Let’s hear it for clay! It has a myriad of uses within the context of health and is the material that allowed for humanity’s oldest handicraft: pottery. The earliest recorded evidence of clay usage dates back to the Late Palaeolithic period in central and western Europe, where fired and unfired clay figurines were created as a form of artistic expression. I made my first pinch pot almost 30 years ago and my first clay mask 23 years ago, so clay and I have history too :) There are many different types of facial clays and they are usually identified by their color, from green, to yellow, to red and black. The different colors indicate the presence of other potentially nutritive elements, such minerals or decayed plant matter.

We use white, green and grey clay at LINNÉ. The main constituents of these clays are montmorillonite and bentonite and they have a unique molecular structure that afford them extremely powerful detoxifying capabilities —while most impurities on the face are positively charged, the clay’s molecules possess a negative electrical charge, and therefore can attach to these toxins, thus drawing out impurities from the skin, and leaving it fresh, clean, and radiant.

French Green Clay is extremely useful in neutralizing free radicals, and as such, can help protect cells and slow down the skin’s aging process. French Green Clay also contains many vital minerals, such as calcium, potassium, silicon, copper, aluminum, magnesium, silica, zinc, and phosphorus, as well as decomposed plant material, which have a nourishing effect on the skin. It is able to absorb excess oils, thus benefitting oily, clogged, or acne prone skin, yet it is mild enough for all skin types. Green and and soothing white clay both increase skin elasticity, aid cellular renewal, reduce inflammation related to acne, and soften dry, rough skin.

Bentonite clay too is cleansing. Its helps the skin control overproduction of sebum and it’s pulling action can actually remove hydrogen from skin cells, allowing room for more oxygen, thereby stimulating circulation and improving overall skin tone.