dermatologists advise using this particular type of raw material for oily skin prone to inflammation, as it reduces the amount of sebum produced and kills pathogenic bacteria.
- With regular use, it helps remove acne marks and evens out skin tone.
- Dermatologists recommend using it for fungal inflammation of the skin; it eliminates dandruff, sweating, and orange peel.
- Blue clay clears clogged skin ducts, so it is worth using for people who want to remove blackheads.
Clay masks disinfect the skin and kill pathogenic bacteria.
Black clay for acne and blackheads
Black clay removes blackheads, perfectly cleanses the skin, tones, and tightens pores. Dermatologists conducted a study in which scientists found that it was the black variety of clay rock that cleared acne the fastest.
- The black variety is obtained from the Dead Sea.
- It has excellent disinfecting properties.
- It contains many minerals that nourish the epidermis, which evens out the tone of the face, making it look fresher and younger.
- It relieves inflammation, absorbs toxins and dirt particles.
- Tightens pores, improves blood flow to tissues, improves metabolism, black clay helps get rid of acne and blackheads.
- Improves the healing of small wounds.
Attention! Black clay is best used by people with oily skin, as it dries out the skin.
Green clay for acne and blackheads
The clay acquired a green color due to the high content of iron and copper. It contains particles of volcanic ash and is mined from the depths of the earth. This variety is suitable even for people with sensitive skin; it rarely causes allergic reactions.
- It moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
- Absorbs toxic substances and removes impurities.
- Removes inflammation and soothes irritated skin.
- Removes facial wrinkles.
Green clay masks help remove acne on the face, eliminate oily shine, and lighten the marks left after acne breakouts.
Pink clay against blackheads and pimples
This type of clay rock includes all the beneficial properties of blue and yellow:
- Has anti-inflammatory and antimycotic effects.
- Makes the face more elastic and toned, removes small expression wrinkles.
- Removes acne spots and dries oily skin.
Cosmetologists recommend applying masks made from this clay to people with sensitive skin; it relieves irritation well.
Yellow clay for acne and blackheads
It contains a lot of iron and calcium, these elements improve cellular respiration.
- Calcium is a good antioxidant; it absorbs toxins and eliminates the consequences of their negative effects on epidermal cells.
- This clay can be used by girls with both oily and dry skin.
- Cosmetologists advise making masks from yellow clay for people with skin diseases as a preventive measure.
Yellow clay masks even out the tone of the face, remove acne, soothe irritations, and help get rid of flaking.
Attention! You should not use clay masks if you have a skin disease. First, you need to consult with your dermatologist and do an allergy test.
Red clay for blackheads and pimples
This type of clay rock is distinguished by a large amount of copper and iron. It is recommended for use by girls with dry, flaky epidermis.
- Copper and iron improves blood circulation in skin tissues.
- Tones and tightens the face.
- Removes the stratum corneum of the epidermis, prevents blockage of the skin ducts by dead cells, and reduces the likelihood of acne.
- Removes acne stains.
Red clay masks can be made for people who are bothered by acne on their back.
Causes of blackheads
The issue of clogged skin pores most often worries those with combination/oily skin. However, people with dry and sensitive skin may also experience blackheads on their nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. They spoil the appearance and often become inflamed, turning into pimples and boils.
Pores are clogged by epithelial cells - they tend to slough off regularly - and by thick sebum, if more is secreted than it should be. In medicine, blackheads are called comedones. They are open and closed.
Closed comedones are grayish-whitish in color and look like small nodules under the skin. It is difficult to squeeze them out; they often become inflamed. Open comedones are typical for people with wide pores. They have a gray-black color, are easily released from the contents when squeezed, and rarely become inflamed.
Causes of blackheads:
- Poor nutrition. This includes excessive consumption of sweets, fatty foods, flour, strong coffee, and alcohol.
- Poor quality skin care. This means the use of low-quality, expired cosmetics or its complete absence.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, constipation.
- Living in an area with a humid climate.
- Polluted environment.
- Smoking.
Any of the reasons can lead to excessively intense work of the sebaceous glands, which after a short time will cause the appearance of blackheads. There are several ways to tidy up your face and get rid of them:
- go to a beauty salon, paying a decent amount for the services;
- organizing a beauty salon at home by purchasing the necessary ingredients is economical and no less effective.
