Mask your Winter Blues – the Synergistic Benefits of Clay
As winter approaches, many of us find our skin needs a little extra pampering to look and feel its best. One of the many reasons that clay is so compatible with our skin for addressing a multiplicity of concerns is that both share complex building blocks in common – minerals.
Obtained mainly from our food, water and fluid intake, our bodies require a diverse biochemistry of these powerful invisible building blocks to maintain optimum function – from vigorous blood circulation and cell renewal to strong hair and nails to healthy, glowing skin. However, our skin is also highly absorbent, so when mineral-rich clays are applied in the form of a mask, assimilation of vital trace minerals for health such as magnesium, iron and zinc can occur.
Besides minerals, clays contain many other elements and properties beneficial to skin health. In addition to being able to transfer an abundance of goodness into our skin, clay’s drawing and detoxifying super-powers aid the elimination of impurities and toxins such as environmental pollutants, excess sebum, and dead skin cells.
Clay deposits are created in many different environments, from deep sea beds to sediments of volcanic ash. Clays come in a rainbow of naturally-occurring colours such as blue, pink, green and red, and these colour variations are like a signature, indicating their origins and their differing components. Specifically, some types of clay contain ingredients unique to their colour. Nature’s clever diversity means that that there is a clay type to suit every skin type and to target specific skin problems.
Here at Flawco, we believe in the beauty and synergistic power of all-natural ingredients and the importance of sourcing premium locally-grown and produced Australian ingredients. Recent research is uncovering the powerful therapeutic benefits of native botanicals such as quandong and Kakadu plum, and it is our pleasure to be supporting these home-grown businesses by including these native ingredients in our Australian Blue Clay Mask.
Naturally, our mask contains no parabens or sulphates, because we only want what’s good for your skin. Australian Blue Clay Mask is 100% Vegan and features certified organic key ingredients including organic cocoa butter, green tea extract, and macadamia oil - star performers for your skincare needs.
Australian Blue Clay Mask has been formulated with the intent of achieving maximum synergistic benefits. Synergy means the interaction of elements that, when combined, produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual elements, and is derived from the Attic Greek word synergos, meaning “working together”. Featuring Australian Blue Clay, our mask uniquely blends French Blue Clay, Bentonite Clay and Kaolin to enhance its detoxifying and brightening abilities.
The beauty of clay is its ability as a base to blend with other powerful ingredients, such as essential oils, nourishing carrier oils and botanical extracts. Our mask is truly a super-food for your skin, and we’d like to share the benefits of some of its key ingredients.
AUSTRALIAN BLUE CLAY
Derived from weathered volcanic ash, Australian Blue Clay is rich in mineral nutrients. With great detoxifying properties, this clay is perfect for oily or problematic skin, drawing out impurities and resulting in clearer, cleaner pores. In addition, the abundance of minerals in the clay purportedly help to rebalance oil flow, strengthen the skin, aid in repair of scars, and cleanse and condition, making it particularly good for nourishing the skin.
FRENCH BLUE CLAY
Used medicinally for centuries, French clays are known to boost circulation, promote toxin elimination and facilitate tissue and cell repair. Rich in mineral and trace elements, French Blue Clay is highly absorbent, with both stimulating and oxygenating properties. Suitable for all skin types, particularly normal to oily skin, it removes impurities, stimulates blood flow to the skin surface, tightens pores and brightens the complexion, resulting in healthy, glowing skin.
BENTONITE
A type of Blue Clay, bentonite is also derived from volcanic ash. This clay has excellent drawing properties, aiding the elimination of excess oils and the tightening of pores, making it an effective treatment for oily and acne-prone skin. Bentonite’s anti-bacterial properties aid in the elimination of environmental pollutants, cleansing the pores, and resulting in a clearer, smoother complexion. Bentonite’s anti-inflammatory properties may assist in easing inflamed skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
KAOLIN
Also known as China Clay or White Clay, kaolin is one of the most versatile clays due to its fine, light texture and superb “gliding” quality when wet. Kaolin is reputed to reduce inflammation and redness associated with rashes, break-outs and even insect-bites. Naturally soothing and detoxifying, kaolin is a gently effective clay, highly suited to sensitive or dry skin.
KAKADU PLUM (Terminalia ferdinandiana)
Sourced from native trees in the Northern Territory, kakadu plums have long been valued by Indigenous people as both food and medicine. These tiny fruit are superb sources of anti-oxidants, containing the world’s richest source of Vitamin C in comparison to other plant-based sources. Kakadu plum extract is beneficial for every skin type as a skin brightener and may assist in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. Combined with its anti-fungal properties, kakadu plum aids skin-types prone to blemishes and acne, working to detoxify and flush out toxins.
QUANDONG (Santalum acuminatum)
A native Australian fruit also known as Desert Peach, quandong have traditionally been valuable to Indigenous communities for both their nutritional and healing purposes. Containing potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the leaves, bark and seeds of quandong are all traditionally used as medicine and healing ointments. A potent antioxidant and skin hydrator, quandong extract also contains phenolic acids, which work as an enzyme exfoliant and may reduce pigmentation and redness associated with inflamed skin conditions.
OLD MAN WEED EXTRACT (Centipeda Cunninghamii)
An Australian indigenous plant, known by the Koori name Gukwonderuk, this plant is native to swamp or wetland areas. Traditionally used as a poultice or tea to heal wounds, infections or inflammation, the oils in this unassuming plant have been found to have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to assisting with cell regeneration.
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At Flawco, we know that flawless skin takes care and attention. Healthy skin is the result of many elements, and we’d love to be part of your skincare journey.