Bentonite Clay

Source (www.nunaavane.com)

Hi Everyone!
Bentonite clay is great for the body, skin and hair. It effectively removes all the toxins on your skin and hair. I use it twice a month in place of a clarifying shampoo to remove any excess oils and buildup; the clay nourishes hair follicles, imparts sheen, makes hair stronger and helps with detangling.  I find my hair is much softer and my curls are better defined after using this product. 

As a facial clay mask it helps draw excess oil and dirt from your skin surface and also unclogs the pores. I use it once a week as a facial mask. Benefits include removal of dead skin cells and increase in blood circulation. It also tightens the skin, has healing properties, has ant-inflammatory and anti-infection properties, and reduces blemishes.

The brand that I use is Aztec Indian Healing Clay.  You can find it at most Health food stores.  I bought mine from Wholefoods.

Source (www.cutbeyond.com/facial)

As a facial mask:

1 cup of Bentonite clay

1 ½ tsp. of honey

1 ½ tsp. of apple cider vinegar

Water (as required to make a paste)

Wooden spoon (metal utensils react with the minerals in the clay)

Mix all ingredients and apply to face.  Let it dry for about 20 minutes and then wash your face with warm water.  You will experience a tingling sensation and will notice your skin to be red…all which will go away within a few minutes.  Please remember to moisturize your skin when done.

Or

¼ cup of Bentonite clay

3 tbsp. of Apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp. of Aloe Vera Gel (Great moisturizer)

Mix well and apply to face.  Leave for 20 minutes and remove with warm water.

As a hair mask:

1 cup of Bentonite clay (Amount depends on how long your hair is)

Organic Coconut Milk as needed to make a smooth paste (Coconut milk is a great moisturizer)

You can use ACV, water, Herbal infusions…whatever you like.

If you have long hair, part your hair in four and apply to each section.  Leave in for 20 minutes and rinse. Wash hair and condition.

  

Points To Remember:

1.     Do not use metal utensils or bowls when mixing the clay, as contact could reduce the therapeutic effects of the clay.

2.     You can use a deep treatment afterward to better heal and nuture your hair or use a good leave in treatment.

 At the moment I am using Cantu Shea Butter Leave in conditioning repair cream.  It mends my hair and leaves it shiny, soft and manageable.  I like fullness and bounce to my curls so this is all that I apply to my hair.  For those that use gels to maintain a certain look you should give this product a try.  You can purchase this at any beauty store.  It usually goes for $5-$6.