Methods of using clay for acne, post-acne and blackheads
Clay is applied to the face in the form of masks, it is diluted with clean water, and thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous consistency. You can use infusions of string, celandine and other herbs. The mixture can only be prepared in a porcelain plate. The prepared composition should not be stored; for new use, you need to make a new mask. Apply them once every 2 days. If the skin is dry and tight, then you should apply the mask once a week. Before this, the skin must be cleaned; you can keep it for no more than half an hour. Wash off with toner, then rub moisturizer into your face.
Which clay to choose for blackheads. Several popular recipes
A mask for blackheads with clay is easy to prepare at home, just choose the most suitable recipe:
- Classic. The simplest and most common option is black clay and water. You need to mix them to obtain a creamy mass, then apply to your face with your fingers and hold for 20 minutes. Afterwards, you need to rinse it thoroughly with warm water if the skin is dry, and cold water if it is oily.
- With lemon and calendula. Lemon juice will help get rid of comedones: choose the appropriate type of clay, dilute it with a tablespoon of juice and calendula tincture. Then leave on your face for no more than a quarter of an hour.
- Clay and protein. Prepare the raw protein, beat it well and add two small spoons of kaolin or blue clay, then mix again, and then apply to the face for 10-15 minutes.
- Mask with rosemary. Rosemary essential oil will give a good effect. To do this, mix green clay with water in a ratio of 1 to 1.5 and add a couple of drops of oil. Leave the mask on for no more than 20 minutes, then rinse off.
- With the addition of aspirin. Carefully crush half a tablet of aspirin, mix with clay and water, achieving the consistency of sour cream. If desired, you can take effervescent aspirin with vitamin C, which will also help get rid of age spots.
- Salicylic. The acid quickly breaks down fats and penetrates deeply into the pores, while cleansing them. To prepare the mask, dilute the clay with water and add 1 spoon of alcohol-based salicylic acid solution. Be careful, this mask is not suitable for sensitive skin.
- Alcohol. Mix pure alcohol with white clay powder until smooth, add a few finely chopped lemon slices. Apply the prepared mixture to your face and leave for no more than 10 minutes. The product is only suitable for very oily faces.
Recipes for clay face masks for acne
There are a lot of useful, effective folk recipes for face masks that help reduce the number of acne and remove blackheads. As a rule, all ingredients are available. Despite the fact that masks are made from simple ingredients, they are no less effective than expensive salon treatments.
Made from cream and egg whites
To prepare the mask, you need to take cosmetic clay, fresh cream and egg white. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the mixture is distributed onto the face with gentle massage movements. Leave for no more than half an hour, rinse with tonic, apply nourishing cream.
From yolk and sunflower oil
You need to take 3 tbsp. l. clay, 3 tbsp. l. heated water, 3 tbsp. l. sunflower oil and 1 yolk. The clay is mixed with water, after which you can add the yolk and butter. Mix the mixture thoroughly. Keep the mask on for half an hour. Rinse off with plain water or cosmetic toner.
From butter
50 g of fresh butter must be heated using an herbal water bath. Add a large spoonful of clay to the heated oil and stir the mixture. Wait until the mask cools down, spread onto the skin, and keep for 20 minutes. The mixture is washed off with plain water or tonic. Rub in moisturizer.
From kefir and honey
Perfectly nourishes and saturates the skin with all the necessary elements. You need 3 tbsp. l. mix with kefir and a spoon of honey. Keep the mixture overnight, rinse off in the morning, and moisturize the skin.
From chamomile
Recommended for girls with oily dermis. The clay is diluted with a glass of chamomile infusion. You can add a few drops of lemon juice; the citrus will not only help remove acne, but also remove blackheads and lighten post-acne marks. The mixture is distributed on the skin. Leave for half an hour. Rinse with tonic.
From salicylic acid
The active substance cleanses the skin ducts, eliminates impurities, kills pathogenic microorganisms, and helps fight acne. Disinfects the skin. First you need to add water to the clay and a large spoon of two percent salicylic acid. Should not be used by people with sensitive epidermis.
From apple cider vinegar
This mixture is great for people with oily skin; it removes acne, blackheads, and prevents the appearance of new inflammations on the face.
To prepare the mask, you need to mix 2 tbsp. l. apple cider vinegar with the same amount of clay, add a spoonful of water and 2 drops of tea tree oil.
Attention! People with ear skin should not apply masks that contain vinegar or salicylic acid. It is better to give preference to masks made from honey, cream, and chicken eggs. People with sensitive epidermis can use a mask made from herbal infusion.
