Posted by Heather Urquhart on November 17, 2018

 

Soothing green face masks and healing mud baths at your local spa may have been your first introduction to muds and the many benefits they have for your skin. But did you know that there are a whole host of coloured clays, all with their own unique skin beautifying properties?

Out of all the different types of mud clays available for beautifying your skin, in this article we’ll be exploring Rhassoul clay, which is sourced from the Atlas mountains in Morocco.

 

What is Rhassoul Clay?

Rhassoul is a natural clay mined from the Atlas mountains in North Africa, found only under this particular mountain range in Morocco, and formed by a natural combination of geothermal changes and volcanic activity.  For centuries, Rhassoul clay has been treasured for its skin beautifying properties from the clay’s uniquely rich mineral content, celebrated by people from ancient Egypt, North Africa, Rome, Greece and Turkey.

Rhassoul clay goes by a few names including Ghassoul Clay, Red Clay, and Red Moroccan Clay. This red clay offers powerful skin benefits thanks to its incredibly rich mineral and nutrient content, its ability to easily draw deep-set impurities from the skin, and Rhassoul’s agreeable nature toward most skin types.

 

3 Awesome Ways Rhassoul Clay Improves Skin

 

1. Deeply cleanses and purifies skin

Here’s the scientific low-down.  The unique molecular structure of Rhassoul clay, as well as its high negative charge, means that it is excellent for drawing impurities (which have a positive charge) out from the pores of the skin.  This helps to purify the pores, resulting in significantly minimized appearance of blackheads- something we can all treasure and celebrate!  This makes Rhassoul ideal as a deep pore cleanser or pore detoxifier (hello- skin’s best friend!), because it will remove grime that is deeply set into the pores- impurities that can result in future breakouts, premature aging, and will dull your skin’s lovely natural glow.  And Rhassoul clay does this all while nourishing skin with essential minerals and skin smoothing silica, respecting the skin’s natural mantle and delicate balance.

 

2. Controls, balances, and oh the glow!

Rhassoul clay soaks up excess sebum in skin that over-produces oil, helping to rebalance sebum production and help return equilibrium, which will prevent future breakouts.  Rhassoul’s unique absorbing properties draw excess oil and impurities from the skin like a magnet.  People often notice their skin looks brighter, healthier, more toned and even, and with smaller-looking refined pores, after using Rhassoul clay.  Skin will feel softened from the silica content, and incredibly smooth because the pores have been deep-cleansed.  Although some of these benefits are seen after a single use, the real treat is seeing improvements in the complexion from using Rhassoul clay as a weekly treatment, consecutively for a period of 8-12 weeks.  Skin is deeply cleansed, balanced, brighter than ever.  It literally shines and glows with health.

 

3. Softens and hydrates flaky, dry skin

Rhassoul clay is so adored because it is excellent for oily, congested or problem skin, however it is also a wonderful skin treatment for dry and aging skin. Rhassoul clay helps to gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it soft and silky-smooth with an improved skin texture that is visible after use.  Rhassoul clay is actually hydrating to the skin, when used properly.

 

 

How to use Rhassoul Clay

Clays should either be used as facial cleansers or facial masks.  As a cleanser, add enough water to the clay to make a smooth creamy paste.  Apply to damp skin in a circular and upward motion, applying more water if the clay drags too harsh against the skin.  Rinse well with lukewarm water, and pat skin dry.

As a face mask, the first steps are the same- add enough water to the clay powder to make a smooth creamy paste.  Apply to damp skin in a circular and upward motion- this will boost skin’s circulation to give a gorgeous glow.  Leave the mask on for about 5 minutes, or until the very edges of the mask begin to dry and harden.  This is the sign to rinse your clay mask off, using lukewarm water and a face cloth if desired.  Don’t leave the clay to dry and harden completely on skin.  Clays are absorbing by nature, and once the water has evaporated and dried out from the clay mask, the clay will continue to absorb…all of your skin’s precious moisture out!  Clays are great when they are used correctly to absorb impurities, however they can be very uncomfortable, drying, and stripping of the skin when used incorrectly.

 

Rhassoul clay is perfect if you’re looking for a way to deep cleanse your skin, control the odd breakout, soften, smooth, and visibly improve your skin’s texture while kicking up a revitalized glow.  Try it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed!

 

Huna Apothecary Superfood Detox Mask (pictured below, $74CAD) is made with premium spa-grade Rhassoul clay, luxurious French Pink clay, and mineral-drenched Canadian Glacial Clay, to deeply cleanse impurities, nourish the skin with real superfoods, and bring out your skin’s natural bright glow and healthy-looking radiance with vitamin-C rich botanical extracts like camu camu berry, acerola cherry, and hibiscus.  It’s an excellent way to enjoy a spa-grade facial in the comfort of your cozy home.  Hello self-care Sunday!