Every country, every region has its own traditional rituals waiting to be discovered. These rituals hold beauty secrets that have been shared from generation to generation. In this series of articles we will take a closer look at beauty rituals that originate in the “cradle of humankind”, Africa.
Today, we are going to discuss “Kaolin”.
What is Kaolin ?
Kaolin is a white flaky rock also known as white clay. It is one of the most common minerals found in Africa, Europe,South East Asia, and China ( the world's largest producer). Kaolin is renowned for being one of the most gentle clays , it is particularly good in treating sensitive, dry or acneic skin. In Cameroon, for the Balengou people it is considered a symbol of life. It is also used in the resolution of conflicts between various members of the community. Kaolin is presumed to symbolize peace, friendship and conviviality.
What are the benefits of Kaolin ?
Kaolin boasts a number of benefits for the skin. It can help :
- Control excess sebum : Kaolin absorbs extra oil on the surface of the skin, helping to keep pores unclogged. It is important to note that Kaolin does not strip away the skin's natural oils.
- Draw out impurities : Like most clays, Kaolin draws impurities out from within the skin drying up blackheads and whiteheads, while minimizing the appearance of pores
-Improve skin tone and exfoliate the skin : If used consistently, Kaolin clay helps in removing dead skin cells in the pores and stimulating healthy skin cells which leads to a brighter and more even skin tone.
How to add Kaolin to your routine?
Kaolin can be added to almost any skincare routine as a mask. It is often advised to use it once or twice a week depending on your skin type.
Add water to your Kaolin powder and mix. Apply the mixture to the face and let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Never forget to moisturize after a clay mask.
In a mask, kaolin can also be mixed with other ingredients like Honey to create a diy spa experience.
So have you ever used Kaolin Clay ? What is your favorite DIY mask?
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