Exercise caution
But before using clay in its pure form, it is better to check it for an allergic reaction. To do this, you need to dilute a little clay with water and lubricate your wrist; if after fifteen minutes redness and swelling do not appear, then everything is fine, you can use the product.
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Despite its healing properties, clay should be used carefully, following some recommendations from cosmetologists and dermatologists:
- Apply the clay slowly, thoroughly covering all areas of the skin with a thin layer;
- It is necessary to lubricate the skin with light massage movements, avoiding the area around the eyes;
- The clay should be washed off first with warm water, and finally with cool water.
- After these simple manipulations, you need to lightly treat the skin with tonic and apply a cream or fluid for your skin type.
It should also be remembered that clay has contraindications: heart and vascular diseases, blood pressure problems, various types of tumors, diseases of the respiratory tract and circulatory system, elevated body temperature.
Precautionary measures
Clay masks are a great salvation for people who are bothered by acne and blackheads. Girls with oily skin can make mixtures without adding additional ingredients; women with dry epidermis need to include moisturizing components. Ladies who suffer from skin diseases or simply have sensitive epidermis need to conduct a test before starting a course of procedures. You need to apply a little clay to the bend of your elbow, leave it for half an hour and rinse off. This area of skin should be monitored throughout the day. If during this time no itching, redness or pimples appear, then you can safely use masks.
Attention! Do not apply a clay mask to the skin near the eyes (the epidermis in this part of the face is quite thin, this can cause premature aging).
Other Ways to Clean Dirty Pores
If you don’t have clay on hand, but you have oatmeal or oatmeal and an onion, you can make a mask from them:
- Pour half a cup of cereal into a cup.
- Grind the onion head in a meat grinder.
- Mix the ingredients. If it is too dry, add a little purified water to get the mixture to the desired consistency.
- Place the mask on your face. The procedure lasts approximately 10 minutes, rinse off.
- Rub your skin with an ice cube. Make it from parsley juice - grind the greens in a meat grinder, squeeze out the juice, fill an ice tray with it and place it in the freezer.
When treating blackheads, change your lifestyle - eat right, take care of your face every day, and lead an active lifestyle. This will normalize metabolism and improve blood circulation.
Source
Contraindications for use
A natural substance rich in beneficial microelements, contained in natural masks, is suitable for all skin types. But it is important to take into account these contraindications, in the presence of which clay cannot be used:
- rosacea - large capillaries on the skin;
- damage by fungal infections;
- the presence of large purulent painful pimples;
- hypertension;
- open wounds and abrasions;
- colds.
Attention! Expectant mothers should not use clay for blackheads and pimples. No studies have been conducted to examine its effect on the fetus. Therefore, pregnant women should not experiment and put the health of their unborn child at potential risk.
Clay miracle
Since ancient times, clay has been considered a healing and valuable beauty product. The product was regularly used as a lifesaver for skin that was inflamed, had a lot of rashes and blackheads, and was starting to fade and age.
Even now, when many incredible cosmetic formulas and products have been invented, clay does not lose its relevance and demand. It is easily seen as a fundamental substance in various cosmetic products. And this applies not only to budget or natural cosmetics, even expensive and famous brands use it.
Why is clay so loved by both ordinary women and cosmetics manufacturers? It's all about her positive influence:
- The product produces unsurpassed and gentle cleansing;
- Tones and refreshes;
- Improves skin color, relieves dullness and fatigue from the skin;
- Effectively dries out various inflammations and treats problem areas;
- Gently and carefully whitens.
The positive effect of clay on the skin is due to its unique composition, because it contains barium, iron, kaolin, strontium, mineral salts, quartz, magnesium and calcium.
White clay mask for different skin types
A white clay face mask is suitable for any skin type without exception. Although here the opinions of dermatologists differ somewhat. Most experts insist that this substance is most suitable for women with oily and combination skin, while those with dry and sensitive skin should still choose a more gentle means for personal care.
There are no other contraindications, and it is worth remembering that white clay can be used for all skin types if the ingredients included in its composition are selected correctly.
For example, if, in addition to kaolin, the product contains moisturizing oils, grape, argan and others, it can also be used on dry skin. These substances will compensate for the drying effect that the clay creates and will not cause harm.
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How to improve the results of clay
To enhance the cleansing effect of the mask, you should soften the contents of clogged pores by steaming your face or simply washing with warm water before applying the mask.
Clay can be diluted not with water, but with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, mineral water, rose water, aloe juice, etc.
The effectiveness of the mask against blackheads will increase if you add baking soda and ground oatmeal.
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