Kaolin is a type of clay used in the aesthetic treatment of wrinkles, dark circles, dry and/or oily skin, blemishes and stretch marks, and can be used in the form of a paste or facial mask.

The use of clay-based products for medicinal and aesthetic purposes is known as clay therapy, which can be carried out with different types of clay, including kaolin, also known as white clay.

If you have doubts about the use of kaolin on the skin, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist, who is the most ideal doctor to indicate the care that should be taken with any type of skin.

Benefits of kaolin

The main benefits of white clay include:

1. Stimulate healing

Due to the presence of aluminum in its composition, white clay has healing properties for the skin.

2. Eliminate bacteria from the skin

Although the exact mechanisms of antibacterial action of certain types of clay are not known, it is believed that this effect is due to the presence of minerals such as aluminum and iron, which are found in large quantities in clay.

3. Nourish the skin

Kaolin contains silicon oxide, which is a substance that acts by stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the skin, helping to maintain the firmness and healthy appearance of the skin.

4. Stimulate skin lightening

On the skin, white clay acts as a  superficial peel  , helping to remove dead cells and stimulating their renewal, which favors the elimination of spots and lightening the skin.

5. Absorb oil

Due to its ability to absorb oils produced by the skin's sebaceous glands, kaolin helps balance oiliness on the body's surface, without dehydrating the skin.

Properties of kaolin

Thanks to its content of aluminum, iron and silicon oxide, white clay has antibacterial, healing, anti-oil, lightening and nourishing properties, which provide it with different benefits for skin health.

What is it for

Kaolin indications include:

• Smooth wrinkles;
• Eliminate dark circles;
• Reduce oiliness and hydrate the skin;
• Treat stretch marks;
• Lighten the skin, removing stains;
• Relieve pain, in case of arthritis.

White clay has a pH close to that of the skin, which is why it is softer compared to other types of clay, and is normally indicated for more sensitive and dehydrated skin. Learn what your skin type is and how to care for it .

How to use kaolin

White clay is normally used as a facial mask or paste, being prepared by adding water to the clay powder.

Depending on its indication, it can also be mixed with specific fruit pulps and extracts to enhance its effects.

Depending on the objective, white clay can be used in the following way:

• Eliminate dark circles:  apply a white clay paste with peeled cucumber juice on closed eyes and leave it on for 30 minutes. Remove the paste with a cotton ball moistened with water. Repeat the application 2 to 3 times a week;
• Smooth wrinkles:  apply a mixture of white clay, tomato extract and honey on wrinkles, leave it on for 60 minutes and then remove with a cotton ball moistened with water. Repeat the application daily;
• Lighten stains:  mix the white clay with a small amount of water until a homogeneous paste is formed. Apply the paste to the stain and leave it to act for 90 minutes, daily. To remove the paste, wash the skin with water;
• Moisturize oily skin:  apply the white clay with egg whites to the skin, leave it on for 1 hour and then remove the clay with water. Repeat the application daily;
• Moisturize non-oily skin:  apply a paste of white clay, avocado pulp and honey to the skin, and leave it on for 60 minutes every day. To remove the paste, wash the skin with water;
• Remove stretch marks:  apply a white clay paste with ripe papaya on the stretch marks. Apply 2 times a day, leaving it to act for 90 minutes. Remove the paste by washing the skin with water and massage with almond oil. Repeat the application daily.

Likewise, white clay can also be used in the form of compresses to relieve pain in cases of arthritis, for example, and to prepare clay baths for a calming effect.

Care when using white clay

Children, pregnant women and older adults should use white clay only under the guidance of a dermatologist, as they have more delicate skin. Especially in cases of diabetes, care should be taken due to the risk of skin injuries with the use of clay.

Additionally, it is not recommended to apply kaolin directly to open wounds, and the paste should only be used around the wound to help it heal.