The 9 Benefits Of Bentonite Clay In Skincare

You must be aware of the popularity of bentonite clay for skin care. Well, this naturally occurring substance has medical benefits too. But how can you make the most of this natural clay?

Today, we will discuss the benefits bentonite clay offers and also shed light on how you can use it for your skin effectively. Read on to find out more.

Highlights:

• What Is Bentonite Clay & How Does It Work?
• 9 Benefits & Uses Of Bentonite Clay
• Side Effects & Risks Of Bentonite Clay

What Is Bentonite Clay & How Does It Work?

Bentonite clay is an absorbent natural clay, which has been used for medical and skin care purposes since ages. It is formed when volcanic ashes age with time. It gets its name from Fort Benton, Wyoming, which is a vast source for this clay. It is also found in many other places around the world.

Bentonite is known for its quality of absorption. It can even absorb fine particles like dirt, bacteria and toxins from your skin. It has high cation exchange quality as well. This means that bentonite has negatively charged ions that can attract positively charged ions.

9 Benefits & Uses Of Bentonite Clay

1. Removes toxins from the skin

Bentonite clay [1] reduces the effects of toxins in your body. It is known for its ability to absorb various toxins, oils and even bacteria, from the skin. You may also use bentonite clay for skin detoxes like armpit detox and foot detox as well.

How to use

1. Mix apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay. Make a mask with it.

2. Apply the mask on your armpit/foot and leave it for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Wash it off with warm water.

4. You can also use products like Skinkraft’s Volcanic purifying facial clay mask for your face.

2. Reduces Acne

Bentonite clay’s extraordinary adsorbent power can help those with oily skin. It absorbs the extra oil from your skin and stops the dirt, bacteria and germs from getting attached on your skin’s surface. This reduces the chance of an acne breakout. Even if you have acne issues, bentonite clay can offer you a calming and soothing relief.

Bentonite clay mask can help you reduce pimple and skin inflammation issues. Over-the-counter facial masks containing bentonite clay are available in the market. You can use them once a week for best results.

How to use

1. Take bentonite clay powder in a bowl and add water to it.

2. Apply the combination as a thick face mask.

3. Let the mask dry for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

4. You can apply the mask twice or thrice in a week.

3. Treats Poison Ivy Rashes

Poison Ivy can cause allergic rashes for many people. It usually happens due to the urushiol oil that poison ivy plants produce. When urushiol oil comes in contact with skin, it may cause an allergic reaction such as skin rashes. These may look red, cause irritation and discomfort. You may also feel severe itching. According to a study [2] conducted in 1995, bentonite clay can heal poison ivy rash.

How to use

1. Clean your skin with soap or any mild cleanser as soon as you come in contact with poison ivy.

2. Make a paste with 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay and water.

3. Apply it on the affected area of your skin.

4. Use a clean bandage to cover the area.

5. Do it regularly till your skin rashes are cured.

4. Reduces diaper rash

According to a study, [3] bentonite clay has proven to be an effective method to treat diaper rashes. 93% of the infants with diaper dermatitis, were given bentonite clay and within 6 hours their condition improved. In 3 days, 90% of the infants were healed.

How to use

1. Combine bentonite clay powder and water.

2. You can also use coconut oil or shea butter with bentonite clay.

3. Apply it on your baby's rashes.

4. Keep the remaining paste in a clean plastic or glass container. Avoid metal containers or lids, as the clay tends to absorb the metal’s properties.

5. Speak to your doctor before trying any remedy for your child.

5. Protects You From The Sun

Bentonite clay also offers sun protection. It protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation. A study [4] suggests that it can effectively protect your skin from sunlight.

How to use

1. Combine bentonite clay and rose water into a bowl.

2. Blend them well and apply it on your face or other areas which are exposed to sunlight.

3. Leave it for 15 minutes and let it dry.

4. Wash it off with fresh water.

6. Prevents Blackheads

It removes the dead skin cells from your face and cleans your skin pores deeply. Bentonite prevents your skin pores from getting clogged. This naturally keeps blackheads at bay. It also removes existing blackheads.

How to use

1. Use jojoba oil as a carrier oil for your bentonite clay mask.

2. Mix the bentonite clay powder with jojoba oil.

3. Apply the mixture on your face, especially in blackhead prone areas such as the nose.

4. Let it dry for a while and clean it with water.

7. Gives Even Skin Tone

You can use this clay to treat the discolouration of your skin. As bentonite clay cleans your skin pores when you exfoliate, it also fades away the appearance of scars and dark spots. Naturally, your skin returns to its original tone.

How to use

1. Take bentonite clay into a bowl and add calendula oil to it.

2. Mix the combination properly and use it on your face.

3. Let it dry for a minimum of 10 minutes and clean it with lukewarm water.

8. Rejuvenates Skin

This works great on healing damaged skin tissues and rejuvenating your skin cells. It prevents wrinkles and other early ageing signs. It also helps to keep your skin firm.

How to use

1. Mix Matcha powder and bentonite clay together.

2. Add an essential oil of your choice such as lavender, tea tree oil etc.

3. Blend the mixture well and apply the paste on your face.

4. Clean off once it is dry.

9. Health Benefits

Bentonite clay is also considered useful when consumed internally. Its various health benefits include: 

1. Weight loss:

This can be helpful if you are trying to lose weight. You can take it as a supplement. [5] 

2. Treating digestive issues:

Research says that bentonite clay can help treat viruses that cause digestive issues. It can treat diarrhoea. It can be beneficial for people who are suffering from constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

3. Reducing cholesterol:

It can be effective in reducing your cholesterol level. It will help you lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.  [6]

4. Detoxification:

Consuming concentrated bentonite clay can help remove body toxins.

How to use

1. Purchase edible bentonite clay.

2. To detoxify, take 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay and mix it with 6–8 ounces warm water. Drink it every day.

3. Try to drink bentonite clay minimum of 2 hours before or after any medicine.

4. It is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming bentonite clay.

Side Effects & Risks Of Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay does not have any serious side effects. But there are very few cases reported due to the overconsumption of bentonite clay. If you are using an over-the-counter product that has bentonite clay, follow the instructions written on the label of the product to avoid any kind of side effects.

The presence of certain impurities may pose a risk when using Bentonite clay. For example, the USA Food and Drugs Administration does not regulate products that contain bentonite clay. FDA  [7] warns people against using a product called ‘best bentonite clay’. They suggest that it has a high level of lead.

If you are using it as a natural remedy for your skin, a small patch test before applying it on the entire skin, is recommended. Try a small amount on your elbow and wait for 24 hours to check if you have any side effects.

Wrapping Up

Bentonite clay has been used since ancient times as a home remedy to treat multiple health and skin conditions. With multiple benefits, assess your skin type to know whether it will suit your skin or not. In case you have sensitive skin, or want to use it for a serious skin condition, taking advice from your doctor is recommended.

Begin By Knowing Your Skin