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Clay is a type of soil that you may find in your very own backyard. It is fine grained and sticky when wet. It can retain shapes, which makes it perfect for face masks, and for topical application on oily areas. One big benefit of using clay is that it’s quite cheap, and readily available.
You can use a clay face mask to detoxify your skin, soak up oil, and clean your pores. These attributes make it useful for people suffering from acne and contact dermatitis. You can also use it for treating diaper rash. People with dry skin can use red clay once a week, to help their skin retain more moisture.
People with dry skin often find that clay dries their skin out. Make sure you use red clay, don’t overdo it, and if you see the problem getting worse, stop. Clay masks may not be suitable for sensitive skin due to its exfoliating properties, which can cause irritation. Don’t use clay if you have an aggravated skin condition, or it could make the problem worse.
Pores are itsy-bitsy openings in the skin—and there are millions covering every millimeter of skin. There are two types of pores with different functions: sweat pores and oil pores. The sweat pore allows moisture, produced by sweat glands, to exude out to the surface of the skin, where it helps to cool the body in response to heat, exertion or fever. Sweat pores are so tiny, they are mostly invisible to the human eye.
The oil pore, on the other hand, is a bit larger. Oil pores are also known as hair follicles because these pores produce oil from the sebaceous glands, but they are also the openings from which hair emerges. The oils help to keep our skin and hair healthy. It is the oil pores that can get clogged with sweat, debris and other gunk, causing acne, blackheads and whiteheads. Sweat pores rarely get clogged, as they are so tiny.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent for fighting bacteria and unclogging pores. It is one of the longest-used medications to keep pores clean and healthy. Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin. Ingredients that help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase new skin cell production, such as Vitamin A/Retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, are good for keeping pores unclogged as well.
clay may be effective for clogged pores, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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