Whenever we find ourselves waking up to a new breakout (which is more often than we’d like to admit!), we all turn to the same infamous fixes. From toothpaste (terrible call!) to spot treatments, to the ageless clay mask. Clay masks have been around for over a century, whether in the basic form of mixing the clay itself with water or today’s millions of clay mask products sold on the market. Many of us think that any clay mask can do it all, but the truth is it’s important to keep an eye out for specific clays and their specific uses. Today we’re here to talk about one of these clays… Bentonite clay is an ingredient you may notice on the back of your many clay masks. This potent ingredient is a miracle worker, but let’s get right into what miracles it can work….

What is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite clay is a clay that’s composed of volcanic ash. Interesting, right? It is typically referred to as a healing clay, mostly because of it’s ability to absorb impurities and toxins. It also absorbs metals, which is why you should never use it with a metal applicator or store it in a metal jar!

When activated with water, bentonite clay works like a magnet. It draws out impurities and toxins wherever you apply it. Are you starting to get the jist of it’s beauty uses?

Bentonite-Clay-Header

Source: Dr. Axe

What to Use it For

Bentonite clay has countless beauty uses. Its healing abilities as well as how it draws out impurities make it a miracle worker for many struggles. Here are 5 ways you can incorporate bentonite clay into your beauty routine and let it wow you!

  1. Face Mask

Of course, the most obvious use would be as a face mask. There are actually numerous bentonite clay masks on the market that you can invest in, or you can DIY it by mixing the clay powder with water. It works miracles for clogged pores and congested skin. If you want to really maximize the benefits, mix it with some activated charcoal to intensify the absorption of impurities. Bye bye blackheads!

  1. Deodorant

This use is less obvious at first, but when you think about it it’s genius! Our armpits are constantly producing toxins and sweat, that’s why we constantly need deodorants. Often deodorants seem to simply sit on your skin and not do much to stop the sweating. Well, applying bentonite clay to them won’t only stop the sweat but it’ll detoxify your armpits to leave you sweating less!

  1. Detox Bath

Who doesn’t love a little pamper sesh? Soaking in a hot tub of water is one of the most relaxing things to do, why not detoxify your body while you’re at it? Pouring some bentonite clay into your bath and soaking in it for 40 minutes is like a more relaxing version of a juicing detox! The clay will drain your body of any toxins. This use is so effective that people claim you’ll even feel a little weak after the bath!

  1. Foot Mask

Let’s face it, our feet are probably the body part most exposed to toxins and germs. Especially in the hotter months, all of those cute sandals and slides are leaving your feet exposed to the environment. Whether you’re suffering from visually dry and cracked feet or just want to give them a little extra love, applying a bentonite clay mask can really detox them. The experience itself is relaxing enough to tempt you, but you’ll be left with smoother softer skin!

  1. Teeth Whitening

If you’re an Instagram lover, you’ll see tons of videos of people using clays or charcoal to whiten their teeth. This natural method is quick and effective. Mixing some bentonite clay with water and brushing your teeth with it will not only detoxify your mouth, but it’ll leave your teeth stain-free!

 

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