Clay~Kaolin (white cosmetic)

Background:
From Gaolin in the Jiangzi province of China a consistent source of this mineral clay was mined, and so the name kaolin was derived. Kaolinite was first described as a mineral species in the mid 1800s. It is widely used in a variety of processes and added to everyday items. You will find kaolinite in ceramics, in medicines, in cosmetics, as a food additive, in toothpastes, as a diffusing coating of glass items- including lightbulbs. Used in papermaking, Kaolin clay is added to paper pulp and surface coatings where it improves body, color, opacity, and printability. Kaolin is an important ingredient in inks, organic plastics, some cosmetics, and many other products where its very fine particle size, whiteness, chemical inertness, and absorption properties give it particular value. It is the requisite ingredient in porcelain.

It has long been used in natural, organic farming to prevent certain pests from feeding on crops.

Assisting with their digestion and providing much needed minerals, it is sought out by certain parrots of tropical South America, who include it as a part of their regular diet.

Kaolin has been mined in France, England, Germany, the Czech Republic, and in the United States, where the most well known deposits reside in southeastern states. Kaolin is one of Georgia's largest natural resources, with 8 million metric tons mined there every year.

This white powder is insoluble and has excellent absorbent qualities. These qualities in the clay draw out impurities and toxins, thereby clearing the skin of excess oil, impurities, pollutants and other undesired residues.

Applications: A Kaolin clay facial masque will cleanse skin and provide minerals that revitalize cells. Kaolin clay draws out excess oil and pore clogging impurities,
leaving skin smooth and soft.

Clay facial masques, poultices, and baths remove toxins directly through the skin (the largest organ of elimination of the human body.)

Using glass, pottery or wooden container, (do not use metals) combine bentonite with sufficient liquid to make a paste. Let it sit 2 or 3 minutes. Using fingertips or a wooden or rubber spatula, spread a consistent layer to cover the skin fully (for the purpose of a masque, avoid getting clay in mouth, eyes, ears, nose.) Sit, or lay down, and just relax, clear the mind if possible. Allow the clay to dry. (5 min. for sensitive skin and 10 minutes for normal skin.) As it tightens, it is working and removing impurities. Wash thoroughly and gently to remove the masque. Follow with a natural toner and moisturizer.

Alternatives to water in the clay masque-paste are almost endless: apple cider vinegar, essential oil waters (just a drop or two), herb tisanes (peppermint, chamomile, comfrey, calendula, ginger, lavender, etc.) Powdered herbs can be added to the clay before mixing (gotu kola, lemon peel powder, slippery elm bark)