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Pelotherapy – Bathe yourself in Clay
Clay has been used as a cosmetic ingredient and healing
agent in Europe as far back as the 12th century and even before then by
indigenous peoples from around the world. The most familiar use of clay in the
modern day is in the form of facial masks however other applications such as
body wraps, baths and poultices are also common. The term relating to the use of
clay is Pelotherapy which is defined as the application of peliods, such as mud,
peat, or clay to all parts of the body with the aim of healing or rejuvenation.
Numerous types of clay are used depending on their different healing or
beneficial qualities.
Clay is composed of various mineral compounds rich in
silica and aluminium, sometimes including iron, copper, zinc and magnesium and
other trace minerals. The aluminium found in clay is quite different from the
toxic inorganic substance used in commercial deodorants and so isn’t associated
with the same risks. The two key compounds form flat layers of minute particles
as rocks such as shale and mud stone are weathered by the elements. The clay
layers create a large surface area which is highly reactive and due to the bond
between silica and aluminium, the clay particles contain negatively charged
ions. This forms the basis for clay’s properties which
include 1:
- Adsorption – This is the capacity
of clay to draw compounds to the outside of the molecule and hold them
there. The negatively charged ions in the clay attract the positively
charged ions in pollutants, an effect similar to a magnet. This property
allows clay to bind to toxic substances and micro-organisms.
- Absorption – this is the ability of
clay to draw compounds inside of the molecular structure of the clay. Once
inside the clays swells trapping the toxins and thereby ensuring they can’t
be released again. The greater the surface area of the clay, the more it is
able to attract positively charged particles or toxins. Due to this
property, clay can be used to draw toxins out of the skin and reduce pus and
inflammation from swellings, abscesses and cysts.
- Ionic Exchange – this is the
capacity to change the electrical charge of a surface that the clay comes
into contact with. This effect is quite unique and contributes to the
balancing effect clay has on the skin.
Individual clays are classified by their layer structure
as well as the different mineral compounds. The different minerals contained
within the clay contribute significantly to the therapeutic effects. Minerals
stimulate many localised skin responses such as promoting healing and tissue
regeneration, enhancing local skin immune responses, help to destroy bacteria
and draw out toxins. Mixing clay with water allows the minerals to be readily
supplied to the skin.
The skin is an organ of elimination and as such many
toxins are excreted this way. Clay applied externally can be used to help draw
out and eliminate these toxins. This has the added effect of reducing the bodies
overall toxic encumbrance. Clay baths in particular can help to reduce overall
toxicity. The warmth of the bath water improves circulation to the skin and
opens up pores allowing the clay to work more effectively. Facials are
beneficial for localised toxic build up such as skin congestion, cysts and acne.
Along with its cleansing effect, clay can also help to
improve circulation to the skin which will help to clear away internal toxins as
well as improving blood supply of nutrition. Improved circulation will help to
improve the appearance of the skin. Clay can have an antibacterial effect,
destroying bacteria on the surface of the skin so is useful for acne where
bacterial overgrowth can contribute to the condition. The high levels of
minerals in clay such as zinc and silica will help provide essential nutrition
to the skin externally, promoting healing and skin regeneration.
Clay has been used to effectively reduce local skin
inflammation and swelling. This effect is useful in facial masks as it helps
reduce skin hypersensitivity and draws out the impurities that contribute to
inflammation in the first place. The ion exchange effect of clay also has a
rebalancing effect on skin tissues, promoting cellular health.
There are three main types of clay; kaolin,
montmorillonite and illite:
- Kaolin – gentle in action this clay is ideal for sensitive
skins. It is rich in silica and is useful for helping to heal scars and damaged
tissues.
- Montmorillonite – containing high levels of magnesium, a
three layer structure and a weak silica-aluminium bond giving it great capacity
for absorption. For this reason, Montmorillonite clay is ideal for
detoxification and cleansing.
- Illite clay – the presence of potassium ions and a high
level of calcium carbonate make this clay ideal for drawing fluids, purification
and detoxification.
Cosmetically, different clays are used for different
properties. Clays have greater or lesser absorbency, green being the most
absorbent and white being the least. The more absorbent clays are ideal for
cleansing and detoxifying congested, pimply or acne prone skins. This will help
to calm inflammation and allow the skin to heal. The less absorbent clays are
ideal for smoothing, softening and toning skin.
Green Clay is the most absorbing of all the clay types. Used for face masks,
it draws out impurities, cleanses the skin and helps to normalise sebum
production. It is suitable for all skin types but particularly useful for oily
skin types and acne prone skins. Green Clay will also assist with tissue repair
and calm inflammation.
Yellow Clay is rich in minerals. Used in masks, Yellow Clay helps to improve
the condition of tired and devitalised skin.
Red Clay is high in trace elements particularly iron oxide, which gives the
clay its red colour. Red Clay is oily and mildly absorbent working to revitalise
and improve skin radiance. It is ideal for sensitive skin and skin with
capillary damage.
Pink Clay contains iron oxide, silica and trace elements. It has a softening
and toning effect on the skin making it ideal all skin types and particularly
for mature skins.
Suitable for all skin types White Clay is the most gentle of all clay types.
White Clay is ideal for sensitive, dry and mature skin types.
When using clays for face or body masks the thicker the application the
greater the drawing effect. With body masks, wrapping the body parts over the
clay will increase circulation and allow the clay greater penetration. Once
applied allow the clay to dry and wash it away as soon as it has dried. If left
on once dried, the clay may draw essential moisture out of the skin which is
generally not a desired effect. Alternatively, spray the clay with plain or
floral water when it starts to dry out. Once removed, clay takes the toxins from
the skin so avoid the temptation to reuse clay.
The ingredients mixed with clay can also enhance its actions. For example
with dry skin, base and essential oils combined with white clay can have a
deeply hydrating effect. Enzymes from papaya or kiwi can help to break down dead
skin cells so that green clay can work more effectively for congested and acne
skins.
References:
- Brian Skinness. 2007. Pelotherapy
101. Joint Adventure
- Stubbin C. 1999. Do It Yourself
Pure Plant Skin Care. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy,
Brisbane.
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